Reviews

The Labrador Pact by Matt Haig

ams5x9's review

4.0

I honestly love Matt Haig’s writing style. Even when writing from a dog’s perspective, he omits superfluous adjectives when writing speech. That in itself is so much more enjoyable than most contemporary authors. But back to the story at hand—this one is a bit of a stretch (even compared to his other novel centered around an alien) and any book with a dying dog (it’s not a spoiler because it’s mentioned in the first few chapters) is just heartbreaking. Needless to say, I love his pacing, writing style, character development—he is an absolute gem of an author and if you’ve read his other (albeit better) novels and enjoyed them, this one is another wonderfully engaging, entertaining read.

I’m gonna go cuddle my dog now for the next month +.

sabsreader's review against another edition

emotional sad medium-paced

3.75

b_ruizmartin's review against another edition

dark emotional funny mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

cdcsmith's review

3.0

Well that was depressing.  Cool concept telling the story for a dog perspective.  Writing is fine.  

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death, Infidelity, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Murder

lmbauer0's review against another edition

dark emotional sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

ahinks's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

poppydxx's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

missjaward's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

georgiacassandra's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

cher_n_books's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 stars - It was really good.

The book opens with the narrator, a Labrador named Prince, preparing to be euthanized. I was incredibly close to DNF'ing the book right then and there, but I'm thankful I stuck with it. Prince tells the story of how he came to be on death row, which was a result of following the "Labrador Pact", which is what he abides by to protect and keep his human family together.

Fans of Shakespeare will appreciate the nod to Henry IV which is mirrored in the relationship between Prince and his pleasure seeking friend, Falstaff.

I enjoyed hearing the story through a dog's eyes (and nose of course). The author used this interesting perspective to examine relationships, loyalty, duty, honor and the binds that tie families together in a wry and endearing manner.
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Favorite Quote: Whereas dogs can learn to suppress their instincts, for humans there is no hope.

First Sentence: Dogs like to talk.