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sadiereadsagain's review against another edition
3.0
Although set in Glasgow, this book is of a different side to Glasgow than I know. It goes into a lot of the religious aspect of the city, not so much sectarianism but this is a book rooted in Catholic traditions which I have no real knowledge or experience of. It was still a really enjoyable book, although at times I felt the writing was a little messy (keep in mind I only have an uncorrected proof, not the corrected, published version). The story is not normally one that would resonate with me, seeing as so much of it focuses on the relationship of the author & his dog - I can't really relate to or enjoy tales like that - but even so it did touch me & I was moved by it. Quite a sweet book, despite being about an alcoholic who owns a Doberman!
crysania's review against another edition
3.0
I picked this up on a whim while at the library. It's not one I had heard about in the realm of dog books, but it looked interesting enough. And it was. I can't say this book was wholly about a dog. Thomas Healy was a man struggling with many demons, mostly alcoholism. He bought a Doberman pup, who he named Martin, off a nasty man and Martin was his savior for a time. The way he writes is compelling. The book is present, future, and flashback all at the same time. There are no chapters, so it reads in a continuous flow, almost a sort of stream of consciousness.
It was an interesting read, though I never quite became so connected to the dog in the memoir that I cried at the inevitable end of Martin's life. I usually do. That is not saying the book was not emotional, not well-crafted. It certainly was and I certainly enjoyed reading it. I just never felt wholly connected to Martin, even though it was clear the author loved him dearly.
It was an interesting read, though I never quite became so connected to the dog in the memoir that I cried at the inevitable end of Martin's life. I usually do. That is not saying the book was not emotional, not well-crafted. It certainly was and I certainly enjoyed reading it. I just never felt wholly connected to Martin, even though it was clear the author loved him dearly.
annamolpus's review against another edition
2.0
I hate to give two stars to this book because I really didn't have any huge complaints about it, but after reading about 2/3 quite awhile ago, I put it down, have not picked it back up, and don't plan to. I am a sucker for dogs, so the story of a man struggling with sobriety whose devotion to his dog helps him get his life together sounded right up my alley. It was touching in parts, but just not very well written.
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