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Dog Days
Ericka Waller's Dog Days is a debut novel about the way dogs can bring out the best in us in the face of life's challenges.
George is a grumpy, belligerent old man who has just lost his wife. She has left him notes around the home and a miniature dachshund puppy called Poppy. But George doesn't want a dog, he wants to fight everyone who is trying to help him.
Dan has OCD but has channeled his energy into his career as a therapist. Afraid to acknowledge his true feelings, his most meaningful relationship so far is with his dog Fitz. That is, until Atticus walks into his life.
Lizzie is living in a women's refuge with her son Lenny. Her body is covered in scars and she has shut herself off from the world. She distrusts dogs, but when she starts having to walk the refuge's dog, Maud, things begin to change.
As three strangers' lives unravel and intersect, they ultimately must accept what fate has in store for them with their dogs by their sides. Set against the backdrop of Brighton, Dog Days is an inspiring, unflinching, and deeply moving novel about life, and the way dogs can help us understand it, and each other, a little better.
George is a grumpy, belligerent old man who has just lost his wife. She has left him notes around the home and a miniature dachshund puppy called Poppy. But George doesn't want a dog, he wants to fight everyone who is trying to help him.
Dan has OCD but has channeled his energy into his career as a therapist. Afraid to acknowledge his true feelings, his most meaningful relationship so far is with his dog Fitz. That is, until Atticus walks into his life.
Lizzie is living in a women's refuge with her son Lenny. Her body is covered in scars and she has shut herself off from the world. She distrusts dogs, but when she starts having to walk the refuge's dog, Maud, things begin to change.
As three strangers' lives unravel and intersect, they ultimately must accept what fate has in store for them with their dogs by their sides. Set against the backdrop of Brighton, Dog Days is an inspiring, unflinching, and deeply moving novel about life, and the way dogs can help us understand it, and each other, a little better.
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 10, 2021
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5916 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 559 reviews
July 15, 2021
I’m a sucker for books that involve dogs, so there was no way I’d skip this one. This debut novel encompasses the lives of three very different people, each of whom is rescued by a dog.
“Ellen came home with the dachshund puppy three weeks ago. She didn’t tell George she was getting a dog. Didn’t ask him first...it was the first thing she had even done without consulting him. And then she died, which was the second.” If you take the F word out of George’s vocabulary, he’d be hard pressed to complete a sentence. He refuses to take care of himself or the dog. George reminds me of Ove, from A Man Called Ove. Another grumpy man with a heart of gold that shows his love by doing, not words.
Then we have Dan, who has OCD, he’s also got Fitz, his yellow lab. He’s a man coming to terms with his sexuality, finding himself in his first romance.
And finally, Lizzie, who is tasked with walking Maud, an overweight Jack Russell owned by the women’s center where she is staying.
These three all have significant issues. But all three are also being given the opportunity to heal, to find love.
This was a heartwarming story. It’s definitely not fast moving and at times, the writing struck me as a little too verbose. But it drew me in and I just wanted to see how things would work out for each of them. The secondary characters, the love interests, if you will, were all wonderful people. If anything, I think I cared for Luke and Betty more than any of the main characters. And OMG, can you imagine the presence of mind that Ellen had to have to put so many things in place for George while she was dying? That is true love!
This book was so much more than I expected. It’s got twists I never saw coming. It’s not a happily ever after fairytale. In fact, I recommend this for fans of Frederick Backman. It’s that perfect mix of humor, pathos, love and just good old humanity.
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for an advance copy of this book.
“Ellen came home with the dachshund puppy three weeks ago. She didn’t tell George she was getting a dog. Didn’t ask him first...it was the first thing she had even done without consulting him. And then she died, which was the second.” If you take the F word out of George’s vocabulary, he’d be hard pressed to complete a sentence. He refuses to take care of himself or the dog. George reminds me of Ove, from A Man Called Ove. Another grumpy man with a heart of gold that shows his love by doing, not words.
Then we have Dan, who has OCD, he’s also got Fitz, his yellow lab. He’s a man coming to terms with his sexuality, finding himself in his first romance.
And finally, Lizzie, who is tasked with walking Maud, an overweight Jack Russell owned by the women’s center where she is staying.
These three all have significant issues. But all three are also being given the opportunity to heal, to find love.
This was a heartwarming story. It’s definitely not fast moving and at times, the writing struck me as a little too verbose. But it drew me in and I just wanted to see how things would work out for each of them. The secondary characters, the love interests, if you will, were all wonderful people. If anything, I think I cared for Luke and Betty more than any of the main characters. And OMG, can you imagine the presence of mind that Ellen had to have to put so many things in place for George while she was dying? That is true love!
This book was so much more than I expected. It’s got twists I never saw coming. It’s not a happily ever after fairytale. In fact, I recommend this for fans of Frederick Backman. It’s that perfect mix of humor, pathos, love and just good old humanity.
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for an advance copy of this book.
January 4, 2021
4-5 stars
George Dempsey is a grumpy-pants to say the least, he doesn’t want Poppy the Dachshund puppy his wife Ellen had loved, he just wants wants her back which is impossible. He certainly doesn’t want Betty to rescue him either. Dan James, a counsellor with OCD loves Fitz his golden Labrador and certainly doesn’t want to be attracted to Atticus Finch, his patient. Dan’s cousin and best friend Luke Williams and Wolfie the Wolfhound offer distraction by persuading Dan to enter an Iron Man with him. Then there’s Lizzie and son Lenny in a women’s shelter with Maud the overweight Jack Russell offering comfort. This disparate mix of very different characters are carrying baggage to a lesser or greater degree and with their wonderful canine companions makes for compelling reading in this beautifully told novel.
I’ll hold my hand up straightaway and admit to being a dog lover and frequently see dogs I’d like to steal when I’m out walking!!! So out of the dogs in this story the one I’d most like to pinch is loyal lab Fitz who understands Dan so well and is such a huge comfort to him. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the characters are very well portrayed although at times it’s an emotional, sad tale. George despite probably being the grumpiest person in the world I couldn’t help but like him as he played an insulting verbal tennis match with Betty which are very funny. I like the authors sense of humour and some of Betty’s expressions are hilarious. She’s so kind and thoughtful but yet there’s far more going on with her than you originally think. Dan tears at my heartstrings, he’s so conflicted, complex and awkward you just want to give him a hug. I learned so much from Lizzie who is a walking encyclopaedia of the most amazing facts but you certainly feel her pain. Some of the descriptions of the characters and their dogs feelings are excellent and these dogs bring healing. The therapeutic value of pets is well documented and is so evidently needed here.
