Dogs Days is the story of three different people living three
different lives…Grumpy old George is struggling to come to terms with the death
of his wife Ellen who has left him handy notes around the house and a new puppy
as well…Counsellor Dan who lives OCD, is afraid to face up to his own feelings
and sexuality, and Lizzie who is seeking solace in a woman’s refuge with her
son Lenny.
All three strangers have one thing in common…dogs - whether they
own them, or the dogs are there at their side to provide comfort or just
company.
Sadly, I didn’t connect with this book and I felt it was for
several reasons. Firstly, the main thing that annoyed me was the name of one of
the characters was Atticus Finch, the same name as one of the characters from
To Kill A Mocking Bird. I was convinced that there must be a reason why the
author chose this name as it is an unusual name and also one that has been used
in such an iconic book. I was waiting all the way for the reveal as to what
this character had in common with his namesake, but it didn’t come.
Also, and another major bug bear for me, was that there were two
unprofessional liaisons which I didn’t feel would happen – that between a
teacher and a parent of a child in their class and also a counsellor and his
patient. Perhaps one of those in the story would be believable, but two…!
Saying all this, it was a book written with real emotion and
there were parts in the story where I really felt for the characters especially
George who although a grumpy old git was my favourite by far.
I would suggest that you don’t read this book if you are feeling
emotionally low, as one character struggles with their mental health and all
the challenges that it brings on a day to day basis which is often a difficult
read.
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