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Dogsplaining
Dogsplaining is a fast-paced, witty, comic novel centred on the floundering marriage of Morgan and Daisy Somerville. Morgan, a former war correspondent, is eating himself into an early grave. Daisy is staging a sex strike because of her husband’s obesity. In a desperate attempt to make him lose weight, save his life, and revive her marriage, Daisy secretly buys a puppy with dramatic consequences.
This intelligent comedy stands out not least because it’s narrated by Bjørn, a beautiful, articulate, kind-hearted golden retriever. Despite Bjørn’s sensitive and considerate nature, as a dog, he has no filters, and therefore, no qualms about diving into society’s most contentious issues.
After an exposition of his genius, Bjørn details his journey into the heart of the Somervilles’ turbulent marriage. They are argumentative crisis consultants in late middle age, who, not content with fighting over his weight and her celibacy, provoke confrontations with their neighbours on Galahad Island, a riverside gated community.
The Somervilles’ would-be nemesis is Maurice Oxford, a retired accountant and world-class pedant, who ensures Galahad Island’s petty by-laws are enforced with an iron fist.
The tipping point comes after the Somervilles prevent the cancellation of Tommy Bentwaters, a divorce-prone rock star, and Daisy celebrates by suspending her sex strike with disastrous consequences.
A constant theme is Morgan’s battle with his weight, and the problems that obesity generates. Dogsplaining also pokes gentle fun at Brexit Britain, and addresses issues that baffle older generations.
Dogsplaining is rooted in the latest science relating to dogs and their relationship with humans. The main premise is that while scientists recognise the intelligence of mankind’s best friend, they have in fact, under-estimated just how smart dogs really are. The ultimate moral is that humans’ physical and mental welfare are greatly enhanced by owning a dog.
Praise for Dogsplaining.
Dogsplaining is an indispensable guide to canine thinking and recommended for all humans with animals in their lives. It’s inventive, intriguing, and hilarious.
Ken Bruce. Broadcaster
I read Dogsplaining in one sitting. It’s brilliant, very funny and honest. I was howling with laughter. Finally, I’ve discovered the origins of the phrase “all fur coat and no knickers.” As Dogsplaining proves, not all heroes wear capes, but they do carry poo bags. You'd be barking mad not to read this book.
Beverley Cuddy. Editor, Dogs Today.
Dogsplaining is wickedly funny. It’s a highly original take on human relationships through the eyes of the world’s most observant golden retriever. Some of the scenes are so outrageous that I almost inhaled my morning coffee laughing.
Caroline Wyatt, Radio Four.
Dogsplaining is not the obvious follow up to an international bestseller about the Holocaust. But it’s a welcome antidote to the global misery of the 21st century. A very clever novel where the gags just keep coming. The committee scene in which Morgan and Daisy battle their island nemesis Maurice Oxford is a hilarious satirical portrait of Brexit Britain. A must read.
Martin Brunt, Sky News.
A riotous and ribald helping of trenchantly witty marital dysfunction as observed by a dog. Just what the vet ordered.
Johnny Maitland. Playwright and broadcaster.
Hilarious.
This intelligent comedy stands out not least because it’s narrated by Bjørn, a beautiful, articulate, kind-hearted golden retriever. Despite Bjørn’s sensitive and considerate nature, as a dog, he has no filters, and therefore, no qualms about diving into society’s most contentious issues.
After an exposition of his genius, Bjørn details his journey into the heart of the Somervilles’ turbulent marriage. They are argumentative crisis consultants in late middle age, who, not content with fighting over his weight and her celibacy, provoke confrontations with their neighbours on Galahad Island, a riverside gated community.
The Somervilles’ would-be nemesis is Maurice Oxford, a retired accountant and world-class pedant, who ensures Galahad Island’s petty by-laws are enforced with an iron fist.
The tipping point comes after the Somervilles prevent the cancellation of Tommy Bentwaters, a divorce-prone rock star, and Daisy celebrates by suspending her sex strike with disastrous consequences.
