So He Takes the Dog

Jonathan Buckley lives in Brighton. He is the author of four previous novels, ‘The Biography of Thomas Lang’ (1997), ‘Xerxes’ (1999), ‘Ghost MacIndoe’ (2001) and ‘Invisible’ (2004).

‘Brave, unsettling and brilliant.’ Independent‘Buckley manages [his story] with aplomb. There are some lovely, slightly unsettling images and a real sense of the rhythms of suburban life…George Orwell would almost certainly have approved.’ Observer‘Beautifully quiet…“So He Takes the Dog” is a testament to the power of the modest, the gracefulness of the still.’ Patrick Ness, Guardian‘A hugely satisfying read.’ Daily Express‘Buckley is expert at stringing together the tiny dramas of individual lives.’ Daily Mail‘Buckley’s novel is subtle and gently paced after the shock of a visceral opening…He writes with real compassion about both the victim and those touched by their proximity to human despair…The result is intensely moving and haunting. These fractured lives are too close to our own to make for comfortable reading, but it is testament to Buckley’s writing that we can’t look away.’ Time Out‘A very well written and beautifully observed piece of work…Buckley has a rare talent for putting the oddities of modern day life into the spotlight.’ Irish News‘Affecting, carefully crafted, quietly tumultuous. The elusiveness of our emotionally stunted sleuth is its greatest achievement.’ Times Literary Supplement