Dogsplaining is a fast-paced, witty comic novel centred on the floundering marriage of Morgan and Daisy Somerville. Morgan, a former war correspondent, is eating himself into an early grave. Daisy is staging a sex strike because of her husband’s obesity. In a desperate attempt to make him lose weight, save his life, and revive her marriage, Daisy secretly buys a puppy with dramatic consequences.

This intelligent, comedy stands out not least because it’snarrated by Bjørn, a beautiful, articulate, kind-hearted golden retriever. Despite Bjørn’s sensitive and considerate nature, as a dog, he has no filters, and therefore, no qualms about diving into society’s most contentious issues.

After an exposition of his genius, Bjørn details his journey into the heart of the Somervilles’ turbulent marriage. They are argumentative crisis consultants in late middle age, who, not content with fighting over his weight and her celibacy, provoke confrontations with their neighbours on Galahad Island, a riverside gated community.

The Somervilles’ would-be nemesis is Maurice Oxford, a retired accountant and world-class pedant, who ensures Galahad Island’s petty by-laws are enforced with an iron fist.

The tipping point comes after the Somervilles prevent the cancellation of Tommy Bentwaters, a divorce-prone rock star, and Daisy celebrates by suspending her sex strike with disastrous consequencs.

A constant theme is Morgan’s battle with his weight, and the problems that obesity generates. Dogsplaining also pokes gentle fun at Brexit Britain, and addresses issues that baffle older generations.

Dogsplaining is rooted in the latest science relating to dogs and their relationship with humans. The main premise is that while scientists recognise the intelligence of mankind’s best friend, they have in fact, under-estimated just how smart dogs really are. The ultimate moral is that humans’ physical and mental welfare are greatly enhanced by owning a dog.

Malcolm Brabant

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