Every family has a limit. Every secret has a price.
15-year-old Samuel May is a neurodivergent young man with a unique mind. When his best friend vanishes, it triggers more than just a search. It plunges Sammy and his parents into an emotional labyrinth with unimaginable consequences.
From the beginning, tensions rise and secrets emerge as the family is pushed to the limit. Sammy has to come to terms with a world that doesn't understand him. With each revelation, they're forced closer to breaking point. Can they endure the strain?
Sammy's in danger. And everything hinges on finding his friend.
Fur is a gripping and soulful look at a dysfunctional family dynamic, set against a backdrop of unfolding mystery and heart-stopping moments. Prepare for a journey that's as emotionally rich as it is suspenseful.
Katherine Black has excelled in her writing of this absolutely brilliant heartfelt story of Sammy who is autistic and in his teens.
Fur follows the family struggles of Sammy's parents Shelly and John, the difficulties they face with Sammy and coping with his autism and also it puts a strain on their relationship and marriage.
Sammy has a dislike of physical contact and goes into meltdown with a single touch. Shelly and John rescue a badly treated dog in the hope of giving Sammy a companion and some caring responsibility, they soon become inseparable. On a daytrip his best friend goes missing and Sammy's distraught, and sneaks out at night in search of his dog.
Shelly is desperate to find her son, and fears for the dangerous situations he could be in, in a world that doesn't know or understand. The search is on for son and his dog.
This is an explosive emotionally packed, and gripping tale, exceptionally well researched and written by Katherine. The characters are incredible, so real and believable you feel their grief, their desperation.
As others have mentioned this book should be read by everyone especially those in the medical profession to raise understanding, knowledge and a sensitivity towards those with autism.
I absolutely loved Fur and urge anyone to read this brilliant book, it is tense. You won't want to put this one down, a must-read.
I started to read Fur by Katherine Black on Easter (an ironic happening you'd recognize if you read it) and finished within 24 hours. It deserves every single star!
I was pleased by realistic feelings, thoughts, and actions. Both by Sammy, who sheds a lot of truth on autism as a whole, and his mother, Shelly. Of course, there's an entire cast of characters that add to these elements, so I must take the time to at least mention them in passing.
As for John, I disliked him from the first interaction and that feeling intensified with the unbalanced burdens placed on Shelly's shoulders at any given moment. However, this is not a negative for his character as written. He accomplishes everything his role requires in the story. As a character that I'm sure many would "love to hate" to some degree. And I begrudgingly accepted his changes until they felt natural, some part of me glad for anything redeemable. Each one of them, not simply John, are riddled with reasons and opportunities to make you feel a slew of emotions. Like the ache left behind for Maura after her lost shifted the balance in her world. Despite the moments where I felt some frustration with Shelly's personality, I simultaneously understood her without lingering negative feelings, so that was a surprise.
On the note of surprises... there was something in particular that warmed me constantly from the beginning. As someone who is *not* on the spectrum but wholeheartedly benefits from the work and company of my service dog and is disabled, I was moved by the family's bond with Carthenage. As well as the love of animals, pets, and a small support circle to a community at large that was showcased altogether.
One of my favorite parts of the book was when Sammy rode the train alone, faced with several cruel teenagers, and in his own way, held his own. This was a time of heavy anxiety for him and me, both. Yet, it is absolutely beautiful and necessary. It showed his love, determination, and the possibility that Sammy might not be nearly as helpless as suggested. That he had a different kind of strength awakening in him. Luckily, Black doesn’t allow it to become meaningless by the end.
I teared up by the time Sammy expressed himself more subjectively.
I enjoyed the story very much, and without my migraine as an obstacle, I finished it quickly. It was a well-written and engaging book, worth the read. I'll be giving some of her other works a chance going forward!
Katherine Black is a master of description. We see this in the first few chapters where the description is so vivid that the reader sees themselves in the room, but maybe not really wanting to be in that room.
Later we learn about autism. We may be aware of someone we know who is "on the spectrum" and that the spectrum is long and diverse, but Sammy is an example of someone who can really test his parents, is provided with a puppy, and we learn about their relationship.
A lovely novel, mainly about young Sammy, but also about the strains and pains within a marriage.