Overall, this is a very emotional and powerful book combining humour and sadness. Each of the characters is struggling to cope with something whether it be grief or their sexuality but the loyalty of the animals shines through and helps them through their dark days there are some good messages about friendship and love too. A great read in my opinion.
With thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK / Transworld for the arc for an honest review
George Dempsey is a grumpy-pants to say the least, he doesn’t want Poppy the Dachshund puppy his wife Ellen had loved, he just wants wants her back which is impossible. He certainly doesn’t want Betty to rescue him either. Dan James, a counsellor with OCD loves Fitz his golden Labrador and certainly doesn’t want to be attracted to Atticus Finch, his patient. Dan’s cousin and best friend Luke Williams and Wolfie the Wolfhound offer distraction by persuading Dan to enter an Iron Man with him. Then there’s Lizzie and son Lenny in a women’s shelter with Maud the overweight Jack Russell offering comfort. This disparate mix of very different characters are carrying baggage to a lesser or greater degree and with their wonderful canine companions makes for compelling reading in this beautifully told novel.
I’ll hold my hand up straightaway and admit to being a dog lover and frequently see dogs I’d like to steal when I’m out walking!!! So out of the dogs in this story the one I’d most like to pinch is loyal lab Fitz who understands Dan so well and is such a huge comfort to him. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the characters are very well portrayed although at times it’s an emotional, sad tale. George despite probably being the grumpiest person in the world I couldn’t help but like him as he played an insulting verbal tennis match with Betty which are very funny. I like the authors sense of humour and some of Betty’s expressions are hilarious. She’s so kind and thoughtful but yet there’s far more going on with her than you originally think. Dan tears at my heartstrings, he’s so conflicted, complex and awkward you just want to give him a hug. I learned so much from Lizzie who is a walking encyclopaedia of the most amazing facts but you certainly feel her pain. Some of the descriptions of the characters and their dogs feelings are excellent and these dogs bring healing. The therapeutic value of pets is well documented and is so evidently needed here.
Overall, this is a very emotional and powerful book combining humour and sadness. Each of the characters is struggling to cope with something whether it be grief or their sexuality but the loyalty of the animals shines through and helps them through their dark days there are some good messages about friendship and love too. A great read in my opinion.
With thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK / Transworld for the arc for an honest review
May 11, 2021
While this story does have dogs, three, included in the story, it isn’t really about the dogs. It’s more about the people who they share their life with.
George’s wife has just died, and George’s response is repeated bursts of inappropriate anger, most of which are directed at either the dachshund puppy, Poppy, that his wife brought home without even asking his opinion on the matter. To add insult to injury, his neighbor, Betty, seems intent on stopping by to make sure he isn’t just sitting around in the same underpants he’s been wearing, not showering or taking care of or feeding Poppy - which is exactly how he’s been spending his days. He doesn’t know that his wife had set these visits in motion to keep him from wallowing and wasting away alone in the house. George is not really a “people person,” he has no manners, he seems chronically cranky, which can’t completely be explained away because his wife has just died, he’s just a crotchety old man. He wasn’t exactly prince charming to his wife, either, expecting her to wait on his every need, but underneath it all, apparently, there was love.
Then there is Dan, a mental health counselor who has OCD, himself. He is also struggling with accepting his feelings about his sexuality. His dog is a labrador named Fitz, who seems to be his substitute best friend, and one of his excuses, for not having a partner, or a life, really. He’s a bit awkward with people, and struggles even more once a patient appears at his door early on, and finds himself attracted to this patient who seems to be subtly flirting with him, that is if he’s not just imagining it.
Lizzie is a former teacher, a woman who has escaped her husband, with her son, and they live in a women’s shelter. She doesn’t talk much about it, trying to protect her young son Lenny, and her, from the past, but her emotional and physical scars tell part of her story. It’s her secret, to share or not, but Maude, the resident dog at the shelter, a terrier, seems to be aware of her overly protective nature, her wanting to hide from someone or something.
This is Waller’s debut novel, and in some ways it feels like an attempt at a small dose of A Man Called Ove along with a dash of The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper adding an assortment of dogs to appeal to dog lovers. The first half of this I was pretty sure I was not going to finish it, but it did pick up a bit in the second half.
Trigger Warnings - Self-Injury Disorder, suicide
Published: 11 May 2021
Many thanks for the ARC provided by St. Martin’s Press / St. Martin’s Griffin
May 16, 2021
The colorful cover of this novel makes it seem like what’s contained within its pages will be cheery. Instead, it’s a well-written book that deals with darker topics like domestic violence, OCD, and aging.
What ties Lizzie, Dan, and George together are dogs. Lizzie doesn’t want to take care of dog Maud, but she’s assigned the task as part of living at a woman’s shelter. Dan feels like a fraud to everyone but his dog, Fritz, who doesn’t mind Dan’s strange tics. George is furious his wife for dying on him—leaving him a dog named Poppy that he doesn’t want—he doesn’t know how to take care of himself, let alone a loving and happy dachshund puppy.
I teared up several times. The writing is just exceptional.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES MAY 11, 2021.
What ties Lizzie, Dan, and George together are dogs. Lizzie doesn’t want to take care of dog Maud, but she’s assigned the task as part of living at a woman’s shelter. Dan feels like a fraud to everyone but his dog, Fritz, who doesn’t mind Dan’s strange tics. George is furious his wife for dying on him—leaving him a dog named Poppy that he doesn’t want—he doesn’t know how to take care of himself, let alone a loving and happy dachshund puppy.
I teared up several times. The writing is just exceptional.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES MAY 11, 2021.
July 15, 2021
3.5 rounded to 3 stars
This one left me…..bereft.
Dog Days is a good book that held my attention. But it just didn’t match up to the other outstanding books I have read this year. First of all, I think the title is misleading. Yes, there are several dogs in the story, but they are minor characters. The humans are the real protags here. There are three storylines, each with a protagonist and a second major non canine character. The protags take turns narrating the chapters, which disturbs the flow to some degree. The actual plot lines however are very good touching on themes of grief, depression, abuse, sexuality issues, fear, love, and loss.
A big issue for me is that I did not connect as fully to the characters as I would have liked. I think this relates to not having enough backstory on each of these people to fully understand the origins of their feelings and attitudes and thus why they made certain decisions. I think the book would have been better if there were no more than two storylines, thus freeing up pages to fill in some of these blanks. As it was, I did not get as close to the characters as I wanted because I did not fully understand them. As a result, I found myself emotionally distant from them—not a good thing for me.
