“Dog” by Rob Perry intricately weaves the tale of Benjamin, an 18-year-old lad from the UK, whose life is riddled with anxieties, particularly about illnesses and germs, dictating his daily routines. Egged on by a mate from the local supermarket where they both clock in, Benjamin tentatively agrees to venture out to observe a stranded whale on the coastline, hoping to challenge his own boundaries.
Amidst this coastal odyssey, a scrappy stray dog, later christened Gary, unexpectedly befriends Benjamin, trotting alongside him all the way back to his humble caravan abode.

As Benjamin digs deeper into Gary’s past, uncovering the canine’s former life as a champion racing greyhound, he begins to fear for Gary and what his fate might be at the hands of owners once his racing days are behind him. This revelation sparks a whirlwind of adventures for Benjamin and Gary, thrusting them into a series of precarious situations. Benjamin’s literal interpretation of the world around him becomes increasingly apparent as he grapples with deciphering the intentions and actions of those in his orbit, including his well-meaning confidants.

Despite his struggles, Benjamin evokes genuine empathy and camaraderie from both readers and his companions, forging an unbreakable bond with Gary that transcends mere friendship. “Dog” emerges as a finely crafted portrait of life’s complexities, resonating deeply with the UK audience. Against the backdrop of a quaint coastal town during its quieter seasons, the novel paints a vivid picture of the rugged British shoreline, complete with its idyllic charm and unpredictable allure.

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