You can find this book here.
Ah, the dog. Everybody's best friend (unless you are a cat person). In Waller's novel, the dog is part of three different characters' lives (whether they like dogs or not). They become a sounding board for reflecting emotions and communications that may not always be as easy for humans. Just be aware that whilst the cover focusses on the dogs, they may not always be as central in the book if you like that type of thing.
The three focal characters in the novel are George; a grumpy old man whose wife has just died; Dan who is a counsellor with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and Lizzie who lives with her son Lenny in a women's shelter. The difficulties with identity, communication, love and loss are brought through the novel in ways that are in part funny and gritty (psychologically speaking); with a dog there the entire time.
The characters have very different and full personalities throughout the book, even if you think the chapters are too short. Each chapter alternates between the three characters, which some readers may find frustrating if they only like perspectives of one character. However, they are all written well, and you can really see what each character is feeling or going through across their individual journey. Please note though, you may not find them likeable. They are snapshots of real lives, and not necessarily the best of them.
The pace is quick: the timeframe for the characters' stories is also short. Because of the short chapters and revolving character focus, it makes the novel move quickly.
Again, I will bring you back to the cover. Only because it looks light and fluffy. Even if people are dealing with grief, you expect a satisfying end for the characters. You may not get any of this when you read it. It is a much heavier read than the cover allows you to think (that's why you don't judge by it!). There are difficult scenes in there that may be hard to read through and its ending is more realistic than romantic. In the end, it really is about what it is to be human (whether you like the characters or not).
This book isn't like 'Dog's purpose'; the dogs are less centred here. But they are there. And I do feel as if at least some of the time you really get to see them shine. It does have a lot of emotion, but the dogs aren't centre-stage. If you prefer your animal books to be more like Cameron's, this one is not for you. This is also not a book for reader's looking for a light story. But, if you like a challenge; this could be for you.
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