I did like how the author made this more than a fluffy read. There is indeed some real depth to the themes. There is also an epilogue, which infuses a degree of hopefulness and positivity to each of the threads, but it wasn’t quite enough for me, I guess. I still felt bereft. I’d give this one 3.5 stars if I could for the good features and the fact that I never wanted to not finish it. However, since I am forced to round up or down, I am rounding down to 3 stars.
I recommend Dog Days to those looking for a novel with strong themes. If, however, you need that deeper emotional bond with the characters, I advise you take a pass and turn to someone like Catherine Ryan Hyde. Having said that, this is Ms. Waller’s debut, and on the strength of the good things I found in this book, I would be willing to read another of hers in the future.
This one left me…..bereft.
Dog Days is a good book that held my attention. But it just didn’t match up to the other outstanding books I have read this year. First of all, I think the title is misleading. Yes, there are several dogs in the story, but they are minor characters. The humans are the real protags here. There are three storylines, each with a protagonist and a second major non canine character. The protags take turns narrating the chapters, which disturbs the flow to some degree. The actual plot lines however are very good touching on themes of grief, depression, abuse, sexuality issues, fear, love, and loss.
A big issue for me is that I did not connect as fully to the characters as I would have liked. I think this relates to not having enough backstory on each of these people to fully understand the origins of their feelings and attitudes and thus why they made certain decisions. I think the book would have been better if there were no more than two storylines, thus freeing up pages to fill in some of these blanks. As it was, I did not get as close to the characters as I wanted because I did not fully understand them. As a result, I found myself emotionally distant from them—not a good thing for me.
I did like how the author made this more than a fluffy read. There is indeed some real depth to the themes. There is also an epilogue, which infuses a degree of hopefulness and positivity to each of the threads, but it wasn’t quite enough for me, I guess. I still felt bereft. I’d give this one 3.5 stars if I could for the good features and the fact that I never wanted to not finish it. However, since I am forced to round up or down, I am rounding down to 3 stars.
I recommend Dog Days to those looking for a novel with strong themes. If, however, you need that deeper emotional bond with the characters, I advise you take a pass and turn to someone like Catherine Ryan Hyde. Having said that, this is Ms. Waller’s debut, and on the strength of the good things I found in this book, I would be willing to read another of hers in the future.
October 27, 2020
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
So I thought I would read what I thought was going to be a light book that features dogs in some way. Instead I just got 2 of the most unlikable characters ever and another one that had no sense of boundaries at all. Yes there are dogs, but pretty much as asides through the whole book. The only story-line that really did feature a dog and show how a dog kept someone sane was George's I thought. The other two (Dan and Lizzie)...not so much.
"Dog Days" starts with a group of people in the park with their dogs. We don't know exactly how everyone is connected, but the book then jumps to different people throughout.
We follow George, recently widowed. We also follow Lizzie and her son Lenny who are staying at a shelter for abused women. Lizzie is walking the director's dog Maud which she doesn't really like and is slightly afraid of. And then finally we follow Dan who is a therapist, and has a dog named Fitz. Dan has his own problems and fears until he meets a new client called Atticus.
George's storyline is that his wife got a dog she named Poppy before he passed (he hates it) and now George is left not knowing what to do since his wife took care of the house and dinner. Before you have any sympathy for George though, know he's nasty and rude to everyone and at one points calls two men "F" and I just hated him. He's nasty. Frankly his poor wife sounded like she was in an emotionally abusive relationship with the guy. At least that is how I read it. She could not even tell him she was ill because she knew how he was.
I won't spoil Lizzie's storyline, but man is it a doozy and just messed up. Will leave that there.
I also didn't like Dan's storyline. I don't know about the UK, but here in the states I don't think therapists are allowed to get involved with patients? I don't know. The whole storyline felt so off and I didn't feel engaged. And how that all ended up...another doozy.
The other characters we get to know in this one, Lenny's teacher Luke, the supposed Smurf-Girl, etc. don't feel real at all. The only secondary character that Waller actually develops is George's neighbor who won't allow him to sit around in filth and makes sure that she stops by to keep an eye on him.
The writing was fine, the flow was pretty bad. I think shifting to three different characters just didn't work in this one.
The ending I think was supposed to be a happyish sort of ending. I don't know. I was definitely glad to just be done with this one.
So I thought I would read what I thought was going to be a light book that features dogs in some way. Instead I just got 2 of the most unlikable characters ever and another one that had no sense of boundaries at all. Yes there are dogs, but pretty much as asides through the whole book. The only story-line that really did feature a dog and show how a dog kept someone sane was George's I thought. The other two (Dan and Lizzie)...not so much.
"Dog Days" starts with a group of people in the park with their dogs. We don't know exactly how everyone is connected, but the book then jumps to different people throughout.
We follow George, recently widowed. We also follow Lizzie and her son Lenny who are staying at a shelter for abused women. Lizzie is walking the director's dog Maud which she doesn't really like and is slightly afraid of. And then finally we follow Dan who is a therapist, and has a dog named Fitz. Dan has his own problems and fears until he meets a new client called Atticus.
George's storyline is that his wife got a dog she named Poppy before he passed (he hates it) and now George is left not knowing what to do since his wife took care of the house and dinner. Before you have any sympathy for George though, know he's nasty and rude to everyone and at one points calls two men "F" and I just hated him. He's nasty. Frankly his poor wife sounded like she was in an emotionally abusive relationship with the guy. At least that is how I read it. She could not even tell him she was ill because she knew how he was.
I won't spoil Lizzie's storyline, but man is it a doozy and just messed up. Will leave that there.
I also didn't like Dan's storyline. I don't know about the UK, but here in the states I don't think therapists are allowed to get involved with patients? I don't know. The whole storyline felt so off and I didn't feel engaged. And how that all ended up...another doozy.
The other characters we get to know in this one, Lenny's teacher Luke, the supposed Smurf-Girl, etc. don't feel real at all. The only secondary character that Waller actually develops is George's neighbor who won't allow him to sit around in filth and makes sure that she stops by to keep an eye on him.
The writing was fine, the flow was pretty bad. I think shifting to three different characters just didn't work in this one.
The ending I think was supposed to be a happyish sort of ending. I don't know. I was definitely glad to just be done with this one.
September 30, 2020
Dog Days was a surprise of a read, I was expecting something light-hearted but instead it was a deep and emotional book.
