Contemporary
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When Nina finds herself tutting at small children she realises she’s turning into someone she doesn’t like very much: small-minded, impatient and disapproving.
She used to have people to care for. But her adored husband died years ago, her son is grown up and friends have long since drifted away. Nobody needs her.
She still finds joy in the changing seasons, walks by the Thames and watching dogs chase squirrels in the park. But at times the emptiness of life overwhelms her.
A chance encounter with a new neighbour brings one of the squirrel hunters to her door. Neville is an irresistible mass of orange fur and chaotic enthusiasm. Soon Nina and Neville are regulars among the friendly world of local dog walkers.
Then her mother has a bad fall. Nina rushes to Cornwall to help. She feels needed again. Is there still room in her life for her own friends and an excitable orange dog?
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You know it's a good book when you think about the characters when you've had to interrupt your reading to walk the dog, go to class, turn the light out (much later than usual because you just wanted to stay immersed in the story). And when you slow down towards the end because you don't want to finish the book. It's full of beautiful observation, poignant moments and internal musings on the little joys and irritations of everyday life, written with a clear voice. I just love it.
There’s something wonderfully burnished in the writing here, a feeling that the author is hyper-observant of daily life, its comedic and its poignant moments. A story to savour.
A beautiful book, full of understated wit which had me laughing out loud at some points. Characters are engaging and believable and there are very relatable reflections on friendship, lonelines, motherhood and what it means to have to find your bearings in a new chapter in life. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This was a very enjoyable read that pulled me in straight away, about Nina, a mid-lifer who’s stuck in a rut after years of focusing on others. Life has become pretty small and she’s resistant to change until Neville, the unruly orange dog of the title, upends her routine. Out of chaos comes connection and purpose. The story felt real and relatable and Neville adds a lot of charm and humour. I found myself rooting for both of them, each getting a second chance at life.
I spent the weekend engrossed in this very readable book. The humorous view of human nature is sustained throughout and I cared about the characters and what happened to them when faced with very real problems.
