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Audiobook Downloadable / ISBN-13: 9781472289063

Price: £21.99

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‘Edgy, dark, funny and perceptive’ The Herald

‘Immensely readable’ Jo Brand

‘Brilliant’ The Sun

‘Vulnerable and raw’ Tom Allen

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.


Declan Dolan has always wanted to be a writer, turning the ideas that spiral in his head into stories on the page. He longs to emulate his hometown hero, renowned writer and actor, James Cavani. Though their lives couldn’t be more different, they have a lot more in common than they think.

With his pet labrador Hector and his best friend-turned-mentor Doof Doof by his side, Declan sets out to escape his world of binge-drinking, supermarket shelf-stacking and small-time gangsters. Meanwhile Cavani finds himself drawn back into this world that he thought he had already escaped.

Could it be that fate has a way of bringing two people together when they need it the most?

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Reviews

Edgy, dark, funny and perceptive ... and very sharply observed.
The Herald
One of the funniest stand-up comedians in world and now the author of a brilliant novel. Kevin's talent is starting to annoy me now.
Rob Beckett, comedian and author of A CLASS ACT
Immensely readable, fast moving and an insight into two sides of Kevin Bridges, I really enjoyed it. Kevin's warmth and wit shine through in his first novel. Never a dull moment and an array of engaging, quirky characters. A funny and absorbing read with some great insights into the world of negotiating being famous.
Jo Brand, comedian and author of CAN'T STAND UP FOR SITTING DOWN
I've just finished The Black Dog with a massive lump in my throat - what a brilliant book. Touching, raucous, visceral and really funny with some moments of real profundity.
Harriet Tyce, author of IT ENDS AT MIDNIGHT
I love this book. Brilliantly drawn, believable characters of raw heart and honesty. Cannot recommend enough.
Matt Coyne, author of MAN VS TODDLER
Vulnerable and raw - this is a beautiful debut novel from the king of comedic storytelling.
Tom Allen, comedian and author of TOO MUCH
It's funny (obviously) and dark (obviously) but tender and surprising, too.
Bobby Palmer, author of ISAAC AND THE EGG
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. I look forward to visiting his Michelin starred restaurant and living on his self-built space community. Everything that is great about Kevin's stand up - the characters he creates, the unapologetic root in working class life, the straddling of worlds - is what's great about this book.
Jon Richardson, comedian