The story follows three main characters George, Dan & Lizzie and I thought I was going to be reading about them all meeting and becoming friends in a dog park or something similar, I was very wrong. Yes there were dogs involved in the story but it was so much more than that.
Without giving too much away, this book touches on suicide, depression, domestic violence, grief and homophobia. It highlights how not everything in life has a happy ever after, people and their emotions/actions are complex and not straightforward. A great book if you like reading about messy lives without fairytale endings like I do.
The story follows three main characters George, Dan & Lizzie and I thought I was going to be reading about them all meeting and becoming friends in a dog park or something similar, I was very wrong. Yes there were dogs involved in the story but it was so much more than that.
Without giving too much away, this book touches on suicide, depression, domestic violence, grief and homophobia. It highlights how not everything in life has a happy ever after, people and their emotions/actions are complex and not straightforward. A great book if you like reading about messy lives without fairytale endings like I do.
January 16, 2023
I need a minute to compose myself after this one. One of my goals this year is to make my reviews shorter and more succinct. Therefore- no summary of the book - just my feelings about it.
So first off, when dog is in the title- you’ve already caught my interest. Then making them part of the healing process for 3 different storylines and I’m fully sold.
I saw a lot of this book on Twitter- which feels like more European readers. I don’t remember seeing as much on Bookstagram so I’m here to tell US readers that they must add this to their TBR. The three separate stories that intersect at times are all very different. George’s wife of 50 years recently passed, Lizzy is living with her son in a women’s shelter and is doing everything she can to not talk about her past, and Dan is a counselor who doubts himself professionally and can’t admit to even himself that he is gay. George is totally unlikeable, but somehow you still feel compassion for him. Lizzy is cagey- just what did her past involve? And Dan, can he find the strength to be himself fully?
With an ending I love- two situations end up completely different than what you expect. Don’t go in ready for everything to tie up in a nice bow. You end the book fully satisfied- but also in a little bit of shock.
Already this is too long- I know. This is going to be a difficult process for me- please bear with me as I work to be less wordy🤣🤣🤣
Pick this one up!!
So first off, when dog is in the title- you’ve already caught my interest. Then making them part of the healing process for 3 different storylines and I’m fully sold.
I saw a lot of this book on Twitter- which feels like more European readers. I don’t remember seeing as much on Bookstagram so I’m here to tell US readers that they must add this to their TBR. The three separate stories that intersect at times are all very different. George’s wife of 50 years recently passed, Lizzy is living with her son in a women’s shelter and is doing everything she can to not talk about her past, and Dan is a counselor who doubts himself professionally and can’t admit to even himself that he is gay. George is totally unlikeable, but somehow you still feel compassion for him. Lizzy is cagey- just what did her past involve? And Dan, can he find the strength to be himself fully?
With an ending I love- two situations end up completely different than what you expect. Don’t go in ready for everything to tie up in a nice bow. You end the book fully satisfied- but also in a little bit of shock.
Already this is too long- I know. This is going to be a difficult process for me- please bear with me as I work to be less wordy🤣🤣🤣
Pick this one up!!
March 19, 2021
WARNING: If you have any sort of mental health issue, or sensitivities do not read this book. Graphic self-harm and suicide.
I was going to give this title two stars because one of the three storylines about a senior citizen widower was quite heartwarming and entertaining, but the climax was a shock-value only train wreck, and there were several statements made about more than one mental health illness, that were... to put it truthfully, ignorant; and resulting events which were highly unrealistic. There were also some continuity problems.
There were several scenes with a gay couple that were so stereotyped and cliche it made me wince. And did I mention not one, but two insta-loves? The romance was not romantic it was just sex.
There were shelter and mental healthcare protocols which were either unknown to the author, or she just ignored them so she could add drama. The whole thing, except for the cantankerous widower, reminded me of someone writing from a place of no real world experiences, but from having watched hundreds of made for TV Lifetime Channel movies, or soap operas. This book had very little substance, and quite frankly is irresponsible in its portrayal of mental illnesses and their treatments.
I was approved for an eARC, via Netgalley, in return for an honest review.
I was going to give this title two stars because one of the three storylines about a senior citizen widower was quite heartwarming and entertaining, but the climax was a shock-value only train wreck, and there were several statements made about more than one mental health illness, that were... to put it truthfully, ignorant; and resulting events which were highly unrealistic. There were also some continuity problems.
There were several scenes with a gay couple that were so stereotyped and cliche it made me wince. And did I mention not one, but two insta-loves? The romance was not romantic it was just sex.
There were shelter and mental healthcare protocols which were either unknown to the author, or she just ignored them so she could add drama. The whole thing, except for the cantankerous widower, reminded me of someone writing from a place of no real world experiences, but from having watched hundreds of made for TV Lifetime Channel movies, or soap operas. This book had very little substance, and quite frankly is irresponsible in its portrayal of mental illnesses and their treatments.
I was approved for an eARC, via Netgalley, in return for an honest review.
February 1, 2024
This was such a compelling read 💛
The chapters were told from the perspectives of the three main characters - George, Dan and Lizzie - and their respective canine companions. Each person was carrying their own burden of guilt or grief over momentous life events, and their storylines wove around each other and connected in various ways.
It was intense and emotional throughout, with elements of humour shining through at exactly the right moments. I didn’t expect to feel as strongly as I did about the writing, and I cried multiple times. I really did love this story 🥹
The chapters were told from the perspectives of the three main characters - George, Dan and Lizzie - and their respective canine companions. Each person was carrying their own burden of guilt or grief over momentous life events, and their storylines wove around each other and connected in various ways.
It was intense and emotional throughout, with elements of humour shining through at exactly the right moments. I didn’t expect to feel as strongly as I did about the writing, and I cried multiple times. I really did love this story 🥹
March 3, 2021
Oh goodness, I cannot tell you how much love is in my heart for Dog Days. I’m not even a big fan of dogs (I know, I’m sorry) but I’m certainly appreciative of the love that humans & dogs have for each other.
Dog Days tells the story of George, Lizzie & Dan, each of whom have complicated lives in a manner of different ways. Interwoven into their lives is that of their dogs, & how their interactions help them through (or, in one case, let’s just say that they might view their dog as a bit of a hindrance!). I follow Ericka Waller on Twitter & know that her dogs are a huge part of her life & this is evident in the way she writes about the relationships between dogs & their owners, and how they each help each other through.
Dog Days is both laugh out loud funny & tearfully sad, but it is a book that will hold a piece of my heart in its grasp for a very long time. I absolutely loved it!
