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It’s understandable he might want to try a different persona as a writer. But the one he’s used comes across as self-indulgent and kinda dull. Like he’s trying too hard to show off his literary skills, and forgetting it’s story that readers want. 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. The characters in this are relatable, realistic and honest. Declan feels like everything is on top of him and he has no meaning to his life. His life feels mundane and he is desperate to do more. Kevin writes about Declan’s pain and feelings so vividly and I loved how he portrayed James and how the celebrity life isn’t for everyone. I really hope he writes more books like this as he certainly is a talented writer as well as a brilliant comedian. This was such an enjoyable book. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Black Dog by Kevin Bridges | Waterstones The Black Dog by Kevin Bridges | Waterstones
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.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.
The Black Dog by Kevin Bridges - REVIEW - The Coycaterpillar The Black Dog by Kevin Bridges - REVIEW - The Coycaterpillar
It makes it surprisingly boring. The 2 main characters were just about OK, but felt a bit cliched. Plus, there’s a whole load of secondary characters who other than maybe Declan’s mate Doof Doof (great name) and his mum, don’t really add much to the story. For example, we mostly hear about James’s wife and his sister through his inner thoughts. Neither ever really feel like very fleshed out characters. 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.But I kinda hated the fact that there were no chapters which made it hard to break. There are obvious natural breaks but it still made it hard to work out reading time and when to stop. First, there’s Declan attending a creative writing class with a load of middle class pretentious types, having them not enjoy his more working class short story, and then him getting drunk afterwards. This brings him into conflict with a couple of local drug dealers, including a former friend who now acts like he doesn’t know him anymore. He ends up getting beaten up. 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. Meanwhile we follow James, a renowned actor, writer, and director who hails from the same town as Declan. Chalk and cheese they are, but a chance meeting... well, if I told you what that sparked, that'd be spoiling things... I have read quite a few books recently from celebrities, particularly comedians. It seems to be an assumption that someone who is funny in a stand-up routine can seamlessly transfer those skills to paper. I don't know where I stand on this phenomenon - part of me thinks its unfair on writers who must have an eternal struggle to get anything published. People who have worked and grafted tirelessly for years must be so frustrated to see someone famous come along and get their novel published on name recognition alone. Publishers must know that the name alone will sell books and it is much lower risk for them than taking a punt on someone unknown.
The Black Dog : Book reviews 2022 : Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide The Black Dog : Book reviews 2022 : Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide
Kevin Bridges is a comedian I find absolutely hilarious and this book isn’t actually what I expected. It was a very touching story that of course had funny moments but it had so much heart and soul to it. MyHome.ie (Opens in new window) • Top 1000 • The Gloss (Opens in new window) • Recruit Ireland (Opens in new window) • Irish Times Training (Opens in new window)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.
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