Navigating Life

Dog Days by Ericka Waller is a powerful contemporary novel that follows characters through the battle fields of life. It is heartbreaking, and also inspiring, showing the strength of the human spirit.

As the title suggests, dogs feature in the novel. For each human character, there is a canine companion who is unswervingly loyal, very perceptive, and who help their humans through some difficult days.

All the characters are uniquely drawn. They are likable and believable, bringing out empathy within the reader.

We meet newly widowed George who has had the light go out in his life. “He’s furious with Ellen for dying.” George has to learn to live again. He has to learn that it is okay to smile again. His wife of forty years, knew just what George would need and therefore left him little notes in some of the most unusual places. “It doesn’t hurt less exactly, it just is, and there is nothing George can do about it.” Grief never goes away but exists side by side with life.

A character is struggling with life. Outwardly his life is sorted, but inwardly he is crumbling. He lacks confidence and struggles to be his true self. His canine companion offers unfailing love and support.