Dog Days tells the story of George, Lizzie & Dan, each of whom have complicated lives in a manner of different ways. Interwoven into their lives is that of their dogs, & how their interactions help them through (or, in one case, let’s just say that they might view their dog as a bit of a hindrance!). I follow Ericka Waller on Twitter & know that her dogs are a huge part of her life & this is evident in the way she writes about the relationships between dogs & their owners, and how they each help each other through.
Dog Days is both laugh out loud funny & tearfully sad, but it is a book that will hold a piece of my heart in its grasp for a very long time. I absolutely loved it!
May 21, 2021
I got to about 35% in this one before I jumped ship and did not finish it. The storyline was difficult to follow. The language used was very vulgar, even for an adult audience. A disappointment.
**I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.**
**I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.**
December 14, 2023
The perfect love letter to our kind, loving canine companions. No spoilers but the ending was not what I was expecting, a beautiful book.
Thank you Book Club buddy Ceri for the loan 🥰
Thank you Book Club buddy Ceri for the loan 🥰
March 8, 2021
'The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog' MK Clinton
George has Poppy but he never asked for her and he certainly doesn't want her. What he does want is his wife back but that is not possible.
Lizzie has Maud which is just who she needs in this hard time. A dog doesn't argue or hurt you.
Dan has Fitz who is the perfect sounding board for a counsellor even more mixed up than his patients.
We all know the saying you shouldn't judge a book by its cover and this is definitely the case with Dog Days by Ericka Waller. Even from reading the blurb I was expecting a lighter read. Each character has more to deal with than just entangled dog leads and mislaid poo bags. Instead George, Dan and Lizzie have heavy issues to deal with in their own individual way. What unfolds is actually a raw and gritty read that does not shy away from anything and my opinions of each character changed continually as I got to know more and more about them. It was certainly not the feel good read I was expecting originally. As for the canines the writer's unique style gave them their own characterisation, which I have not seen done before so at times I forgot they were not actual humans being talked about.
I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered this book was a deeper and more emotional read than I first thought. So if you are looking for a cute and cuddly read you are barking up the wrong tree.
George has Poppy but he never asked for her and he certainly doesn't want her. What he does want is his wife back but that is not possible.
Lizzie has Maud which is just who she needs in this hard time. A dog doesn't argue or hurt you.
Dan has Fitz who is the perfect sounding board for a counsellor even more mixed up than his patients.
We all know the saying you shouldn't judge a book by its cover and this is definitely the case with Dog Days by Ericka Waller. Even from reading the blurb I was expecting a lighter read. Each character has more to deal with than just entangled dog leads and mislaid poo bags. Instead George, Dan and Lizzie have heavy issues to deal with in their own individual way. What unfolds is actually a raw and gritty read that does not shy away from anything and my opinions of each character changed continually as I got to know more and more about them. It was certainly not the feel good read I was expecting originally. As for the canines the writer's unique style gave them their own characterisation, which I have not seen done before so at times I forgot they were not actual humans being talked about.
I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered this book was a deeper and more emotional read than I first thought. So if you are looking for a cute and cuddly read you are barking up the wrong tree.
December 16, 2020
George has lost his wife and is very angry about it. He’s raging at the world and everything in it - the last thing he wants to be bothered with is the dog Ellen bought before she died. Dan, a counsellor with his own issues, is struggling with his attraction to unsettling new client, Atticus. And Lizzie is living in a women’s refuge with her son, but there’s aspects of her story she isn’t telling anybody. Despite the title, the dogs - Poppy, Fitz, Wolfie and Maud - aren’t a huge focus, although they are a thread running throughout.
Dog Days was an excellent read, if darker than the cover and title might lead you to expect, with characters who turned out to be satisfyingly complex, if not necessarily likeable. The three main characters - George, Dan and Lizzie - are brilliantly drawn, but so are the subsidiary characters like Betty, Luke, Atticus and Tess, as well as Lizzie’s son Lenny. Even the deceased Ellen emerges clearly.
While I did get an idea about Lizzie’s story, there was one huge shock concerning another character near the end, and this was very hard-hitting and powerful. (I think I gasped out loud, “No!!”.)
There are some heavy themes here - loss and grief, mental health, domestic violence - but it never (well, hardly ever) feels too much and there’s enough humour to lighten the tone.
A memorable read and an excellent first novel from Ericka Waller.
Dog Days was an excellent read, if darker than the cover and title might lead you to expect, with characters who turned out to be satisfyingly complex, if not necessarily likeable. The three main characters - George, Dan and Lizzie - are brilliantly drawn, but so are the subsidiary characters like Betty, Luke, Atticus and Tess, as well as Lizzie’s son Lenny. Even the deceased Ellen emerges clearly.
While I did get an idea about Lizzie’s story, there was one huge shock concerning another character near the end, and this was very hard-hitting and powerful. (I think I gasped out loud, “No!!”.)
There are some heavy themes here - loss and grief, mental health, domestic violence - but it never (well, hardly ever) feels too much and there’s enough humour to lighten the tone.
A memorable read and an excellent first novel from Ericka Waller.
September 13, 2022
Most of the way through I thought this book was fine. I got to a point where I didn’t want to give up even though it wasn’t winning me over terribly, so I persisted just so I could finish it. But then it took such a terrible turn that I was so angry by the time I was done.
The “twist” of having the woman in the domestic violence shelter be the one who was actually abusing her husband and lying about it, compounded with the fact that she was autistic (and was clearly just comprised of stereotypes about autism, not based on any lived experience) was horrific. Contributing to a culture where women are doubted about being subjected to domestic violence is pretty awful, not to mention throwing the ableism in there too.
The gay men were also ridiculously stereotypical and the author just leaned into the “kill your gays” trope in the most awful way possible. The old man was also awful and having him use homophobic slurs was just so unnecessary. I’ll be inwardly fuming about this book for a while, so I thought I’d try to get some of it out by fuming outwardly for a bit.
The “twist” of having the woman in the domestic violence shelter be the one who was actually abusing her husband and lying about it, compounded with the fact that she was autistic (and was clearly just comprised of stereotypes about autism, not based on any lived experience) was horrific. Contributing to a culture where women are doubted about being subjected to domestic violence is pretty awful, not to mention throwing the ableism in there too.
