Reviews

Dogs and Water by Anders Nilsen

the8th's review against another edition

5.0

It's an abstract comic about being lost. At least, that's what I think it might be about. It's really lovely. The pages are sparce and I think that helps to get across the idea of destitution.

pattydsf's review against another edition

3.0

It is hard to say that I read this book. There are not words on many of the pages. So I feel like I looked at the story rather than read it and while looking I may not have seen everything that I should have. Apparently I am not alone in my bewilderment. The Washington Post reviewer wrote (this book) "will leave you wondering if you've read a book or walked through a dream".

The tale lasts less than 100 pages with two main characters on a journey. I wanted to say that there wasn't much action, but that is not true. I usually say that I read to discover new worlds and this was a very new world for me. I just did not understand what was going on. I do have to say that the book has stuck with me and I keep thinking about the meaning of the drawings.

I recommend this book to those who are interested in expanding their reading horizons; to folk who like open-ended tales and to all who like reading graphic novels.

dkai's review against another edition

3.0

I found this to be less compelling than other works from Nilsen due to the short length (though that may be better for some people). Nilsen tends to wander and explore within a space, which allows his giant magnum opus to be his best work. This short work contains similar elements and plenty of good stuff (though plenty here means plenty of bleak paucity), but I never got to the point where I felt immersed in the journey.

noodles01's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

ponycanyon's review against another edition

3.0

Nilsen is one of the most hyped of the younger generation of comic guys, but there's simply no representative work yet that encapsulates why. Dogs and Water is certainly atmospheric and moody - the lone protagonist wanders a vaguely post-apocalyptic landscape with his stuffed bear companion, occasionally finding bodies, wreckage, and wild animals - but there's no story to speak of, only stark and minimal images. And like Lilli Carre's equally vibe-soaked but ultimately empty "The Lagoon," the whole thing ends as soon as it gets started.

booksofannie's review

adventurous dark sad medium-paced

3.0

libraryanned's review

3.0

3.5 stars. Odd, melancholy, and sweet. Very unique.

levitybooks's review

3.0

Desolate, utterly desolate.

Anders Nilsen's take on Cormac McCarthy's The Road.

Would have been more affecting if the character had a clearer struggle, goal or love, but I don't think that would have fit Nilsen's style.

katemilty's review

4.0

I love Anders Nilsen. I think more often than not, when reading his books, the appreciation you feel for the author all arrives in a rush at the end. This book, like Monologues for the Coming Plague, was just like that. Even better, I read it in a day. Now that's instant gratification when it comes to reading.

villagebooksmith's review

4.0

Wish I could rate this a 3.5. Loved the illustrations and the emptiness of the whole thing but part of me wishes it was a little longer. This is the first thing I've read of Nilsen but will definitely look into the rest of his stuff.