Dogs

by Abigail DeWitt

In a fiercely beautiful novel of love and desire, guilt and accountability, Abigail DeWitt offers a remarkable chronicle of one woman’s coming of age. Set against a backdrop that moves from Austin, Texas to Cambridge, Massachusettes and the North Carolina mountains, this memorable story is told with great passion and, at times, heartbreaking humor.

The story begins when Molly Moore, the youngest child in a large, tumultuous family tries to find her place in the midst of the troubled relationships around her. But Molly’s youth and innocence are squandered in the wake of her parents’ disengagement as the family disintegrates and her older siblings leave home. As Molly grows into adulthood and becomes a parent herself, she must face the hard truths of her parents’ lives and her own.

237 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2010

Reviews

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost put this book down due to some descriptions of very disturbing animal cruelty in the beginning but I’m ultimately glad I continued. The exploration of the elements that shape our identities and relationships is harsh and raw, and deeply thought provoking. Somewhat reminiscent of Mary Karr’s The Liars’ Club.

[Kathy Robinson]

I loved her last book Lily, can't wait to read this one. Her attention to sensory detail is amazing.

[Annemarie]

Still reading - so far so good!

[Carolyn Bunkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice character studies. There are some sharp insights into what really makes a "good" family. The advantaged main character learns about heroes with clay feet.