The gay men were also ridiculously stereotypical and the author just leaned into the “kill your gays” trope in the most awful way possible. The old man was also awful and having him use homophobic slurs was just so unnecessary. I’ll be inwardly fuming about this book for a while, so I thought I’d try to get some of it out by fuming outwardly for a bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2022
⭐️ 5 ⭐️
I adored absolutely everything about this book; from start to finish it was a total joy to read.
Beautifully written and with such wonderful characterisation; the characters created by Ericka Waller are so real they almost leap from the page.
I was pulled onboard from the beginning and taken on an emotional roller coaster ride until the very end, and what an amazing ride it was; with some hilarious moments, some absolutely heartbreaking ones and a twist that I never anticipated; I laughed-out-loud and I cried (big, snotty tears).
A charming, warm, poignant read full of heart. An uplifting yet bitter-sweet story of love, family, friendship and hope. I can’t stop thinking about this book; I know it’s one that will stay with me for a very long time.
I highly recommend!
I adored absolutely everything about this book; from start to finish it was a total joy to read.
Beautifully written and with such wonderful characterisation; the characters created by Ericka Waller are so real they almost leap from the page.
I was pulled onboard from the beginning and taken on an emotional roller coaster ride until the very end, and what an amazing ride it was; with some hilarious moments, some absolutely heartbreaking ones and a twist that I never anticipated; I laughed-out-loud and I cried (big, snotty tears).
A charming, warm, poignant read full of heart. An uplifting yet bitter-sweet story of love, family, friendship and hope. I can’t stop thinking about this book; I know it’s one that will stay with me for a very long time.
I highly recommend!
October 23, 2020
Well this was a surprise! From the title I’d expected something light, but this is a book packed with real and vibrant characters and there’s nothing light about it at all. George has lost his wife of 50 years, and he finds himself in a world where nothing makes sense to him. Lizzie and her son enter a women’s refuge, but despite the help and support of the manager, she’s not ready to tell the police her story. Dan is a counsellor who suffers from imposter syndrome, convinced that one day his boss will realise he doesn’t know what he’s doing. Into their lives come Betty, Luke and Atticus and their small worlds are transformed. This was such an emotional read and I was convinced I knew what was coming, but no! This was a beautiful insight into a group of people struggling to find their place in the world – surviving sudden loss of a partner/loss of a child, discovering their sexuality. So moving, so sad, so funny (at times – Star Wars references and George’s grumpiness in particular) all tied together with the dogs who offer unquestioning loyalty to the people who walk and feed them.
February 28, 2021
"Dog Days: Ericka Waller's Dog Days is a debut novel about the way dogs can bring out the best in us in the face of life's challenges."
I feel that the title and blurb is a bit misleading. I expected defining moments where loyalty and the love of dogs uplift characters while dealing with various issues. At best the dogs in the story are no more than supporting actors with the odd mention.
What we got was a dark and bleak story, with characters who give in to their negative traits fairly often and who are truly difficult to like. The writing is excellent, with a thoughtful and insightful look at difficult subjects such as suicide, depression, OCD, autism, domestic violence, grief and homophobia.
I just wish that the author had involved the dogs in the story more to bring some lighthearted and heartfelt moments. The ending is hopeful but it was too little, too late.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher / author for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review.
I feel that the title and blurb is a bit misleading. I expected defining moments where loyalty and the love of dogs uplift characters while dealing with various issues. At best the dogs in the story are no more than supporting actors with the odd mention.
What we got was a dark and bleak story, with characters who give in to their negative traits fairly often and who are truly difficult to like. The writing is excellent, with a thoughtful and insightful look at difficult subjects such as suicide, depression, OCD, autism, domestic violence, grief and homophobia.
I just wish that the author had involved the dogs in the story more to bring some lighthearted and heartfelt moments. The ending is hopeful but it was too little, too late.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher / author for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review.
July 3, 2022
I really did not like this book. There were so many things, little and big, that bothered me about it and some of them got even worse in the end.
There were just so many things that didn’t sit right with me and that made me very uncomfortable reading about. From the cover and blurp i honestly expected a completely different experience. It was completely misadvertised - it was not an uplifting read at all, with all the heavy topics, the pov of a homophobic, misanthropic old guy, and especially with the quite depressing ending. The characters were really unlikeable and because of the 3 POVs, i found it very hard to feel connected to any one of them.
Also you’d think the dogs of the characters would have quite some relevance as even the title refers to them, but no… i mean, they exist, and sometimes they do play a little part in the story, but overall they were quite forgettable.
There were just so many things that didn’t sit right with me and that made me very uncomfortable reading about. From the cover and blurp i honestly expected a completely different experience. It was completely misadvertised - it was not an uplifting read at all, with all the heavy topics, the pov of a homophobic, misanthropic old guy, and especially with the quite depressing ending. The characters were really unlikeable and because of the 3 POVs, i found it very hard to feel connected to any one of them.
Also you’d think the dogs of the characters would have quite some relevance as even the title refers to them, but no… i mean, they exist, and sometimes they do play a little part in the story, but overall they were quite forgettable.
July 25, 2021
3.5 Stars
July 15, 2023
Another great find because of Subdue!
The story of 3 people as they make their way through some of the big trials in life. We have the nasty old man George who had a wife that had the nerve to die and leave him alone. Then there is Dan, a young man searching for the reason for his loneliness and then there is Lizzie who has lost control of her life. All three have a dog that has become a large part of their life. For those of you who do not care of animal stories, ignore the title-the animals are background music here, yet still an important part of the story.
A story of hurt, of love and how the people connect to others that are so different from themselves. In the beginning it is very light hearted. As the story develops things become more complicated for everyone, and their stories intertwine with the help of the dogs.
I loved it and recommend to all.
The story of 3 people as they make their way through some of the big trials in life. We have the nasty old man George who had a wife that had the nerve to die and leave him alone. Then there is Dan, a young man searching for the reason for his loneliness and then there is Lizzie who has lost control of her life. All three have a dog that has become a large part of their life. For those of you who do not care of animal stories, ignore the title-the animals are background music here, yet still an important part of the story.
A story of hurt, of love and how the people connect to others that are so different from themselves. In the beginning it is very light hearted. As the story develops things become more complicated for everyone, and their stories intertwine with the help of the dogs.
I loved it and recommend to all.
February 9, 2021
Ericka Waller’s DOG DAYS is more than a tale of dogs, as a matter of fact, the dogs in this story really seem to be no more than supporting characters as three strangers find their own personal best friends as they claw their way out of their own personal dungeons.
