Mr Chartwell by Rebecca Hunt: review
Can a Black Dog be disowned, put out of the house, banished? Esther is dispatched to Chartwell as a temporary secretary, and it's only when her depression collides with Sir Winston's that the old man's fighting spirit struggles to revive them both. But this dog has tasted blood, and won't slink off without a struggle. After all, as the relentless animal admits, "I am not benign.
Mr. Chartwell
I'm a dog with the hunger of a dog and I am compelled by it. This is a space where subscribers can engage with each other and Globe staff. Non-subscribers can read and sort comments but will not be able to engage with them in any way. Click here to subscribe.
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Mr. Chartwell by Rebecca Hunt
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Anthony Cummins on Mr Chartwell by Rebecca Hunt, a debut novel about Churchill's black dog
All comments will be reviewed by one or more moderators before being posted to the site. This should only take a few moments. Treat others as you wish to be treated Criticize ideas, not people Stay on topic Avoid the use of toxic and offensive language Flag bad behaviour Comments that violate our community guidelines will be removed. Black Pat draped over his knees and thighs. Black Pat would not be roused.
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He was trapped underneath, imprisoned in a maroon armchair. The only one who answers her ad, though, is a slovenly black dog. Hunt handles this absurd encounter just right, in the spirit of Jose Saramago. Esther feels alarmed but also too polite to say anything rude to a guest, even a canine guest. And how brilliantly Hunt portrays Black Pat. All you have to do is consent. I know it sounds maudlin, even obscenely silly, a grown-up version of Eeyore who encourages people to slit their wrists and swallow pills.
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