The Black Dog: The life-affirming debut novel from one of Britain's most-loved comedians

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A life-affirming debut novel from one of Britain's most-loved comedians, Kevin Bridges - exploring dysfunctional friendships, family, and how to face your problems head on. The opening paragraphs are very much like that, and I was initially hesitant, however I found out the reason why and breathed a sigh of relief when I realised this was not throughout the whole book. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of f***ing b******s and c***s in this book however it did not come across as gratuitous but in line with typical Glaswegian humour and language. This may not translate well further than our shores but it worked for me. I felt that the whole thing was very visual – perhaps intentionally because of James’ occupation and Declan’s ambitions – but for every bit of part 6, I could see it all being played out on screen in all its sad and hilarious glory. It’s definitely something that would work well on TV. Kevin Bridges has made a name for himself as a stand-up comedian and grew up in Clydebank - so not technically Glasgow , but close enough to have a good understanding of the kindof lives described in this story. The are elements of humour but very much from the darker end of the spectrum, and some of the language and behaviour reflects the toxic masculinity and misogyny that can be rife in small town communities in the west of Scotland.

Declan was just a wee lamb! Trying to hold it all together but struggling with anxiety and doubt. I loved his character growth. His mum and sister were amazing too. Doof Doof was the friend that everybody needs! He was just such an amazing character and supportive friend. I know he was more of a side character but he was my favourite character and I want only amazing things for him. Even the ‘baddies’ felt realistic. It would have been so easy to make them caricature gangsters. This is an odd, but entertaining story about a family who perceives a dog to be bigger and bigger until the smallest child finally goes out to meet him. It is a wonderful tale about confronting fears and how some things can appear to be more terrible than they really are.Le illustrazioni sono qualcosa di fenomenale, ricchissime di dettagli ed estremamente suggestive, proprio come in una fiaba. Si potrebbe guardare ogni disegno per ore, perché i dettagli sono così numerosi e particolareggiati, interessanti, curiosi, simpatici che anche il più piccolo angolo della pagina racchiude una storia in sé. Le illustrazioni colorate sono bellissime, con il loro contrasto tra i colori caldi e saturi degli interni e il freddo delle ambientazioni esterne, dove a prevalere sono il bianco della neve e il nero del cane ,con la sola eccezione del puntolino giallo che è il cappottino di Small Hope, che sembra quasi dipingere con i suoi saltelli e le sue corse il paesaggio, portando il colore e il calore della famiglia anche nei luoghi desolati e freddi dove si trova il cane nero. This book was written, like many from people who are not considered novelists, during the pandemic when many people had nothing else to whilst at home so I am not sure whether we will get any more from Mr Bridges but I certainly hope we do and I would love to follow Declan on his journey ahead.

And although I was eager to find out the fate of our characters, the plot sometimes felt as though it dragged along without purpose. A strong start and an excellent ending, but somewhere in the middle I began to lose concentration. On the surface, Declan and James have little in common – they grew up in the same town, sure, but one is an internationally known writer/director/actor, and the other is cruising through college and nights in the pub. They are both at crossroads in their lives, but whether they are taking the right path remains to be seen.The pictures are nicely detailed and really help tell the story. I loved the figurines scattered throughout the house, especially the numerous little owls and the two shisa dogs posted outside the front door. Alongside painting, Levi writes stories in his spare time. Since graduating from University in 2006, Levi has worked as a self employed illustrator. The Django, his debut picture book, is inspired by Levi's love of music. The story itself is well told and is full of Bridges' trademark wit and humour. I enjoyed the fact that, despite some of the language, it was a subtle story of one young man's search for himself in a place where he does not fit in with the crowd. There is no sensationalism or glorification of drugs, crime or violence in the way that some portray in Glasgow in film, TV and novels and there are some excellent characters in the book who act as true friends to Declan. A truly brilliant book, the best ARC I’ve read this year, a sure in for my top 10 books of the year.

Our list of contributors is second to none, and includes numerous award-winning authors and scholars. Some of our past contributors include F. Paul Wilson, Bill Pronzini, Robert Weinberg, James Reasoner, Bill Crider, Robert J. Randisi, Gerry Conway, and Will Murray.This book is funny, heartwarming, touching, moving, smart and just brilliant in both terms of the plot and characters. I am still laughing at the ending, a true laugh out loud read.

One of Glasgow’s most strongly held opinions is that Kevin Bridges is an excellent storyteller. As you sit in the audience at one of his shows, you are being taken on a journey through Kevin’s mind as he weaves hilarious tales for you, bringing you along with him to familiar places and introducing you to people who you would come across anywhere in Scotland.The idea for the book was scribbled shortly after the tragic event of 9/11, while living in New York. I didn’t wake up on Sept 12 th and think ‘I’m going to change my life!’ It was more a period of osmosis. I realised that life can be intrinsically short and that I’d been doing life, not living it. This was in many thanks to the unwanted companion trotting along beside me for many years. James Cavani - Declan's idol and his hometown's claim to fame - is a renowned writer, director and actor. But despite his success, his past hasn't relinquished its hold of him, and through his younger sister's battle with drug addiction, he finds himself returning to a world he thought he had escaped. The language used is very Glasgow but not over done, it is one the few books set Glasgow that uses language that is widely spoken in Glasgow. I’ve never enjoyed a scene involving a running race quite as much as in this book! I genuinely cried with laughter.