Dark, somber and heavy with atmosphere, each tale is weighted with characters who are truly difficult to like quite often as they seem to indulge in their weaknesses. From a man who took his wife for granted until her death to the therapist who broke all sense of propriety to become involved with a patient to the woman who has been beaten down completely, there are few lighthearted moments where one would expect a dog to shine.
I wanted more dog involvement, more of those defining moments where the loyalty and trust of a dog uplifts both this story and the characters from their darkness. If you have ever been through a period in your life that rocks your very foundation, you KNOW how powerful a dog can be as a friend, ally, confidant and reason to get up and rejoin the world. I have and this tale did not shine on the strengths of human resiliency in its dry approach, even though this author does have a command on story telling. Sometimes a book is just not for a particular reader.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from St. Martin's Press! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher : St. Martin's Press (May 11, 2021)
Publication date : May 11, 2021
Genre: Fiction
Print length : 368 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Dark, somber and heavy with atmosphere, each tale is weighted with characters who are truly difficult to like quite often as they seem to indulge in their weaknesses. From a man who took his wife for granted until her death to the therapist who broke all sense of propriety to become involved with a patient to the woman who has been beaten down completely, there are few lighthearted moments where one would expect a dog to shine.
I wanted more dog involvement, more of those defining moments where the loyalty and trust of a dog uplifts both this story and the characters from their darkness. If you have ever been through a period in your life that rocks your very foundation, you KNOW how powerful a dog can be as a friend, ally, confidant and reason to get up and rejoin the world. I have and this tale did not shine on the strengths of human resiliency in its dry approach, even though this author does have a command on story telling. Sometimes a book is just not for a particular reader.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from St. Martin's Press! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher : St. Martin's Press (May 11, 2021)
Publication date : May 11, 2021
Genre: Fiction
Print length : 368 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
March 13, 2021
A book of huge emotion and lots of dogs!
Set in a local area very near to me, I was drawn into the lives of three very different people.
There is George, very recently widowed, and at 79 (I think!) he has to be the grumpiest, rudest, most difficult man alive and yet you can't help but love him and want something much better for the old devil.
Then there is Lizzie, living in a women's refuge with son Lenny. She is very clever but very troubled and she doesn't want to speak to the police.
And finally there is Dan, a counsellor who is running scared from who he is.
In meeting these three characters we are introduced to others. Batty Betty who tries so hard to befriend George. Luke, a primary school teacher, cousin of Dan and who has Lenny in his class. And there is Atticus, a client who comes to Dan's counselling room.
There is Wolfie and Fitz, Poppy and Lucky and Maud too, but these are the canine characters who help the story along and bring characters together.
The connections between the humans are sometimes obvious and at other times more subtle, but as well as living in the same geographical area, these characters need each other. They are an eclectic bunch but have fascinating stories to tell and I adored the way the novel was put together to encompass heartbreak and joy, endings and beginnings, in the real life mess that doesn't guarantee soppy endings, but amongst the tears offers hope too.
It isn't always easy to read. Not in a misery memoir kind of way, but the fact there are not neatly parcelled up solutions delivered in a timely fashion with destination Happiness on all the postmarks. The characters are flawed but through their frailties we are given a wealth of insight into human behaviour and emotion and left feeling thankful for all we have. Friendship, kindness, love and forgiveness can help us to heal, and in George's case, some tear jerking letters written in advance add a beautiful intimacy to his particular journey of self discovery.
I do think a box of tissues might be useful to have to hand too. You will laugh, I did plenty of times, but you might cry too, I did!
Huge thanks as always for the generosity of author, publisher, Pigeonhole and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of reading ahead of publication.
In my opinion Dog Days is a MUST read that will be a LOVED read.
Set in a local area very near to me, I was drawn into the lives of three very different people.
There is George, very recently widowed, and at 79 (I think!) he has to be the grumpiest, rudest, most difficult man alive and yet you can't help but love him and want something much better for the old devil.
Then there is Lizzie, living in a women's refuge with son Lenny. She is very clever but very troubled and she doesn't want to speak to the police.
And finally there is Dan, a counsellor who is running scared from who he is.
In meeting these three characters we are introduced to others. Batty Betty who tries so hard to befriend George. Luke, a primary school teacher, cousin of Dan and who has Lenny in his class. And there is Atticus, a client who comes to Dan's counselling room.
There is Wolfie and Fitz, Poppy and Lucky and Maud too, but these are the canine characters who help the story along and bring characters together.
The connections between the humans are sometimes obvious and at other times more subtle, but as well as living in the same geographical area, these characters need each other. They are an eclectic bunch but have fascinating stories to tell and I adored the way the novel was put together to encompass heartbreak and joy, endings and beginnings, in the real life mess that doesn't guarantee soppy endings, but amongst the tears offers hope too.
It isn't always easy to read. Not in a misery memoir kind of way, but the fact there are not neatly parcelled up solutions delivered in a timely fashion with destination Happiness on all the postmarks. The characters are flawed but through their frailties we are given a wealth of insight into human behaviour and emotion and left feeling thankful for all we have. Friendship, kindness, love and forgiveness can help us to heal, and in George's case, some tear jerking letters written in advance add a beautiful intimacy to his particular journey of self discovery.
I do think a box of tissues might be useful to have to hand too. You will laugh, I did plenty of times, but you might cry too, I did!
Huge thanks as always for the generosity of author, publisher, Pigeonhole and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of reading ahead of publication.
In my opinion Dog Days is a MUST read that will be a LOVED read.
March 11, 2021
I read this book with the Pigeonhole and was expecting a jolly tale of people overcoming a bit of adversity through meeting up with their dogs. This is much more than that.
This is the story of three main characters; George, whose wife has died, Dan, a counsellor with a secret he’s keeping from friends and family, and Lizzie, living in a shelter with her little boy. We follow their stories, and get to know the people who are important to them. They all have dogs, who understand them better than humans!
Laugh out loud funny in places, especially when we see grumpy widower George being forced back into the world by pensioner Betty, but also a devastating exploration of loss and grief. The book explores themes of mental health, sexuality, and domestic abuse. This is not a book which shies away from some very dark places. In the end there is hope, but not always in the way this reader wanted.
If you want something which will make you laugh and cry, this is recommended.
This is the story of three main characters; George, whose wife has died, Dan, a counsellor with a secret he’s keeping from friends and family, and Lizzie, living in a shelter with her little boy. We follow their stories, and get to know the people who are important to them. They all have dogs, who understand them better than humans!
