Reviews

Barking Dogs by Rebekah Clarkson

sneetsnort's review

4.0

This cycle of short stories set in Mt Barker perfectly captures the dysfunction of the suburban middle class in Australia. The way Clarkson nails the particular brand of Australian masculinity is impressive.

crazybooklady_'s review

4.0

I couldn't help myself with this collection of inter-related short stories set in local Mount Barker in the Adelaide Hills. These stories are full of Adelaide-isms so definitely one to read if you have lived in Adelaide or the surrounding hills at some point in your life. These short stories tell the struggle of a once rural town in the midst of it's shift to a thriving suburbia and the invasion of shoe-box subdivisions.



I really enjoyed the eclectic mix of characters. In Barking Dogs we get all ages, genders and walks of life. Some characters are all too likeable, some not so much. I really enjoyed trying to pieces together all the connections and little mysteries contained within the threads of the stories. Barking Dogs is an honest representation of real life - the ups and the downs, the tragedies and struggles and of course the simple pleasures. 



There is a great little twist at the end of the collection, something that ties it all together. This was a collection of stories that I could pick up again and again and glean something new from it each time. An enjoyable, fun little treasure of everyday suburban life and one I recommend to try even if you haven't read short stories before, a new adventure worth trying. I give Barking Dogs four suburban houses. 

laurenbdavis's review

5.0

A truly impressive collection from a debut writer. Clarkson not only has great insight, but also considerable writing chops. Her voice is identifiable-- clear, unadorned, always at the service of her stories. There is a sense of over-arching vision in the work; although the stories aren't connected by character, the reader is aware Clarkson has her eye on a wide field.

I recommend the book, and also this review... https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.smh.com.au/entertainment/books/barking-dogs-review-rebekah-clarksons-impressive-debut-collection-of-stories-20170209-gu9hwz.html

bookedandborrowed's review

2.0

I feel ambivalent about Barking Dogs. I agree with the criticism from others that these stories are good but not great, and I feel that as a collection they lacked potency. There were enough passages within each story that read as beautiful snapshots of observation to encourage met to finish the book, but I didn't connect with any of the characters; I doubt this will prove to be a memorable read for me.

jmvelvet's review

4.0

A delightful return to short fiction

wtb_michael's review

3.0

A collection of interlinked stories painting a portrait of Mt Barker, a small SA town. The links between the stories were pretty inessential - really just making the point that the book was as much about the town as about any of the individual characters. The stories come from a range of perspectives and tackle classic themes: family, loneliness and death but especially the trials and tribulations of suburbia - the shoddy McMansions, annoying neighbours and loneliness of living in the cookie cutter developments that surround Australia's cities. I found too many of the stories lacking in any real hook to draw me in - they're 'good' stories, but I wasn't moved of affected by many of them. A solid debut from a promising writer.