Description

Dog Days

Ericka Waller’s debut novel, Dog Days, delves into the lives of three individuals who are facing their struggles. George, a widower who is resistant to change, finds himself with a new companion in the form of a dachshund puppy named Poppy. Despite his initial reluctance, George’s interactions with Poppy slowly begin to soften his heart and help him navigate through his grief.

Dan, a therapist with OCD, has built a strong bond with his dog Fitz, finding solace and comfort in their relationship. However, when Atticus enters his life, Dan is forced to confront his own emotions and vulnerabilities. The dynamic between Dan, Fitz, and Atticus adds a layer of complexity to Dan’s character development, highlighting the power of human-animal connections in overcoming personal obstacles.

Lizzie, a woman scarred by her past and living in a women’s refuge with her son, Lenny, initially harbors a deep distrust towards dogs. However, as she interacts with Maud, the refuge’s dog, Lizzie’s walls crumble. The gradual transformation in Lizzie’s attitude towards dogs mirrors her journey towards healing and opening up to the world around her. Through the intertwined stories of George, Dan, and Lizzie, Dog Days explores themes of resilience, companionship, and the transformative impact dogs can have on human lives.

Reviews

“Gentle but poignant, moving but uplifting, suffused with different kinds of love and loss.”–Vanity Fair

“It takes great heart and a steady hand on the tiller to bring a set of characters―human and canine–to life on the page and Ericka Waller has both. With an equally deft hand at a compelling storyline, Waller draws the reader into this tender, complicated novel of love, loss and self-discovery.”-Susan Wilson, New York Times bestselling author of One Good Dog and What a Dog Knows

“Perfect for fans of A Man Called Ove and Eleanor Oliphant, Ericka Waller’s wonderful debut is both laugh-out-loud funny and immensely moving (it made me cry). Definitely one of my favourite novels of 2021, Dog Days is an absolute delight. I really hope Ericka is working on her next novel as I can’t wait to read more from her.”-AJ Pearce, author of Dear Mrs. Bird

“Dog Days is an emotional tour-de-force that will leave you with the whole-hearted understanding that dogs really do bring people (even the most unlikely of us) together.”-Annie England Noblin, author of Sit, Stay, Speak, and Pupcakes

“Dog Days is a Russian doll of a book that twists and tugs each outer husk, revealing delicate and poignant inner layers. Irascible old bastard George, with the soft core of a Scotch egg; Dan, a shy counsellor who keeps his jazz hands firmly lowered; Lizzie, a fragile, fact-loving mother weighed down by scars and secrets. It’s a soulful, lyrical tale that brings them – and their dogs – together in a satisfying whole. Such a treat.”-Beth Morrey, author of Saving Missy

“This was such an emotional read and the perfect mix of humour and heartache.”–Good Housekeeping

Ericka Waller

Residing in the vibrant city of Brighton, UK, Ericka Waller is a celebrated author who has garnered numerous awards for her literary works. Alongside her husband, three daughters, and a lively petting zoo, Waller finds inspiration in her bustling household. From a young age, she has been honing her craft, penning stories that captivate readers from all walks of life. Her first novel, Dog Days, marks the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable literary journey for this talented writer.