Waterstones Scottish Book of the Month for June 2023
The Black Dogis the exciting debut novel from one of Britain's most-loved comedians,Kevin Bridges.
Declan dreams of becoming a writer. It's a dream that helps him escape the realities of his life - going through the motions at college and stacking supermarket shelves part-time,whilst fighting a battle with the ever-darkening thoughts in his head.
He has his pet Labrador for companionship and his best friend-turned-mentor,a pseudo-intellectual who works as a greenskeeper at the local municipal golf course,both of which help keep the worst of his anxieties at bay. But following a drunken row with local gangsters,Declan's worries threaten to spiral out of control.
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.
At face value,their lives couldn't be more different,but perhaps fate has a way of bringing kindred spirits together - and perhaps each holds the other's redemption in their hands.
Publisher: Headline Publishing GroupISBN: 9781472289070Number of pages: 400Weight: 280 gDimensions: 196 x 128 x 28 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
'Edgy,dark,funny and perceptive... and very sharply observed.'- The Herald
'One of the funniest stand-up comedians in world and now the author of a brilliant novel. Kevin's talent is starting to annoy me now.'- Rob Beckett
'Immensely readable,fast moving and an insight into two sides of Kevin Bridges,I really enjoyed it. Kevin's warmth and wit shine through in his first novel. Never a dull moment and an array of engaging,quirky characters. A funny and absorbing read with some great insights into the world of negotiating being famous.'- Jo Brand
I've just finished The Black Dog with a massive lump in my throat - what a brilliant book. Touching,raucous,visceral and really funny with some moments of real profundity.'- Harriet Tyce
'I love this book. Brilliantly drawn,believable characters of raw heart and honesty. Cannot recommend enough.'- Matt Coyne
'Vulnerable and raw - this is a beautiful debut novel from the king of comedic storytelling.'- Tom Allen
'It's funny (obviously) and dark (obviously) but tender and surprising,too.'- Bobby Palmer
'Watching Kevin,I was sure he was born to be a stand-up comic,but reading his book it is clear he can do absolutely anything he sets his mind to. I look forward to visiting his Michelin starred restaurant and living on his self-built space community. Everything that is great about Kevin's stand up - the characters he creates,the unapologetic root in working class life,the straddling of worlds - is what's great about this book.'- Jon Richardson
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