Basic Details: Book Title: Fur Subtitle: Author: Katherine Black Genre: Thriller/crime/mystery Part of a series? Order in series: Best read after earlier books in series? Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... Overall score: I scored this book 5/5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Short Summary of the book: This is a completely different book for this author. I’ve read several books by her hand and although a thriller of sorts, it deals with the troubles and strains on relationships that come with a child with autism. Will the love for a canine cause Sammy to wander in mortal danger? What I liked about the book: This book was action-packed, full of intrigue and twists and turns. What I didn’t like about the book: There was nothing I disliked about the book. My favourite bits in the book: I loved the entire book. My least favourite bits in the book: I enjoyed the entire book. Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author? This is another great book by this author and I can’t wait to pick up another one by her hand. What books could this be compared to and why? The book finds itself in the category of crime, thrillers and mysteries. It is written to a very high standard. Recommendation: In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:
Children No Young Adult Yes Adult Yes
If you like suspenseful psychological thrillers, this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more by this author. Book Description by Author: Every family has a limit. Every secret has a price.
15-year-old Samuel May is a neurodivergent young man with a unique mind. When his best friend vanishes, it triggers more than just a search. It plunges Sammy and his parents into an emotional labyrinth with unimaginable consequences.
From the beginning, tensions rise and secrets emerge as the family is pushed to the limit. Sammy has to come to terms with a world that doesn't understand him. With each revelation, they're forced closer to breaking point. Can they endure the strain?
Sammy's in danger. And everything hinges on finding his friend.
Fur is a gripping and soulful look at a dysfunctional family dynamic, set against a backdrop of unfolding mystery and heart-stopping moments. Prepare for a journey that's as emotionally rich as it is suspenseful. About the Author: .
This is one of the best books I've read this year. With characters who demand your attention, this story pulls at your heart strings. The book was definitely well researched and is sympathetic and honest when understanding Sammy who has autism. Black manages to drag you in so you hear, smell, and feel everything. I felt for Sammy and for Carthenage as they find themselves on an adventure to find each other. I dont want to give too much away, but you'd be missing out if you don't give this book a chance. This isn't the first book I've read by Katherine Black, and it won't be the last. This author is incredibly talented; she grabs you, holds you tight, and doesn't let you leave until you've devoured every word. Recommended and a well deserved 5 stars!
I am truly impressed by Katherine Black's exceptional work. Her book's narrative is beautifully paced and captivated me from start to finish. Each chapter seamlessly builds upon the previous one, creating a flawless cause-and-effect structure. Katherine, the author, pays attention to detail and extensively researches the development of the characters. I couldn't put this book down. I was completely absorbed in the story and thoroughly enjoyed the well-crafted characters. The various subplots were skilfully interwoven, providing immense pleasure and delight. It's been a while since I finished a book that left me satisfied and craving for more. I will definitely be reading more from this talented author.
As a lover of animals and being against animal cruelty, this story struck a cord. I think I felt every emotion going, anger, sadness, pain, then happiness and pure joy. What a story what a family, I literally lived this story with them. Thank you for pulling me into your world and away from mine for a little time. I don't normally read stories like these as I get too involved as I volunteer at a dog rescue centre and unfortunately see what these beautiful animals go through before they find their forever home. I loved this story from the first page I'm so glad Sammy got a friend, a best friend. Dogs are man's/children's best friends. I will definitely buy this for my mum she is the reason I love animals so much.
Brilliant , required reading for all to understand disabilities and animal support
This is a well written compelling read . If any person needs to find out how a pet can become an emotional support for disabilities and also be an important family member they should read this book. Moreover this book gives a unique insight into living with a disabled youngster on the autism spectrum. It is such a skilled and insightful book. I believe it should be required reading for any young person seeking to go into the medical, teaching, nursing or caring professions. Finally the way the story has been put together makes this a good read.
A puppy, rescued from a filthy house where all the animals were treated cruelly and totally neglected, is purchased for a boy with autism. The bond between them grows and when Sammy is unexpectedly separated from his beloved Carthenage, he goes to great lengths on a journey filled with challenges, dangers and heartache to be reunited. This book was a joy to read. Not only a heart warming and captivating story but one that educates and raises awareness and understanding to readers surrounding Autism and the difficulties and challenges faced not only by the person with the diagnosis but also by the people who care for them. Clearly, the author has greatly researched the subject to write with such an indepth knowledge and to combine it with a story full of different emotions, a superb plot that reaches heights of dizzy joy to the depths of utter turmoil and great, well rounded characters, is absolutely superb. Congratulations on a fantastic book. Great job!
