The Black Dog: The life-affirming debut novel from one of Britain's most-loved comedians

Product Information

This is not a comedy novel by a comedian - Kevin has been candid in the past around his own struggles with mental health and his debut novel reflects this. A life-affirming debut novel from one of Britain’s most-loved comedians, Kevin Bridges – exploring dysfunctional friendships, family, and how to face your problems head on.

The Black Dog by Kevin Bridges | Hachette UK

There’s been a lot about Kevin Bridges in the press at the moment, thanks to the release of this, his debut novel, and he has been very upfront in talking about his own struggles with poor mental health, so that perhaps gives you an indication that this book features mental health very heavily as the motivation behind much of what the main characters do.He meets people who recognize him, one a successful but dissatisfied gangster, but much of this section is taken up with his sister’s backstory, something that would have been better done more briefly. When picking up this book to read, I guess I paid too much attention to the fact that it was written by a comedian, and not enough to the title. I especially loved Declan, as I’m also living with anxiety on the daily and I love seeing this rep in books, I just wanted to give Declan a big cuddle and try to quiet his doubts and anxieties. Publishers must know that the name alone will sell books and it is much lower risk for them than taking a punt on someone unknown.

The Black Dog by Kevin Bridges - It Takes A Woman Book Review: The Black Dog by Kevin Bridges - It Takes A Woman

I enjoyed the character development and overall the story is entertaining and engaging although I did feel it was slow in parts.A very easy to read book with compelling characters which dealt with some heavy themes, but kept me chuckling through it. There, his path crosses Cavani’s, as the star is visiting his sister, who struggles with drug addiction. 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. There is no sensationalism or glorification of drugs, crime or violence in the way that some portray in Glasgow in film, TV and novels and there are some excellent characters in the book who act as true friends to Declan. Unfortunately, it was neither of these things - a dull read, with no development of plot even by the halfway stage, which is when I abandoned it.