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Lucy

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A book for dog lovers!♥♥♥♥♥ Lucy is a harrowing and heartwarming adventure novel by Chris Coppel. It’s hard to express how much I enjoyed this delightful story! Lucy won my heart, and I loved exploring her country home through her eyes.

♥♥♥♥♥ In the same vein as The Art of Racing in the Rain or A Dog's Purpose, this book gives a delightful, playful, endearing voice to a pack of misfit dogs on an adventure to find a safe place to call home. It's an indelibly fun read that people of all ages will enjoy.

A bold escape with her fellow canine inmates--a weepy but learned Spaniel, two stalwart Dobermans, a vain Afghan, and an ingenious Yorkshire Terrier, takes the friends through the unimagined perils of London.

Lucy, a pampered young Golden Retriever, is stolen by ruthless smugglers from her home in rural England and taken to a grim London kennel. Whether it is something as simple as crossing busy streets or having to unearth long-dormant bravery to escape from a vicious gang of rats in the pitch-black London Underground, the often terrified friends must at all costs avoid recapture and certain return to their grim prison. Only by working as a cohesive team, can the dogs stay safe and find their way home.

Kindle Edition

Published June 21, 2021

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About the author

Chris Coppel

14 books53 followers
Chris Coppel was born in California. His family moved to Europe, living in Spain, France, Switzerland and mainly England. He has written numerous screenplays but Far From Burden Dell is his first novel. He taught advanced screenwriting at U.C.L.A.

Chris is also an accomplished drummer and guitarist. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Clare, and their very own scaredy-cat, Samantha.

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Ghostea.
142 reviews14 followers
July 19, 2021
Tackling stories focused around anthropomorphized subjects is an undeniably arduous undertaking, one that becomes all the more daunting when dealing beloved animals (in this case dogs). Essentially, these bonds often rest in an unspoken language between human and canine making it open to interpretation that will be unique to each. “Lucy”, by Chris Coppel, proves just how difficult it can be to navigate these themes - measured in equal parts success and failure.

To the credit of Coppel, his understanding of human canine interactions is nurtured from a deep love for our furry friends. Consequently, observations of the nuanced interactions and slight gestures holding greater weight become beautifully conveyed in prose. In particular, The opening chapters act as a celebration of this relationship, and while the tone does shift from this idyllic scenario, there are instances throughout that speak to the author's profound appreciation of this special bond. Ultimately, these nuanced reflections help carry the release through its rocky aspects - of which there are many.

Where “Lucy” starts to fall short is in its use of convenient plot devices. Essentially, animals that are short of memory and easily distracted will spontaneously be gifted deep understanding or skills that only exist to push the plot forward. Examples include; ability to read to navigate the subway, understanding of cat history to win favor with felines and understanding of the customs of geese to lead into a ‘brawl’ to earn respect. Furthermore, hefty concepts like patriarchy, religion and love awkwardly find their way into the dogs' conversations - ideology that should be beyond them.

To further muddy the narrative, “Lucy” struggles tonally to find a consistent flow. At times whimsical and comedic, the work shifts into dark subject matter that is certain to elicit a visceral reaction from dog owners. As a result, the tone becomes muddled in sharp shifts that demand empathy leading to humor and vice versa - dulling the reactions the title attempts to elicit. Overall, the constant presence of forced plot devices and inconsistent flow keeps the novel from establishing a concrete identity.

Undeniably, there are moments of brilliance within ”Lucy” and for such abstract concepts Chris Coppell is able to tell his story in a concise and clear manner. Unfortunately, the title trips over itself all too often constantly creating a sense of disconnect from the story . Despite the litter of awkward choices, the book still serves as a nice love-letter to dog-owners and is deserved of an audience to those who celebrate that deeply unique connection.
Profile Image for Avishi.
2 reviews
July 10, 2022
Lucy by Chris Coppel was about the adventures of Lucy, a golden retriever puppy. Lucy was illegally dognapped to London and imprisoned in a kennel. She and her fellow captives intend to flee the kennel, where she was also dognapped. Will she be able to escape? What would happen on the way home? To find out, read this interesting narrative and discover the intriguing story of it.

