Barking at Winston (Paperback) - Common

by Barry Stone

When Bruce, an abandoned collie-cross puppy, is adopted by a lively family, he encounters more affection than ever before in his short life. With humour and a unique charm, he describes his life with his loving but troubled owners, and offers a sometimes hilarious insight into the world from a dog's point of view. But when the family is threatened, Bruce lends a paw, and uses his canine second sight to guide the family through some difficult times. Already a sleeper success, "Barking At Winston" is an authentic and endearing tale of one family and their canine friend.

Genres: Fiction, Animals

218 pages, Paperback

Reviews

[Louise Bray · Rating 2 out of 5]

This started out so promising, a sweet tale of familial love from a dog’s perspective, but after the first few chapters I got a bit lost. The perspective kept changing and it didn’t really make any sense and now I’ve finished it I’m not really sure what the point of it was?

[Miriam · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was incredibly confusing. The story is told from the dog's point of view, quite a nice idea which was lost in a somewhat confusing narrative as I didn't know what was happening in some parts (mostly the end 3 chapters) and it seemed he changed his mind about the POV half way through and used this second sight as a get out clause.
The 'our Craig' and 'our Rachael', etc grew incredibly tiresome since it was used so much.
It was a nice idea and I liked the short chapters but it was too confusing and fell flat.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Told from the point of view of the dog (interesting concept, and you can't help but love the mutt...), this tells the story of a dysfunctional family dealing with an alcoholic father and a mother who loves him regardless, and the effects of all this on their 4 children and some family friends. A hugely enjoyable read, if a little traumatising at times when you see what the kids have to witness... Give it a whirl...!!!

[Moira · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable, lively read which introduces us to a lively family and the tragedy they have to face.
narrating most of the story thru Brucie their dog is a fresh, novel twist.

[T4bsF (Call me Flo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is different in as much as it is narrated by the family dog. This dog had previously been badly treated so very much wanted to fit in with his new, but very dysfunctional,adoptive family. He has the power to put himself in the mindset of all the members of the family. From doing this he eventually helps them find some resolution to some of the many problems within the family unit. It is told in a humorous way but tackles some of the very sad issues of life.Barking at Winston

[Gemma Glancey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barry Stone has written a unique and enjoyable novel. I've never read a book before that is narrated by a dog but Barry does it wonderfully. It seems so realistic and one of my favourite things about the book is the way that the dog sees the world. The author definitely has his own style of writing and combined with the strong use of a dog narrative makes this book worth reading.

[Janada Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! At first you do think it's all going to be about the dog that the children have rescued but once you read on a little, the dog is giving the family a voice to tell their story. Also, (for me anyway) the fact the setting is local makes it all the more real and enjoyable.

[Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that shows how much society has changed over the years and how much work there is still to do. Unputdownable and absolutley breath taking. One of the most imaginative stories ive read in a long time.

Definetly read it .

[Lynne Leverton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read from the first page. I couldn't put it down and read it in 2 sittings. Being a dog lover myself I loved the book even more. Such a good way of telling the story is through the yes of the dog. Can't wait for the next Barry Stone book. 5 stars for me

[Barry Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm the author of Barking At Winston. I'm giving a four star rating in response to the friends who've asked me what I would give, if having to write a review.
I think four stars is a fair score for a book that in exploring homophobia and related violence, does more than may be anticipated.

[Fiona Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Barry Stone.... A wonderful little read which I thoroughly enjoyed!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book from the moment I saw the doggie cover,had never read or heard of Barry Stone before but can't wait to read more of the same.

[Rosemary Ellison-jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book-full of humour and pathos. A real down to earth story of a genuine family and a boy's passage to manhood.
If you like animals and people you'll love this.

[Izabela Zalas · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is really moving story. Luckily the family had Brucie.

[Peter Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic book from a dogs point of view that really hit home some of the very real struggles faced by families of the era and no doubt still today.

[Colin Garrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

When battered rescue dog Bruce is adopted by a wild and wacky family, he finds his new owners have troubles of their own. As well as sharing several episodes from his own short life, Brucie uses his canine second sight to dig into the truth behind a complex tale of family life, through a bunch of very different characters all vying for attention, love and happiness.

Barry Stone writes with a genuine warmth for language and he has a particular talent for portraying family life. I liked the idea of using Brucie as the narrator, but though the story started off well, when the animal revealed a talent for second sight I'm afraid I got a bit lost. Whether this was to do with the plot, or a lack of concentration on my part, I can't say. Nonetheless, I thought it was neat way of revealing the family's experiences, utilising a host of different viewpoints and voices to tell the story.

I've known Barry since I appeared in one of his stage plays many years ago, and I have to say I don't think this is his best writing. Even so, I'll be interested to see where his literary career takes him and what other surprises he has lurking in that inventive mind of his.

[Andy Stedman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book having met the author at a signing session. To be honest I had no intention of buying it and actually went into the bookshop for something completely different. However having left it for several months to sit on the shelf I finally gave it a go. It is actually a good read which deals very well with the complexity of family life through the eyes of a dog. Well written about a thought provoking subject and i would recommend this for an alternative read

[Chiara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Seems like the author was a bit unclear about which story he wanted to tell...

[Wayne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite a short story that ends without anything really happening. Various snippets of family life with no real outcome and a confusing point of view at times.

[Isla Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got lost in the details about the various characters and found it a bit unclear. It was a relatively short and easy read and there were the odd amusing moment or two but I didn't fully follow it, I think. It was a bit hard to figure out when it was the dog, Bruce and when it was one of the families sons talking.