Dogs of the Deadlands: SHORTLISTED FOR THE WEEK JUNIOR BOOK AWARDS

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Quite the unusual read, this – an unexpected drama set in a unique situation. The plot is split between Natasha, a young girl who has only just been given a brilliant white puppy when Chernobyl goes belly-up and her home is evacuated, and dog forced to stay behind, and Mother, a feral mistress of the hunt and the two survivors of her latest litter. To be fair, Natasha only crops up every few chapters as a reminder she's there, and we see the hole in her heart the abandonment of Pripyat and her pup created. The core thing is watching Mother, Misha and the semi-lame Bratan grow together as a family unit. And while they have each other they don't have it all their own way – lynx, bear and wolves are definite threats, and Bratan's hind legs hampering his speed don't help either.

Dogs of the Deadlands eBook by Anthony McGowan | Official Dogs of the Deadlands eBook by Anthony McGowan | Official

This is recommended for 10+ and I would definitely agree with this, as it doesn’t shy away from the hardships and reality of the dogs survival. Many poor creatures meet their ends in the name of dinner! The fight for supremacy in the wilds is often portrayed as realistically brutal too. Dogs of the Deadlands by Anthony McGowan is one of those books that is both savage and beautiful and I have no doubt will stay with me for a long time. The story begins on Natasha’s birthday where she gets the most amazing present of all: a little Samoyed puppy that she names Zoya. But disaster soon tears Natasha away from her puppy as the Chernobyl nuclear power plant’s reactor number 4 explodes and Natasha and her family must evacuate and leave everything behind, including Zoya. The Oxford festival is the most elegant and atmospheric of literary festivals. It’s a pleasure to both attend and perform there. I'm hoping McGowan has a comic or light-hearted book lined up for us next, I'm sure he needs it as much as we do! I loved the whole atmosphere of the Oxford Literary Festival. From breakfast, alongside some of the attendees, who were talking books with each other a mile a minute, to the public event at The Sheldonian where everyone was lively and engaged – I felt I had arrived in a kind of literary heaven.Undoubtedly, McGowan is an accomplished author. All the characters of the book are masterfully drawn, be they animals or humans. The bond between Misha and his brother, Bratan, is beautiful. Right from birth, their mother impressed upon Misha that he has to take care of his brother as his legs are misshapen. Misha never faltered from his duty. Surprisingly, Bratan had an unerring sense of familial loyalty as well. Time and again, he managed to surprise both his family and us. Indeed, he is one of my favorite characters. It was heartening to see the dogs braving the forests of the deadlands. In the absence of humans, the woods were filled with lynxes, bears, catfish, and wolves, along with other predators. All these animals were doing their best to survive. Hence, it was a dangerous place for everyone. Yet, friendships cropped up at the most unexpected times. It was fun to see Misha and Bratan befriend a bear, the sworn enemy of dogs and wolves. The bond among the animals on the farm was heart-touching as well. Shepherd, Terrier, Saluki, Laika, Scrag, Shorty, and Sokha were a motley bunch. Circumstances brought this crew together yet theirs was a bond not to be trifled with. The transformation of Laika was as intriguing to witness as the growing proximity between Misha and Saluki. McGowan did a wonderful job of creating a character like Natasha. The Chernobyl Disaster had left an indelible mark on her. She lost her smile and her faith in humanity. The way the author shows her character development is amazing. It was indeed a treat to see her finally rediscover her true self. I have to mention I was deeply moved by Katerina Sobal as well. The lonely yet kind recluse indeed appeared to be Baba Yaga to me. Growing up in the shadow of the ruined nuclear power plant, pups Misha and Bratan need to learn how to live wild—and fast. Creatures with sharp teeth, claws and yellow eyes lurk in the overgrown woods. And they’re watching the brothers… I came away buzzing and reassured that we still have in this century a wide ranging community fascinated not just by famous authors (I’ve rarely seen so many concentrated in one place) but by challenging ideas and questions.

Dogs of the Deadlands | BookTrust

Dogs are a man’s best friend. However, what happens when there are no men available for a dog to befriend? Do they survive and if they do then how? Conversely, what happens to a person who is compelled to lose their dog, their best friend? The story then follows Zoya, who finds life in the woods, starts a family, and then we see her son and his journey. It is a book about struggle, some of it very harsh as Misha tries to survive. It’s also about coming home and making a life even in the midst of hard times. We also see Natasha grow up and become a focused and sullen scientist, but one with deep wounds. Those wounds can only heal if she can take a step outside of herself and build the relationships she desperately needs.Chernobyl, 1986. The world is coming to an end. Dragged from her bed in the middle of the night, Natasha is forced to leave her beloved puppy behind and has no idea if she’ll ever return home. A stimulating and rewarding on-stage conversation; a lively informed and tolerant audience; privileged access to the great treasures of the Bodleian, and finally, wonderfully interesting dinner companions to help me conclude the best day I have enjoyed at any festival – anywhere. Dogs of the Deadlands will not be for everyone, but for those who are willing to go on this journey, it will be well worth the reading. Anthony McGowan has managed to capture a really pure type of animal communication here; the whole thing just works so well with the description and the simple inference of what's meant. The highs and lows have you celebrating and mourning in turn and it feels perfectly wrapped up. As much as I'd like to read more about Misha's later years the book just works with what's contained within it. Suspension of disbelief does come into play a little but honestly, I'm all there for it. It's a little like junior magical realism? It's perfect for me as I like to see hope overcome all the odds.

Dogs of the Deadlands | BookTrust Dogs of the Deadlands | BookTrust

This book’s strengths come in the tales of camaraderie and survival among the dogs and wolves, culminating regularly in small skirmishes and epic standoffs. The author spares no one harm, so the reader is kept in suspense to see whether their favorite dogs will make it through. Another strength is its setting; I read this in the summer in the US Midwest, but certainly you can feel the cold USSR (note: Chernobyl is in modern Ukraine) and its forests, including the area around Chernobyl, whose wildlife have had to adapt to more than just predators. There are also multiple coming-of-age stories within the main thread, done fairly well, especially as the dogs are concerned. Another strength is the sheer ambition of writing such a story, and the amount of research that likely went into both the area and the nature of dogs and wolves (and other wildlife). I feel like I know a lot more about my own dog after reading about Misha and the others!Amidst the gore and trauma is a remarkable and intimate story of loyalty and love, resilience, survival and hope. I sped through this though, caught up in visually arresting scenes of destroyed forests, starving and brutalised animals but also comradeship and loyalty, love and trust.