spacecars's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Abandonment, Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Grief, Gaslighting, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Medical content
Minor: Stalking
kirstym25's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-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
3.5
Graphic: Death and Grief
serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-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
2.75
Of all the books on the Women’s Prize longlist The Dog of the North was the one, based on its synopsis, cover and the judges’s comments, that appealed to me the least. But I was keen to read it and did so with an open mind. I’m an older woman and I’d love to travel around in a camper van so hoped to enjoy those aspects of the novel. Unfortunately it just wasn’t for me. I didn’t really like any of the characters; nor did I find them interesting. The plot didn’t hold my attention- I found much of it artificial and overly dramatic - and the road trip in the camper van aspect was only a small part of the overall story. The writing was …fine I guess. It didn’t wow me, but didn’t grate or annoy me either. In short I didn’t care, even about events, like the death of a character, that I should have. The story is meant to be humourous. The judges described it as “incredibly funny” and “a hoot”. I guess my sense of humour differs from that of the judges. I should have DNF’d but hoped I’d discover whatever merits the judges saw. I never did. While this wasn’t the book for me and I wasn’t the right reader for it I hope it’s longlisting helps put it in the hands of those readers who will appreciate it.
Graphic: Death and Grief
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