Title: Started Early, Took My Dog
Author: Kate Atkinson
First published January 1, 2010
350 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780385608022 (ISBN10: 0385608020)
Rating: 3.92
Overview
In Kate Atkinson’s Started Early, Took My Dog, Tracy Waterhouse, a retired police detective, finds herself making a life-altering decision when she comes across a young child being dragged through town by a habitual offender. Suddenly, Tracy is burdened with the responsibility of caring for the child and quickly realizes that her lack of parental experience is the least of her worries.
Alongside Tracy, Jackson Brodie sets out to rescue an abused dog, but soon learns that his good deed may not go unpunished. This gripping novel explores the consequences of impulsive decisions and the unforeseeable challenges that life can throw at us.
About the Author
Kate Atkinson, a native of York, now resides in Edinburgh where she pursues her passion for writing. She made her literary debut with Behind the Scenes at the Museum, which won the prestigious Whitbread Book of the Year Award.
Since then, she has been a highly praised, internationally acclaimed author.
Atkinson has authored a collection of short stories named Not the End of the World, and several highly acclaimed novels including Case Histories, One Good Turn and When Will There Be Good News. Her works have won numerous awards such as the Saltire Book of the Year Award and the Prix Westminster.
Kate Atkinson introduced readers to Jackson Brodie, a former police inspector turned private investigator, in her work Case Histories. The novel was voted Richard & Judy Book Best Read of the Year.
This was Atkinson’s third novel featuring Jackson Brodie, and he makes a triumphant return in her latest work.
Editoral Review
Kate Atkinson’s Started Early, Took My Dog is a mesmerizing novel that explores the complex and interconnected lives of four individuals, all grappling with personal demons and past traumas in their own ways. This book was first published on January 1, 2010, and it immediately became one of the most popular reads of the year.
Atkinson’s masterful storytelling and vivid characterizations take readers on a journey that is at once thrilling, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant. As a British author, Atkinson has made a name for herself over the years by writing books that are genre-defying, combining elements of mystery, crime, and literary fiction with aplomb.
In Started Early, Took My Dog, she continues this trend, weaving together multiple storylines to create a rich tapestry of characters and settings. The novel is set in both the present day and the past, moving back and forth seamlessly to show how the characters’ lives intersect over time.
At the heart of the novel is Jackson Brodie, a retired police inspector who is struggling to come to terms with his own past mistakes and personal losses. Brodie is a deeply flawed but sympathetic character who serves as the novel’s anchor, as he navigates the twists and turns of the plot while grappling with his own inner demons.
Throughout the novel, Atkinson skillfully crafts each character’s voice and backstory, creating a sense of emotional intimacy with each of them. The setting of the novel is equally vivid, with Atkinson painting a picture of the gritty streets and seedy underbelly of Leeds, England.
At the same time, she also reveals the beauty of the landscapes and people, giving readers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people trying to make their way in a harsh world. At its core, Started Early, Took My Dog is a novel about family, love, loss, and redemption.
There are moments of sadness and heartbreak, as well as moments of levity and humor, all woven together with a deft touch by Atkinson. The plot unfolds slowly and deliberately, building tension and suspense as it moves towards its dramatic and satisfying conclusion.
While there is much to praise about Started Early, Took My Dog, there are also a few flaws to be found. At times, the novel can feel a bit too sprawling and complicated, with too many characters and plotlines vying for attention.
Additionally, the pacing can be slow in places, with some readers potentially finding the novel to be a bit too meandering or unfocused. Despite these limitations, however, Started Early, Took My Dog remains an engrossing and worthwhile read.
Atkinson’s prose is consistently beautiful and evocative, her characters are inhabited with realism and depth, and her themes are universal and thought-provoking. This book is sure to please fans of Atkinson’s other works, as well as readers who are drawn to well-crafted and emotionally resonant fiction.
Overall, Started Early, Took My Dog receives a rating of four out of five stars. While it is not a perfect novel, it is an excellent example of contemporary literature at its finest.
With its complex characters, richly drawn settings, and poignant themes, this book is sure to appeal to a wide range of readers. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good page-turner that also leaves them with plenty to ponder long after the final chapter has ended.