I'm curious how the author portrayed the story via Lucy's eyes. It was fascinating to learn how a dog perceives the world, humans, and their activities. The narrative reminds me of those Hollywood dog movies I used to watch when I was younger, such as 101 Dalmatians and others. This story was entertaining to read. I laughed, was astonished, frightened, and feared along with the characters as I revisited my youth while travelling with those daring dogs. The writing style was simple to grasp. Except for a few minor faults, I would not find any serious flaws. The theme flowed perfectly. It balances fun, adventure, and light horror. Some sentences were tough for me to understand. Except for the fact that the tale was wonderful, there was no default I could find. The friendship aspect was quite appealing to me. Their excitement, curiosity about human behaviour, and cute little acts and gestures drew me into their imaginary world. Even though there are terms that only intended for adults, some of the plots and situations are amusing to envision. The story may be too long for some readers, but it takes you from England to London and back again. The journey was pretty interesting and entertaining.

I recommend it to anyone who enjoys Hollywood films such as 101 Dalmatians, cats and dogs, Bolt, and others. Because it reminds you of those adventures and transports you back in time. It also shows you the wonders of the world through the perspective of a dog. And, of course, pet owners should read this book. It would be an ideal narrative to read during a hectic day in order to unwind and escape to a fantastic exciting world.
Profile Image for Kayleigh.
48 reviews
July 16, 2021
Lucy was a beautiful adventure! A mix of innocence, playfulness, adventure, friendship, excitement and a sprinkling of horror elements throughout make this a heartfelt and high-energy journey.

It didn't need to be said that Lucy was a dog. The sheer detail in what her senses were experiencing from the feel of the grass to the smells in the air and the sounds of other animals made it clear that we were experiencing the world through her eyes. The dialogue between human characters was clear and flowed nicely for the reader, even if the dogs didn't always understand what was going on around them.

Each breed was highly personified, with the sheer joy Lucy the Golden Retriever found in all areas of life, to the fierce yet loyal Rodney the Yorkie was truly delightful to read. Having grown up with both a Golden Retriever and a Yorkie, the stereotypes of these breeds were spot on and very funny. Everything was heightened to make the characters really come to life and experience the world through the innocent eyes of a dog.

The story itself was truly eye opening, with the horrific things humans do to dogs and the way they are treated in certain rings. However, the coming together of a dynamic group taking on the enemy and exploring the world, enjoying the little things, provided so much fun. The pace was fast throughout, with a slight dip around Chapter 9 where the pace slowed down for a few chapters, but this was in line with the characters slowing down for a breather. There were rats, cats, humans (bipeds), geese, and a whole array of other dogs to enjoy throughout this adventure.

Any dog-lover would enjoy this book, even just to relate to the accurate personality traits each of them has. However, the story itself has something for everyone with a touch of many genres throughout. Highly recommended.
5 reviews3 followers
July 26, 2021
“Lucy” by Chris Coppel is a delightful adventure for pet- and animal lovers. Lucy is a care-free, well-loved, and affectionate Golden Retriever who loves her life on an English farm with her Man and Cook. This all changes, however, when she’s dognapped by a ring of human drug smugglers and locked in the “bad kennel.” But she meets friends there who manage to stage a prison break, leaving the seven dogs on an adventure through London to find their way home. A book intended for adults -- due to its more complex and sometimes “purple” prose and writing style -- but it could probably be enjoyed by young adults/children, as well.

Similar to “101 Dalmatians” or “The Secret Life of Pets”, “Lucy” personifies the dogs and all the other animal characters in the book. They laugh, they cry, they fight, they comfort each other, and occasionally make fun of or puzzle over human oddities, like elevators. There is a wide range of characters all with their own personalities and special tics, which was really nice to see.

Sometimes the cast felt too big and the book too long, as it dragged in some places especially towards the end. At other points, the concepts the book/characters addressed seemed out of place, like the idea of death or comparing Catnip to drug use. But I loved the dogs bonding with each other and exploring their relationships with each other and their humans. There were a lot of sweet and heartwarming moments.

The book is set in London, and you may get extra enjoyment out of recognizing things in the city if you know it. But aside from some lines of dialogue and a word or two, it was perfectly understandable to me, an American. London highlights include the Thames, the Tower, Harrod’s, Hyde Park, and Buckingham Palace.
48 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2021
It is widely known that one can not judge a book by its cover, but whether one can judge a book by its author is a more complicated question. I have always thought the answer was a simple yes. Upon finishing “Lucy” by Chris Coppel, I still find the answer to be yes but not a simple yes. I am a Chris Coppel fan having enjoyed all of his novels, so when I spotted “Lucy” selecting it was a preconceived notion. “Lucy” is a story told exclusively from a dog’s point of view, unlike anything I have read by Mr.Coppel. Lucy our protagonist is a healthy young Golden Retriever living a charmed life in the English countryside with loving humans until in a flash she is dognapped and transported to a dark, grimy, and gloomy kennel in the waterfront district of London. The dognappers are part of a smuggling ring and using the dogs as a tool of their trade. Lucy befriends a small group of dogs all facing the same fate. They manage to escape the kennel only to find themselves on the mean streets of London where food, shelter, and safety become their immediate priorities. The bulk of the story is spent following the adventures of this eclectic pack of dogs as they crisscross London while trying to free one of their mates who was recaptured and dreaming of home.

Even though “Lucy” is unlike any other Chris Coppel novel it is still a Chris Coppel novel. A gripping storyline, interesting characters, good pacing, and exciting situations are all present as one would reasonably expect them to be. So get ready for a wonderful story by a talented author. It is my pleasure to recommend this novel.
Profile Image for Hannah Barry.
314 reviews17 followers
August 3, 2021
In the same vein as The Art of Racing in the Rain or A Dog's Purpose, this book gives a delightful, playful, endearing voice to a pack of misfit dogs on an adventure to find a safe place to call home. It's an indelibly fun read that people of all ages will enjoy.

I so loved that each breed was given such a clear voice and the way the whole team interacted, navigating their way through the city was so entertaining. I will say, however, that this isn't the most brilliant book ever written. It doesn't have as clear a flow as I would have liked and the tone of the book seemed confused at times. I think a shorter, more straightforward book would have been a more effective narrative for this pack of characters. It reminded me a lot of that old Disney movie Oliver & Company. Regardless, this was a deeply enjoyable reed and anyone who loves a book about dogs will surely fall in love with this book too. Well done Chrics Coppel!
Profile Image for Karyn H.
568 reviews10 followers
July 19, 2021
A very interesting adventure “as told by a dog”
First of all, this novel is not just another book that you pick up and cast away after flipping few pages. It is an interesting story about a dog that was dognapped—if there is any word like that and was taking far away from the home where she was enjoying the pleasure of her cook owner. The entire story comes in well from a dog's eye view. It is more like sitting back and listening to a dog tell you his story in a language you can understand.
The story contains a lot of humor and the author Chris Coppel shows some level of understanding about how dogs act. One thing I love about Chris is how he brings this story together seamlessly and maintains the flow of the novel. Lucy by Chris Coppel is suitable for children but adults can also read and enjoy the book. I’ll recommend this book anytime.
140 reviews10 followers
August 3, 2021
The beautiful and so perfectly innocent Lucy learns how her charmed life was a gift taken for granted. After being dog napped, Lucy meets up with an interesting mix of other dogs experiencing the same thing. This story has a nice flow and does show life through a dog's viewpoint (which is beautifully done). Unfortunately, the references to abuse are necessary to the plot to show contrast in Lucy's once idyllic countryside home, a kennel and then on to the mean streets of London where she and her other furry friends become survivors as they try to find their way home. There are moments of humor, and this is truly a touching story with some unexpected turns. I loved the dialogue between the dogs! I think Coppel captured the essence of the different breeds beautifully. A story sure to tug on heartstrings of dog lovers everywhere.
Profile Image for Pegboard.
1,828 reviews9 followers
July 14, 2021
Lucy by Chris Coppel takes you on an adventure with a Golden Retriever who gets dognapped from her country home. Lucy is one of many dogs taken to transport illegal or stolen items across the borders. Just as things look grim, her new canine friends organize a kennel break. She learns much about the city, people and makes friends along her travels. Can she find a way to stop the dognappers and get back home?

