The Last Family in England - Matt Haig

Rating: 3

I must admit that I came across this book several times whilst stacking shelves in my old bookshop, but at a quick glance the cover always put me off. It wasn't until I was stuck on a ship in horrendous North Sea winter weather and had finished all the books I had brought with me, that I ventured over to the "bookshelf" and picked this title up. Having really looked at the front cover for the first time, and read the blurb on the back, I thought it looked better than the average Clive Cussler rubbish that we have on board, so I gave it a read.

I wasn't disappointed (probably because I didn't have high expectations!) as this was a charming read with some interesting ideas. You don't come across that many adult books written from a dog's point of view! It was amusing, with a sad and somewhat bittersweet ending, and I have recommended it to several dog lovers, but beyond that, its more of a book you stumble across while bored, rather than hunt down and look forward to. If you have a labrador or springer spaniel, you most definitely should give it a try, and it won't take you long at all! But if you are after a more intelligent, poignant and thoughtful canine read (though a little dark and melancholy), try Lorelai's Secret by Carolyn Parkhurst (US title: the Dogs of Babel).