A constant theme is Morgan’s battle with his weight, and the problems that obesity generates. Dogsplaining also pokes gentle fun at Brexit Britain, and addresses issues that baffle older generations.
Dogsplaining is rooted in the latest science relating to dogs and their relationship with humans. The main premise is that while scientists recognise the intelligence of mankind’s best friend, they have in fact, under-estimated just how smart dogs really are. The ultimate moral is that humans’ physical and mental welfare are greatly enhanced by owning a dog.
Praise for Dogsplaining.
Dogsplaining is an indispensable guide to canine thinking and recommended for all humans with animals in their lives. It’s inventive, intriguing, and hilarious.
Ken Bruce. Broadcaster
I read Dogsplaining in one sitting. It’s brilliant, very funny and honest. I was howling with laughter. Finally, I’ve discovered the origins of the phrase “all fur coat and no knickers.” As Dogsplaining proves, not all heroes wear capes, but they do carry poo bags. You'd be barking mad not to read this book.
Beverley Cuddy. Editor, Dogs Today.
Dogsplaining is wickedly funny. It’s a highly original take on human relationships through the eyes of the world’s most observant golden retriever. Some of the scenes are so outrageous that I almost inhaled my morning coffee laughing.
Caroline Wyatt, Radio Four.
Dogsplaining is not the obvious follow up to an international bestseller about the Holocaust. But it’s a welcome antidote to the global misery of the 21st century. A very clever novel where the gags just keep coming. The committee scene in which Morgan and Daisy battle their island nemesis Maurice Oxford is a hilarious satirical portrait of Brexit Britain. A must read.
Martin Brunt, Sky News.
A riotous and ribald helping of trenchantly witty marital dysfunction as observed by a dog. Just what the vet ordered.
Johnny Maitland. Playwright and broadcaster.
Hilarious.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 31, 2025
Hilarious! A laugh out loud, fast paced book that deals with relationships both human and canine in a humorous and unique way. It will have you spitting out your cornflakes or pedigree chum with many of the comic lines. Would highly recommend and hope there will be more to come!
April 25, 2025
Who better than a curious, unfiltered, ever-loving, golden retriever pup like Björn to remind us of the important things in life? It's the basics that matter: a safe place to sleep, an endless supply of food and drink, an appreciation of nature, fun and games... and, above all else, love. A perfect, laugh-a-minute summer read for anyone with a GSOH (a category which naturally includes all dog lovers).
This gem is the result of decades of hilarious experience at the University of Life. It is the product of Malcolm and Trine's long and illustrious careers from war-zone reporters to book authors, and the colourful characters are drawn from their extensive global network of drunken colleagues, moronic bosses and fearsome, but kindly, neighbours. In short, it's a witty take on the irritations of everyday life and how the love of a good dog can make everything seem all right.
This gem is the result of decades of hilarious experience at the University of Life. It is the product of Malcolm and Trine's long and illustrious careers from war-zone reporters to book authors, and the colourful characters are drawn from their extensive global network of drunken colleagues, moronic bosses and fearsome, but kindly, neighbours. In short, it's a witty take on the irritations of everyday life and how the love of a good dog can make everything seem all right.
June 17, 2025
As a big doggy fan I am so glad I purchased Dogsplaining. It's a really clever idea for a story that's told, not in the first or third person but in the dog person. Dogs are persons, aren't they? Mine is!
An easy read, I found it struck many chords with my own situation, although I'm not yet obese and my marriage is not on the rocks. I do like bacon though and so does my dog. If this all sounds a bit cryptic, you'll need to get your own copy of Dogsplaining to discover for yourself what it's all about. Highly recommended!
An easy read, I found it struck many chords with my own situation, although I'm not yet obese and my marriage is not on the rocks. I do like bacon though and so does my dog. If this all sounds a bit cryptic, you'll need to get your own copy of Dogsplaining to discover for yourself what it's all about. Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews