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The Black Dog
Librarian note: Alternate cover edition of ISBN-13: 9781472289070, ISBN-10/ASIN: 1472289072
THE BLACK DOG is the exciting debut novel from one of Britain's most-loved comedians, Kevin Bridges
Declan dreams of becoming a writer. It's a dream that helps him escape the realities of his life - going through the motions at college and stacking supermarket shelves part-time, whilst fighting a battle with the ever-darkening thoughts in his head.
He has his pet Labrador for companionship and his best friend-turned-mentor, a pseudo-intellectual who works as a greenskeeper at the local municipal golf course, both of which help keep the worst of his anxieties at bay. But following a drunken row with local gangsters, Declan's worries threaten to spiral out of control.
James Cavani - Declan's idol and his hometown's claim to fame - is a renowned writer, director and actor. But despite his success, his past hasn't relinquished its hold of him, and through his younger sister's battle with drug addiction, he finds himself returning to a world he thought he had escaped.
At face value, their lives couldn't be more different, but perhaps fate has a way of bringing kindred spirits together - and perhaps each holds the other's redemption in their hands.
THE BLACK DOG is the exciting debut novel from one of Britain's most-loved comedians, Kevin Bridges
Declan dreams of becoming a writer. It's a dream that helps him escape the realities of his life - going through the motions at college and stacking supermarket shelves part-time, whilst fighting a battle with the ever-darkening thoughts in his head.
He has his pet Labrador for companionship and his best friend-turned-mentor, a pseudo-intellectual who works as a greenskeeper at the local municipal golf course, both of which help keep the worst of his anxieties at bay. But following a drunken row with local gangsters, Declan's worries threaten to spiral out of control.
James Cavani - Declan's idol and his hometown's claim to fame - is a renowned writer, director and actor. But despite his success, his past hasn't relinquished its hold of him, and through his younger sister's battle with drug addiction, he finds himself returning to a world he thought he had escaped.
At face value, their lives couldn't be more different, but perhaps fate has a way of bringing kindred spirits together - and perhaps each holds the other's redemption in their hands.
400 pages, Paperback
First published August 18, 2022
187 people are currently reading
1029 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
January 13, 2023
Yet another UK comedian tries their hand at writing a novel and the good news is that Kevin Bridges can actually write. The downside for me is that parts of it are somewhat overwritten as some passages just go on and on.
However, with likeable characters and some nice touches of humour, this is a debut novel that is well worth checking out.
3.5 🌟
However, with likeable characters and some nice touches of humour, this is a debut novel that is well worth checking out.
3.5 🌟
August 10, 2022
The Black Dog is full of social commentary with Bridge’s comedic wit shining through every page. Darkly funny but brimming with life.
The Black Dog is written by an author that is known more for his comedy than his novel writing but that’s all likely to change – he’s added another string to his bow in a stunning debut by Glasgow’s household name, Kevin Bridges. Instantly you are transported into the streets of Glasgow, with authentic dialogue, a strong connection to the working-class plight, and a story that is full of grit and character. It’s a strong offering and the story gave me vibes of Gregory’s Girl – a coming-of-age tale about friendship, forgiveness, and self-awareness.
The Black Dog is a great piece of comedic fiction. It investigates the ordinary lives of ordinary people. There are no airs and graces, they don’t come from affluent backgrounds, they are just getting by – living day to day, I was really taken aback by the depth in which Bridges brought his characters to life. You might change your opinion about some and stay firm on others, but you will feel a connection to them – whether for good or bad reasons. It has all the nuances of a piece of Glasgow fiction – the language, the passion for football, drugs, and a dream of becoming something more.
We all know that Kevin Bridges can create characters, his comedy speaks of his talent for storytelling. The Black Dog takes all of that rolls it into a ball and kicks it into orbit. He has created something so outlandishly normal, with the trappings of dysfunctional families but with hilarity at its core.
Declan dreams of becoming a writer. He knows he has it in him, he’s even signed up to a local art centre to take a writing course. His version of writing isn’t well received by his peers, it’s too visceral and leaves him feeling downtrodden. So, in typical Scottish fashion, he gets completely wasted. This leads to dire consequences and like all Scottish people the morning after – they vow to never drink again.
James Cavani is a local that has managed to make something of himself – well that’s the public perception anyway. He’s living the dream, Hollywood, his writing has made him a household name, and married to his one true love, Lisa. He doesn’t have it all not by a longshot – the Hollywood dream has lost its allure and his agent is close to getting the sack. A home in London that allows him his anonymity, but he wants to go back to his roots, so they decide to move back home to Glasgow. He has to rush back home sooner than anticipated when his sister, Siobhan is rushed to hospital after another overdose. I loved his strength and his loyalty to his family before his career.
The Black Dog is written by an author that is known more for his comedy than his novel writing but that’s all likely to change – he’s added another string to his bow in a stunning debut by Glasgow’s household name, Kevin Bridges. Instantly you are transported into the streets of Glasgow, with authentic dialogue, a strong connection to the working-class plight, and a story that is full of grit and character. It’s a strong offering and the story gave me vibes of Gregory’s Girl – a coming-of-age tale about friendship, forgiveness, and self-awareness.
The Black Dog is a great piece of comedic fiction. It investigates the ordinary lives of ordinary people. There are no airs and graces, they don’t come from affluent backgrounds, they are just getting by – living day to day, I was really taken aback by the depth in which Bridges brought his characters to life. You might change your opinion about some and stay firm on others, but you will feel a connection to them – whether for good or bad reasons. It has all the nuances of a piece of Glasgow fiction – the language, the passion for football, drugs, and a dream of becoming something more.
We all know that Kevin Bridges can create characters, his comedy speaks of his talent for storytelling. The Black Dog takes all of that rolls it into a ball and kicks it into orbit. He has created something so outlandishly normal, with the trappings of dysfunctional families but with hilarity at its core.
Declan dreams of becoming a writer. He knows he has it in him, he’s even signed up to a local art centre to take a writing course. His version of writing isn’t well received by his peers, it’s too visceral and leaves him feeling downtrodden. So, in typical Scottish fashion, he gets completely wasted. This leads to dire consequences and like all Scottish people the morning after – they vow to never drink again.
James Cavani is a local that has managed to make something of himself – well that’s the public perception anyway. He’s living the dream, Hollywood, his writing has made him a household name, and married to his one true love, Lisa. He doesn’t have it all not by a longshot – the Hollywood dream has lost its allure and his agent is close to getting the sack. A home in London that allows him his anonymity, but he wants to go back to his roots, so they decide to move back home to Glasgow. He has to rush back home sooner than anticipated when his sister, Siobhan is rushed to hospital after another overdose. I loved his strength and his loyalty to his family before his career.
November 24, 2022
One of Glasgow’s most strongly held opinions is that Kevin Bridges is an excellent storyteller. As you sit in the audience at one of his shows, you are being taken on a journey through Kevin’s mind as he weaves hilarious tales for you, bringing you along with him to familiar places and introducing you to people who you would come across anywhere in Scotland.
The Black Dog, his first fiction novel, is no different. We are on our own turf, meeting people who frequent our own pubs. The wee dafty, the big hard man, the bolshy maw, the stricken, the addicted. They are all there, and the social commentary on them, and their situations, is realistic and complex.
I did expect it to be funnier than it was, but there wasn’t much within the plot to be joked about. The first few pages were total carnage, and the type of thing I thought would be projected throughout the novel, but we’re soon dipped into the darkness of Glasgow streets and the dangers lurking around them. The way mental health problems and the culture of working class oppression is depicted was wonderful, yet there’s very little someone can make funny about these themes, so I very quickly had to adjust my expectations.
And although I was eager to find out the fate of our characters, the plot sometimes felt as though it dragged along without purpose. A strong start and an excellent ending, but somewhere in the middle I began to lose concentration.
Despite it all, I enjoyed this one, and I’d be interested to read any other offerings from Bridges. I’ve had a great time today reading reviews slating this book for its bad language and Scottish vernacular - fuckin grow up.
The Black Dog, his first fiction novel, is no different. We are on our own turf, meeting people who frequent our own pubs. The wee dafty, the big hard man, the bolshy maw, the stricken, the addicted. They are all there, and the social commentary on them, and their situations, is realistic and complex.
I did expect it to be funnier than it was, but there wasn’t much within the plot to be joked about. The first few pages were total carnage, and the type of thing I thought would be projected throughout the novel, but we’re soon dipped into the darkness of Glasgow streets and the dangers lurking around them. The way mental health problems and the culture of working class oppression is depicted was wonderful, yet there’s very little someone can make funny about these themes, so I very quickly had to adjust my expectations.
And although I was eager to find out the fate of our characters, the plot sometimes felt as though it dragged along without purpose. A strong start and an excellent ending, but somewhere in the middle I began to lose concentration.
Despite it all, I enjoyed this one, and I’d be interested to read any other offerings from Bridges. I’ve had a great time today reading reviews slating this book for its bad language and Scottish vernacular - fuckin grow up.
November 25, 2022
I really wanted to persevere and find something positive to say about this book... however.
I couldn't even finish it. And trust me, I like to finish what I start. I just found it dull, with superficial characters and a nearly non-existent plot. Even the dialogues I find boring. I do like it takes place in Glasgow - the city I know fairly well.. but surely that's not a reason for me to continue the struggle with this 400-page book? I didn't think so either.
To put it in short - it's not for me, and no, I wouldn't recommend it.
I couldn't even finish it. And trust me, I like to finish what I start. I just found it dull, with superficial characters and a nearly non-existent plot. Even the dialogues I find boring. I do like it takes place in Glasgow - the city I know fairly well.. but surely that's not a reason for me to continue the struggle with this 400-page book? I didn't think so either.
To put it in short - it's not for me, and no, I wouldn't recommend it.
June 14, 2022
I have read quite a few books recently from celebrities, particularly comedians. It seems to be an assumption that someone who is funny in a stand-up routine can seamlessly transfer those skills to paper. I don't know where I stand on this phenomenon - part of me thinks its unfair on writers who must have an eternal struggle to get anything published. People who have worked and grafted tirelessly for years must be so frustrated to see someone famous come along and get their novel published on name recognition alone. Publishers must know that the name alone will sell books and it is much lower risk for them than taking a punt on someone unknown.
However, people like Richard Osman and now Kevin Bridges have convinced me that it is not always a bad thing. That some people's talents can move away from their day job into a new field and can be a success.
Here we have Declan growing up in Scotland, desperate to be a writer but stuck in a city which favours violence, alcohol and crime. We then meet James Cavani, a guy who has grown up near Declan but who has made it out of the city to become what Declan dreams of - a writer and an actor.
Both Declan's and James's lives are in trouble but maybe a chance meeting will give them both an opportunity to inspire each other to greatness.....
I was a bit hesitant coming into this book. With Scottish authors, particularly those from Glasgow, there can often be a tendency towards being overly reliant on Scottish vernacular. Whilst this can add to the authenticity of the story, ah hate when some wee writers hink its awrite tae write like this aw ra time. It can make a good story difficult to read, even those who have lived and worked in Glasgow.
The opening paragraphs are very much like that, and I was initially hesitant, however I found out the reason why and breathed a sigh of relief when I realised this was not throughout the whole book. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of f***ing b******s and c***s in this book however it did not come across as gratuitous but in line with typical Glaswegian humour and language. This may not translate well further than our shores but it worked for me.
The story itself is well told and is full of Bridges' trademark wit and humour. I enjoyed the fact that, despite some of the language, it was a subtle story of one young man's search for himself in a place where he does not fit in with the crowd. There is no sensationalism or glorification of drugs, crime or violence in the way that some portray in Glasgow in film, TV and novels and there are some excellent characters in the book who act as true friends to Declan.
Also, the final scene is beyond words. An absolutely, unexpected but hilarious ending which is just what the book required.
This book was written, like many from people who are not considered novelists, during the pandemic when many people had nothing else to whilst at home so I am not sure whether we will get any more from Mr Bridges but I certainly hope we do and I would love to follow Declan on his journey ahead.
Massive thanks to Headline, Wildfire and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
However, people like Richard Osman and now Kevin Bridges have convinced me that it is not always a bad thing. That some people's talents can move away from their day job into a new field and can be a success.
Here we have Declan growing up in Scotland, desperate to be a writer but stuck in a city which favours violence, alcohol and crime. We then meet James Cavani, a guy who has grown up near Declan but who has made it out of the city to become what Declan dreams of - a writer and an actor.
Both Declan's and James's lives are in trouble but maybe a chance meeting will give them both an opportunity to inspire each other to greatness.....
I was a bit hesitant coming into this book. With Scottish authors, particularly those from Glasgow, there can often be a tendency towards being overly reliant on Scottish vernacular. Whilst this can add to the authenticity of the story, ah hate when some wee writers hink its awrite tae write like this aw ra time. It can make a good story difficult to read, even those who have lived and worked in Glasgow.
The opening paragraphs are very much like that, and I was initially hesitant, however I found out the reason why and breathed a sigh of relief when I realised this was not throughout the whole book. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of f***ing b******s and c***s in this book however it did not come across as gratuitous but in line with typical Glaswegian humour and language. This may not translate well further than our shores but it worked for me.
The story itself is well told and is full of Bridges' trademark wit and humour. I enjoyed the fact that, despite some of the language, it was a subtle story of one young man's search for himself in a place where he does not fit in with the crowd. There is no sensationalism or glorification of drugs, crime or violence in the way that some portray in Glasgow in film, TV and novels and there are some excellent characters in the book who act as true friends to Declan.
Also, the final scene is beyond words. An absolutely, unexpected but hilarious ending which is just what the book required.
This book was written, like many from people who are not considered novelists, during the pandemic when many people had nothing else to whilst at home so I am not sure whether we will get any more from Mr Bridges but I certainly hope we do and I would love to follow Declan on his journey ahead.
Massive thanks to Headline, Wildfire and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2022
I'm clearly in the minority here with my star rating for this book - but I absolutely hated this book.
I found the sections written in Glasgow dialect difficult to read.
I am not a prude, far from it - but the amount of swearing in this book is ridiculous. It's too much, and just doesn't add anything to the plot of the characters. In fact, it made me dislike the characters more!
The book is full of pointless waffle - dragging the plot out, making the pacing super slow. In fact, was there even much of a plot in the first place?!
I really hate slating a book - but i really really hated this, and it was a real struggle to get through!
I found the sections written in Glasgow dialect difficult to read.
I am not a prude, far from it - but the amount of swearing in this book is ridiculous. It's too much, and just doesn't add anything to the plot of the characters. In fact, it made me dislike the characters more!
The book is full of pointless waffle - dragging the plot out, making the pacing super slow. In fact, was there even much of a plot in the first place?!
I really hate slating a book - but i really really hated this, and it was a real struggle to get through!
November 15, 2022
Oh dear, no. I’m his greatest fan, I seriously split my sides at his observational commentary stand-up routines, and recognise he’s a genius at earning millions from laughter. However this book, this nonsense, whilst it allows for tears, hubris, a bit of romance, a series of ridiculous monikers and a totally predictable plot falls short in so many ways; it is boring, ill researched (a Business Traveller would be in the Business Lounge at JFK, not at Dunkin’ Donuts - I know, having spent half my life there….) it is tedious, the long zoom call with the shrink is necrotic, as is the interminable flight from JFK to Heathrow. The scenes with Declan are almost readable, the ones with James are not; the end reveal with Lisa is silly (who didn’t see that coming?) and I must say I expected SO much more. Won’t be holding my breath for the sequel; Kevin needs to stick to what he’s good at and it’s certainly not this.
October 3, 2022
Unfortunatly mostly disappointing
I was looking forward to this and wanted to like, Kevin Bridges is a funny bloke and I thought he would have a cracking novel to offer, maybe he still does but this is not it.
It has some very good parts, sometimes I could not stop reading. Some great dialogue and small plot interests. Also some (but very little) very good humour.
Unfortunately it dwells for far too (for me) long in melodrama and the actual story is simple and predictable.
I almost gave it 3 stars but it was closer to two than two and a half.
I was looking forward to this and wanted to like, Kevin Bridges is a funny bloke and I thought he would have a cracking novel to offer, maybe he still does but this is not it.
It has some very good parts, sometimes I could not stop reading. Some great dialogue and small plot interests. Also some (but very little) very good humour.
Unfortunately it dwells for far too (for me) long in melodrama and the actual story is simple and predictable.
I almost gave it 3 stars but it was closer to two than two and a half.
July 1, 2023
Maybe I was expecting this book to be funny, or even a dark portrayal of Glasgow subculture à la Irvine, Welsh. Unfortunately, it was neither of these things - a dull read, with no development of plot even by the halfway stage, which is when I abandoned it. I’m sure that Kevin Bridges can do better; his autobiography was hilarious and he remains one of my favourite comedians.
February 4, 2023
Minor grumble is the lack of chapters means finding a place to stop can be difficult
January 11, 2023
I'm disappointed to say that I just didn't really enjoy this book. I'm a massive fan of Kevin Bridges and his stand up, but I just found this book rather dull if I'm honest. It always felt as if there was about to be a turn where something happened and story would really start to begin, but it just never did. I liked the characters and felt I really got to know them, but it just felt as if the book never got started.
October 23, 2022
When picking up this book to read, I guess I paid too much attention to the fact that it was written by a comedian, and not enough to the title. There are some glimmers of humour, but overall this is a pretty miserable book - we spend a lot of it going round and round inside the heads of troubled people. It's quite a long book, and it feels longer. I didn't enjoy it.
July 6, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Wasn’t sure to expect but was quite pleasantly surprised. A very easy to read book with compelling characters which dealt with some heavy themes, but kept me chuckling through it.
Probably should be 4 rather than 5 stars, but I think given how surprised I was to enjoy it as much as I did then I’ll stick with 5.
Probably should be 4 rather than 5 stars, but I think given how surprised I was to enjoy it as much as I did then I’ll stick with 5.
January 21, 2024
First half of the book was a bit of a slog. Second half was much stronger, really enjoyed the last 100 pages or so.
Not having regular chapters made it feel quite long.
Glad to see that it's not a ghost written novel.
Lots of themes that I identified with and got me thinking.
Not having regular chapters made it feel quite long.
Glad to see that it's not a ghost written novel.
Lots of themes that I identified with and got me thinking.
August 10, 2022
There’s nothing I love more than reading a book written by a comic as they are (99% of the time) incredible storytellers. This book was no exception to that. Though his comedy shined through in this book, the story of a young man trying to find his place in the world is not lost or drowned in comedic wit. The characters in this book are raw, they’re honest, and they’re relatable to readers. I especially loved Declan, as I’m also living with anxiety on the daily and I love seeing this rep in books, I just wanted to give Declan a big cuddle and try to quiet his doubts and anxieties. This was a highly enjoyable read and should definitely be on your reading lists this summer/autumn.
Thank you to Headline Publishing for sending me a copy of this book.
Thank you to Headline Publishing for sending me a copy of this book.
August 19, 2022
I have laughed out loud at many video clips of Kevin Bridges and was expecting that this book would be more like his stand up material. This was actually a darker, more serious story than I expected (even though I thought the title was a reference to depression). What is clear is that the author can create characters and tell a good story. I found Cavani the more interesting character here even if Declan did grow on me in the later parts of the book. My overall honest opinion is that while there’s a decent story here it felt a bit too long and just not as funny as I had hoped. That said I won’t be surprised if we see more novels from Kevin Bridges
April 21, 2023
This was hard work. It managed to stay just above the point of being abandoned, but only just.
September 4, 2023
I prefer your stand up kev
June 11, 2022
I’m a huge fan of Kevin Bridges’ comedy, which tends to feature comedic tales. Based on his stand up, I viewed him as a gifted storyteller. So I was beyond excited to read his first work of fiction and I was not disappointed!
The characters in this book were excellent.
Declan was just a wee lamb! Trying to hold it all together but struggling with anxiety and doubt. I loved his character growth. His mum and sister were amazing too. Doof Doof was the friend that everybody needs! He was just such an amazing character and supportive friend. I know he was more of a side character but he was my favourite character and I want only amazing things for him. Even the ‘baddies’ felt realistic. It would have been so easy to make them caricature gangsters.
I’ve never enjoyed a scene involving a running race quite as much as in this book! I genuinely cried with laughter.
This was such an enjoyable book. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The only negative I have from this book was that I’d have loved chapters instead of parts. But parts instead of chapters made sense as there were very clear parts.
The characters in this book were excellent.
Declan was just a wee lamb! Trying to hold it all together but struggling with anxiety and doubt. I loved his character growth. His mum and sister were amazing too. Doof Doof was the friend that everybody needs! He was just such an amazing character and supportive friend. I know he was more of a side character but he was my favourite character and I want only amazing things for him. Even the ‘baddies’ felt realistic. It would have been so easy to make them caricature gangsters.
I’ve never enjoyed a scene involving a running race quite as much as in this book! I genuinely cried with laughter.
This was such an enjoyable book. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The only negative I have from this book was that I’d have loved chapters instead of parts. But parts instead of chapters made sense as there were very clear parts.
November 6, 2023
This was my October Book Club Read.
When I say that I was fully planning on giving this book 2 stars until the last 150 pages, that’s no joke.
I’m not saying it’s a bad book or the writing is bad or anything like that, it’s just not my type of thing. I enjoyed the characters but I also felt like I had no idea what the book was trying to achieve until I got to the second half.
I’ve only read a handful of character driven books rather than plot driven ones so maybe I just need to read a couple more to get used to it but I would find myself wanting to put the book down and do something else which isn’t usually a good sign. I do feel like if this wasn’t my book club read, I wouldn’t have picked it up in the first place.
However, by the end I was both confused and entertained. The ending was both satisfying but also left so many loose ends. It’s hard to explain but I guess it leaves the reader open to imagine their own endings and what happened to the characters after the book finished.
I would say if this book had chapters and maybe didn’t have so many long, rambling sentences, I maybe would’ve enjoyed it more. But at the same time, I couldn’t imagine what it would be like any other way. I guess this book is just one of those that I can say “I’ve read it, I don’t know how I feel about it but it was alright”.
When I say that I was fully planning on giving this book 2 stars until the last 150 pages, that’s no joke.
I’m not saying it’s a bad book or the writing is bad or anything like that, it’s just not my type of thing. I enjoyed the characters but I also felt like I had no idea what the book was trying to achieve until I got to the second half.
I’ve only read a handful of character driven books rather than plot driven ones so maybe I just need to read a couple more to get used to it but I would find myself wanting to put the book down and do something else which isn’t usually a good sign. I do feel like if this wasn’t my book club read, I wouldn’t have picked it up in the first place.
However, by the end I was both confused and entertained. The ending was both satisfying but also left so many loose ends. It’s hard to explain but I guess it leaves the reader open to imagine their own endings and what happened to the characters after the book finished.
I would say if this book had chapters and maybe didn’t have so many long, rambling sentences, I maybe would’ve enjoyed it more. But at the same time, I couldn’t imagine what it would be like any other way. I guess this book is just one of those that I can say “I’ve read it, I don’t know how I feel about it but it was alright”.
October 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this and would recommend it. I got into the rhythm of the writing after the first ‘Part’. At first, I found elements over developed/ that the descriptions were more detailed than required, but I got used to it and it didn’t distract from the story. The story itself was heartening - about imperfect, good people - and how their worlds collide. Very funny and I heard the story told by Kevin as I read.
September 7, 2023
Probably a 3.5 but rounded up as I really enjoyed the last couple of chapters. The internal voices that the author has as part of his standup routine are built on to provide the two main characters ... in a way very similar people but also very different. An enjoyable first novel ... and a lovely acknowledgement section at the back of the book.
February 2, 2025
I am a Kevin Bridges fan so I was pleased to find his novel. It's about Declan who wants to write about real stuff (he comes from a dodgy area of Glasgow) and James who comes from the same place but made it as a film actor and writer ... and a range of other interesting characters.. Some nasty brushes with the wrong people along the way but this definitely a life affirming story and Declan moves towards the life he wants (along with his wonderful dog Hector). Mainly enjoyed it but felt towards the end the balance between life affirming and a bit sentimental was not quite right.
May 4, 2025
The rawness of this novel and the relatability comes from a place and mentality that is tough for seasoned writers to achieve. An excellent, challenging and ultimately heartwarming story evokes an aspirational feeling for any reader who wants to understand how they can lean on their better selves to be who they feel they can be.
November 1, 2024
I don't think I do well with self help books, but this was a hard read. It was boring, and there was no chapters so the structure made it difficult to read. Plot was good I just wouldn't recommend based on how hard it is to read
November 6, 2023
is it a bit clichéd to say it gave me Irvine Welsh vibes ???? I really enjoyed it, lots of food for thought about life x
August 7, 2024
Quite slow paced, often feels like there are 50 page spells where nothing much really happens. But the ending is good and it’s quite a nice message
May 22, 2025
Really enjoyed this as a little story which made me smile while walking to work for a few weeks
January 11, 2024
Probably a 3.5⭐️ but I rounded up to be encouraging, which, if you read the book, you will know is what is needed when someone is starting out on a new artistic venture. In writing this first novel Kevin Bridges reminds me of his protagonist Declan… not quite got this writing thing conquered yet but shows great potential! I really enjoyed the humour and some great characters.
April 30, 2024
Ok so let me start by saying Kevin Bridges can write, better than I thought he would if I'm honest.
I loved the relatability of the characters. It's refreshing to see proper, actual, Scottish dialogue and terms in a book. Laughed at "it's a bought hoose!"
Bonus points for mentioning Oasis up Balloch Park.
But... the plot just feels like it drags on aimlessly at points. Maybe that's the point - that's life, man.
Wasn't a fan of the huge parts with no chapters, but eventually pushed through to find out the fate of Declan Dolan and James Cavani.
I loved the relatability of the characters. It's refreshing to see proper, actual, Scottish dialogue and terms in a book. Laughed at "it's a bought hoose!"
Bonus points for mentioning Oasis up Balloch Park.
But... the plot just feels like it drags on aimlessly at points. Maybe that's the point - that's life, man.
Wasn't a fan of the huge parts with no chapters, but eventually pushed through to find out the fate of Declan Dolan and James Cavani.
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