I found Lucy humorous as this lovable dog tells her story. Chris Coppel brings a dog's quest to life while adding events dogs face daily. I loved how the different breeds of dogs had various personalities. Their loyalty to each other as these dogs sought a way home was refreshing. I enjoyed taking this journey with Lucy and her friends.
Profile Image for Pearl.
534 reviews7 followers
August 1, 2021
This book got me teary-eyed at times. Lucy by Chris Coppel is a story mixed with cuteness and adventure. I love the storyline. It was so unique and original and it makes you think and ponder more about the dogs and the animals in general. There were times that the book also diverted into humo which makes everything entertaining.

I loved that the book was an easy read and the plot progressed nicely as well. It's very rare for me to read books where animals are the main character and this was such a great treat! I will definitely recommend this book to my friends, especially my dog-lover friends!
Profile Image for Rosa.
30 reviews
July 17, 2022
Aside from the hard life that the group of canines suffered away from their human families, I was able to see the reconciliation between the breeds. Lucy encountered Rodney, a small dog, in their lockup. He was the mastermind of the escape plans. He, Lucy, and four others had a great adventure in the park. They fought and played with geese, had confrontations with rats, and most circuses revolved around bipeds.

I recommend Lucy by Chris Coppel to readers who loved The Call of the Wild by Jack London. Dog lovers will certainly enjoy the book. Readers of adventure as well as supporters of animal awareness will find the book valuable.
Author 2 books9 followers
March 25, 2023
'Lucy' is not the type of book I would normally read but I'm glad I did.
It is clear from the start that the writer is a dog-lover who understands all the canines' little mannerisms very well.
Chris wanted to put out a strong message about the abuse dogs can suffer at the hands of humans, and he did this successfully.
The plot and the dialogue flow nicely and a certain naivety to Chris' writing makes this book very suitable for children.
I'd recommend this lovely story about canine friendship to all the dog-lovers out there and to anyone who enjoys reading animal stories.

Thank you to publicist Leon Khan for providing a free copy.
Profile Image for Jessica.
2,332 reviews23 followers
July 13, 2021
A heartwarming story

Lucy is a Pampered golden retriever who is stolen from her home and ends up in a kennel. She befriends a random assortments of dogs and they break out of the kennel to escape a herring fate. The dogs Traverse the Streets of London, trying to make their way back home to their owners. This book reminded me a little of the movie from the 90s (Homeward Bound), but it was still a nice read as the setting was different and it was well written. I read this with my 9 year old as she likes the talking animal books and this book was well received by her.
Profile Image for Kaitlyn.
138 reviews
July 20, 2021
It’s fun to see the world through the eyes of a dog. As someone who writes about dogs all the time, it’s nice to see how author Chris Coppel made sure to match dog characterization to breed temperament. Main character Lucy, a Golden Retriever, is true to form with her exuberant friendliness and curiosity. Rodney the Yorkshire terrier represents his breed with his affection, protectiveness, and ability to make friends with strangers quickly.

Dog lovers will enjoy this book, as will young readers who enjoy talking animals.
Author 0 books3 followers
July 21, 2021
This story reminded me of the movie Fluke, a story told from a dog's perspective. One of the things, especially if you are a dog trainer, you must do is put aside realism and accept this is a story that puts human traits and emotions onto an animal rather. In other words, humans projecting ourselves onto this dog rather than it being what dogs actually experience. Once you can do that the story is quite entertaining. It's the perfect blend of Oliver and Company meets Fluke meets Homeward Bound. And the humor involved just lightens some of darker more serious tones of the book. 
38 reviews2 followers
October 13, 2021
A Heartwarming and Endearing Story.

At its core, this book is for dog lovers and features an array of colourful dogs from start to finish. Coppel does a great job of making this book fun from start to finish and providing a voice for Lucy. However the overall story doesn’t flow perfectly and the tone seems conflicted at times. That could be due to the large amount of genres spliced in throughout. That being said the shifts in tone and pace simultaneously keep the story engaging. So, overall, ‘Lucy’ is an endearing and heartwarming book, great for kids and adults alike.
Profile Image for Jodi Davis.
166 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2021
Lucy is a golden retriever who is living a great life with her Man and Cook, until she gets dognapped. If you’re like me and don’t want to read sad dog books, don’t fear - nothing horrific befalls our sweet “Goldie” main character. She meets other dogs like Rex and Angel who help her along her journey. There are good and bad characters and even cats along the way! And I loved the surprise cameos of the Queen’s corgis! It's a fun adventure story that I think you will enjoy 4/5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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