crazybooklady_'s review
4.0
I couldn't help myself with this collection of inter-related short stories set in local Mount Barker in the Adelaide Hills. These stories are full of Adelaide-isms so definitely one to read if you have lived in Adelaide or the surrounding hills at some point in your life. These short stories tell the struggle of a once rural town in the midst of it's shift to a thriving suburbia and the invasion of shoe-box subdivisions.
I really enjoyed the eclectic mix of characters. In Barking Dogs we get all ages, genders and walks of life. Some characters are all too likeable, some not so much. I really enjoyed trying to pieces together all the connections and little mysteries contained within the threads of the stories. Barking Dogs is an honest representation of real life - the ups and the downs, the tragedies and struggles and of course the simple pleasures.
There is a great little twist at the end of the collection, something that ties it all together. This was a collection of stories that I could pick up again and again and glean something new from it each time. An enjoyable, fun little treasure of everyday suburban life and one I recommend to try even if you haven't read short stories before, a new adventure worth trying. I give Barking Dogs four suburban houses.
I really enjoyed the eclectic mix of characters. In Barking Dogs we get all ages, genders and walks of life. Some characters are all too likeable, some not so much. I really enjoyed trying to pieces together all the connections and little mysteries contained within the threads of the stories. Barking Dogs is an honest representation of real life - the ups and the downs, the tragedies and struggles and of course the simple pleasures.
There is a great little twist at the end of the collection, something that ties it all together. This was a collection of stories that I could pick up again and again and glean something new from it each time. An enjoyable, fun little treasure of everyday suburban life and one I recommend to try even if you haven't read short stories before, a new adventure worth trying. I give Barking Dogs four suburban houses.
laurenbdavis's review
5.0
A truly impressive collection from a debut writer. Clarkson not only has great insight, but also considerable writing chops. Her voice is identifiable-- clear, unadorned, always at the service of her stories. There is a sense of over-arching vision in the work; although the stories aren't connected by character, the reader is aware Clarkson has her eye on a wide field.
I recommend the book, and also this review... https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.smh.com.au/entertainment/books/barking-dogs-review-rebekah-clarksons-impressive-debut-collection-of-stories-20170209-gu9hwz.html
I recommend the book, and also this review... https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.smh.com.au/entertainment/books/barking-dogs-review-rebekah-clarksons-impressive-debut-collection-of-stories-20170209-gu9hwz.html
bookedandborrowed's review
2.0
I feel ambivalent about Barking Dogs. I agree with the criticism from others that these stories are good but not great, and I feel that as a collection they lacked potency. There were enough passages within each story that read as beautiful snapshots of observation to encourage met to finish the book, but I didn't connect with any of the characters; I doubt this will prove to be a memorable read for me.
wtb_michael's review
3.0
A collection of interlinked stories painting a portrait of Mt Barker, a small SA town. The links between the stories were pretty inessential - really just making the point that the book was as much about the town as about any of the individual characters. The stories come from a range of perspectives and tackle classic themes: family, loneliness and death but especially the trials and tribulations of suburbia - the shoddy McMansions, annoying neighbours and loneliness of living in the cookie cutter developments that surround Australia's cities. I found too many of the stories lacking in any real hook to draw me in - they're 'good' stories, but I wasn't moved of affected by many of them. A solid debut from a promising writer.
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