Book Review: The Last Family in England by Matt Haig

The blurb

Meet the Hunter family: Adam, Kate, and their children Hal and Charlotte. And Prince, their Labrador.

Prince is an earnest young dog, striving hard to live up to the tenets of the Labrador Pact (Remain Loyal to Your Human Masters, Serve and Protect Your Family at Any Cost). Other dogs, led by the Springer Spaniels, have revolted. As things in the Hunter family begin to go badly awry – marital breakdown, rowdy teenage parties, attempted suicide – Prince’s responsibilities threaten to overwhelm him and he is forced to break the Labrador Pact and take desperate action to save his Family.

My thoughts

Just a quick 5 minute book review from me today as this was our book club choice for September so I am somewhat behind!!

As I said, I read this in September and as I’m not a dog lover I wasn’t really expecting to enjoy it as the whole story is told from Prince, the dog’s, perspective. However, I was quite surprised.

The first thing I thought was isn’t Prince an intuitive, well spoken, intelligent dog!! His narration and observations of his family’s everyday and not so everyday activities will amuse but there also mysteries to be solved.

I found the story often sad and a bit depressing, watching the decline of the family through their pet’s eyes, but it isn’t without the occasional laugh out loud moment. One scene in particular, I very nearly spat out my tea!

An enjoyable read and if you have a dog then you should read this book – you’ll never be able to look at your dog in the same way again!

Book links: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Author links: Twitter | Website

Small print for info
Source: Library
No of pages: 304
Publisher: Canongate