Laugh out loud funny in places, especially when we see grumpy widower George being forced back into the world by pensioner Betty, but also a devastating exploration of loss and grief. The book explores themes of mental health, sexuality, and domestic abuse. This is not a book which shies away from some very dark places. In the end there is hope, but not always in the way this reader wanted.
If you want something which will make you laugh and cry, this is recommended.
July 8, 2021
I’m not crying you are. Such a heartwarming book which perfectly reflects the ups and downs of life and the ever growing importance of always having a dog nearby! Everybody should read this book.
April 11, 2023
4.5⭐️. I really enjoyed this. It was really easy to get into and a real page turner with great short chapters.
I did feel I struggled with Lizzie’s character the most, you sort of go on a rollercoaster of emotions with her.
George reminded me so much of Fredrick Backman’s ‘Ove’ - a grumpy, cantankerous old man who you slowly learn to love.
The whole story covered so many topics, each character was battling with something that their dogs helped them through.
It makes me want another dog!!🐶 I love when a book has you talking out loud to yourself and gasping at plot changes.. just loved it ❤️🐶
I did feel I struggled with Lizzie’s character the most, you sort of go on a rollercoaster of emotions with her.
George reminded me so much of Fredrick Backman’s ‘Ove’ - a grumpy, cantankerous old man who you slowly learn to love.
The whole story covered so many topics, each character was battling with something that their dogs helped them through.
It makes me want another dog!!🐶 I love when a book has you talking out loud to yourself and gasping at plot changes.. just loved it ❤️🐶
September 1, 2022
I think the last few chapters of this book have shocked me in a way that hasn’t for a while, so skilfully written. It grabs you in, tells you what you think you understand about things and then shakes it up. What seems like a good standard relationships novel ascends into brilliance in the final third
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2023
What a brilliant book, I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the different characters and their lives - especially the Dogs! So easy to get caught up in the story and want to learn more, a real page-turner.
May 20, 2021
A more apt title for Ericka Waller’s adult debut would probably be Black Dog Days given its focus on topics ranging from anxiety and grief to self-harm and suicide. Inside the cutesy cover are the stories of three very different characters all living in the Brighton village of Rottingdean and struggling with their emotions in myriad ways. Whilst one has a dog and the other two characters acquire them along the way the commonality is that they each take comfort, find support or are kept going by their four-legged friends. The stories of George, Dan and Lizzie all narrated in the third-person alternate throughout the book with plenty of lighter dog moments along the way. Their stories unfold, with varying degrees of success and happiness, but the dogs are a permanent feature.
Irascible and foul-mouthed pensioner, George, has suddenly lost his wife to cancer after she kept her diagnosis a secret from him. Ellen cooked George’s dinner, washed his clothes, sorted his medications and he doesn’t know, or want to learn, how to do any of it; he just wants her back and rid of Poppy, the dachshund puppy that she had recently brought into their home. Enter church volunteer and widow Betty, who can give as good as she gets, match George’s sarcasm and comes with a rescue dog of her own. Dan is a counsellor with OCD, the owner of loyal Labrador Fitz and deeply unhappy that he is gay in a world where it is far easier to be straight. So when he finds himself fixated with his flirtatious new client, Atticus, it puts him in a difficult position. Finally Lizzie and her seven-year-old son, Lenny, are staying in a women’s refuge and whilst Lizzie’s scars are visible she is unable to break her silence about the situation she left behind. A former primary school teacher who reels off facts but is unable to connect with the other women in the shelter, Lizzie is tasked with walking Maud, the refuge’s dog. Lizzie doesn’t trust dogs anymore that she seems to trust those around her but when she meets her son’s teacher, incidentally the cousin of counsellor Dan, she starts to have a rethink.
George’s voice is by far the most authentic and despite his bluster I warmed to him immediately and found his banter with Betty a tonic that did more for me than the doggy moments. Dan is the least likeliest counsellor I have ever encountered in fiction, pretty colourless and even as the book unfolds seems ashamed of being gay. Lizzie obviously has baggage right from the off but because it takes so long for her story to be revealed, keeping her closed off to the reader until the final chapters, I found I never quite knew enough to care about her situation. I was impressed by Waller’s writing style which elevated the book for me despite having reservations about two of the three stories. Laced with humour throughout and warmly witty, the book is both well-observed and sensitively written with Waller showing real compassion towards her characters. My dismay was that two of the three central characters didn’t feel in the slightest bit real, making it difficult to invest in their particular situations, and not helped by both crossing professional boundaries.
Overall a mixed bag and definitely not the light escapism that the cover would suggest.
Irascible and foul-mouthed pensioner, George, has suddenly lost his wife to cancer after she kept her diagnosis a secret from him. Ellen cooked George’s dinner, washed his clothes, sorted his medications and he doesn’t know, or want to learn, how to do any of it; he just wants her back and rid of Poppy, the dachshund puppy that she had recently brought into their home. Enter church volunteer and widow Betty, who can give as good as she gets, match George’s sarcasm and comes with a rescue dog of her own. Dan is a counsellor with OCD, the owner of loyal Labrador Fitz and deeply unhappy that he is gay in a world where it is far easier to be straight. So when he finds himself fixated with his flirtatious new client, Atticus, it puts him in a difficult position. Finally Lizzie and her seven-year-old son, Lenny, are staying in a women’s refuge and whilst Lizzie’s scars are visible she is unable to break her silence about the situation she left behind. A former primary school teacher who reels off facts but is unable to connect with the other women in the shelter, Lizzie is tasked with walking Maud, the refuge’s dog. Lizzie doesn’t trust dogs anymore that she seems to trust those around her but when she meets her son’s teacher, incidentally the cousin of counsellor Dan, she starts to have a rethink.
George’s voice is by far the most authentic and despite his bluster I warmed to him immediately and found his banter with Betty a tonic that did more for me than the doggy moments. Dan is the least likeliest counsellor I have ever encountered in fiction, pretty colourless and even as the book unfolds seems ashamed of being gay. Lizzie obviously has baggage right from the off but because it takes so long for her story to be revealed, keeping her closed off to the reader until the final chapters, I found I never quite knew enough to care about her situation. I was impressed by Waller’s writing style which elevated the book for me despite having reservations about two of the three stories. Laced with humour throughout and warmly witty, the book is both well-observed and sensitively written with Waller showing real compassion towards her characters. My dismay was that two of the three central characters didn’t feel in the slightest bit real, making it difficult to invest in their particular situations, and not helped by both crossing professional boundaries.
Overall a mixed bag and definitely not the light escapism that the cover would suggest.
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