FUR grabs you by the heart and doesn’t let go. Raw, emotional, and utterly unforgettable, it’s a powerful blend of mystery and heartbreak that explores family, fear, and the fragile lines that hold us together. Sammy’s world is raw, real, and deeply human — every twist cuts a little deeper. Katherine Black delivers a haunting, emotionally charged story that’s as tense as it is tender.
Vulnerability, Endearing Drama, and Suspense I fell in love with the characters in this book. Facing the world with the vulnerability of autism is perceptively and compassionately presented here. It drives the suspense of this endearing drama. Elements of humor and humility abound in this captivating novel. I was drawn in from start to finish, and the pages flew by. Don’t miss this engaging, masterful tale of unique family suspense. Highly recommend this book!
The Most Realistic Portrayal Of Living With Neurodiversity That I Have Seen
Firstly, I just got to say, as a father of a son with autism, this book offers the most realistic portrayal of someone with autism that I have seen in fiction for a while. It manages to be sensitive and highlights the issues that can be faced on a daily basis as well as showcasing the heart warming and heart wrenching moments you can have and it doesn’t over exaggerate or glorify it. It did make me wonder if the author had a personal connection to someone with autism in her real life. This just didn’t feel like it could have been all good research. The first half of the book introduces Samuel May and his parents Shelly and John as they navigate the everyday life of living with autism. It all becomes more bearable when they buy a puppy and after naming him Carthenage he slowly bonds with the dog. Apart from the parents experiencing a slight rift it’s all going well until Carthenage suddenly goes missing while at the beach. And that’s when it all goes downhill for our hero, Samuel. With a one track mind he decides to go find his dog on his own much to his parents fear when they discover him missing. Despite the world so alien to him and after a cruel prank played by some other kids, Samuel finds himself halfway across the country in Blackpool where he experiences horrific abuse from a shady character who wants to use Samuel’s unique, savant skill set for his own nefarious purposes. Time is running out for Samuel. Will he live tong enough to find his dog? I have read many of Katherine Black’s work and even though she manages to broach a sensitive subject she still manages to stick to the same flow and writing style that I love about her books. I recommend this to both people dealing with autism and those that don’t. Especially those that don’t because I believe this will be an eye opener to them all.
Im always wary about books staring dogs, because nornally something awful happens to a beloved pet and i end up with red eyes and fistfuls of tissues. However, i love this author, so i took a chance, and im glad i did.
Follow the story of Sammy and his best friend Carthenage as their paths diverge and they go to great lengths to be reunited. Carthenage faces the treacherous outside world after getting lost in a family outing, helpless to communicate his desire to find his boy. And Sammy goes searching for him on his own, despite his advanced autism and peculiarities.
Fur brought to mind the ideology that the best, or worst depending on how you view it, villains are those that walk among us. The monsters in human masks who seem too real, as if you could walk past them on any busy street or share a beer with them and laugh over jokes, never knowing their secret lives. Fur was an unsettling read with many such villains, driven by greed, anger, desperation, or some who manage to see themselves as heroes even as they devolve. Either way, their actions brought shudders to my spine.
I got so lost in this book that I read it in one day. An outstanding story of an adolescent boy with autism, who after losing his dog, took himself on a train to Blackpool, after a group of teenage louts gave him false information concerning his dog's whereabouts just for laughs. This resulted in Samuel experiencing a week and a half of terror as he tried to cope with a world he was ill equipped to deal with, due to his autism that affected his mental capacity. No more said, as I don't want to give any spoilers, but I highly recommend you give this book a go!
This is an excellent story about a 15-year-old with such severe autism that all of life becomes coping with him and somehow surviving. As the father of a neurodivergent son I can verify the strain it puts on a marriage and the way somehow love for the kid can win out in spite of a very difficult road. The father has a somewhat bizarre fling and the dog also meets a rather loopy character, but it's all part of a story full of unexpected turns and characters who are interesting if not surprisingly realistic.
This is a heartwarming and heartbreaking story about a boy and his dog, is really a tale of love—all different types of love, and the things we do for and to those we love. The plot goes to unexpected places and I couldn’t have forseen what would happen to Samuel May, but I was gripped throughout. The ending made me tear up with how perfect it was. Loved this book.
Katherine Black in her book, Fur, had the great courage to address the subject of autistic savant. In doing so, she opened my eyes and brought to public awareness the many, many social issues that surround this condition. Her delivery (perhaps from personal experience and/or in-depth research) gives a believable, realistic portrayal. Thank you, Katherine Black. You've done a great service. Well done. Very well done. I highly recommend Fur by Katherine Black.--Marlene Cheng--author.