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A review by savvylit
Dogs of Summer by Andrea Abreu
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Dogs of Summer is a fast-paced novel about growing pains, toxic friendships, sexual awakening, and violence. Andrea Abreu captures the feelings and frustrations of growing up so effectively that I often felt uncomfortable - like I was reading a ten-year-old's journal. I genuinely cringed as I imagined their antics and interactions with friends. Dogs of Summer is a reminder that children can be cruel as often as they can be incredibly intuitive.
One of the primary highlights of this novel is Abreu's writing style. Translator Julia Sanches has maintained so many playful and downright funny slang terms that both girls use. The slang and matter-of-fact narration are what really make this book feel like an honest peek into someone else's childhood.
One of the primary highlights of this novel is Abreu's writing style. Translator Julia Sanches has maintained so many playful and downright funny slang terms that both girls use. The slang and matter-of-fact narration are what really make this book feel like an honest peek into someone else's childhood.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Physical abuse, Body shaming, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Violence, and Toxic friendship