The Colour Of A Dog Running Away-Debut novel by Richard Gwyn (The Colour of a Dog Running Away - Richard Gwyn)

Member Name: SpookyMoon

Product:	The Colour of a Dog Running Away - Richard Gwyn
Date:	07/05/09 (15 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Original & captivating.This book is an easy mixture of romance,philosophy&action .

Disadvantages: You never find out what the colour of a dog running away is.

This first novel by Welsh born writer Richard Gwyn was quite rightly acclaimed as the 'Best novel of the year' by The Bookseller. First published in 2005 by Parthian Books, this book really was a refreshing change to the other bestsellers of this year.

I came upon this book accidentally in Waterstones as I overhead a bearded bloke insulting the book to a friend of his who was considering buying it. He then proceeded to insult the Welsh for their overuse of consonants. As a f*ck you to the bearded guy, I decided to buy the book and I am bloody glad I did.

With hand on my heart I can honestly recommend this book. He writes like the love child of my two favourite writers; Milan Kundera and Paulo Coelho. The book is scattered with wisdoms and thought provoking philosophies that you will be dying to plaguerise as your own next time you are out with friends. Some of the thoughts and ideas he puts across are really unique and the kind that you wish you had come up with first. This was really one of those books I became incredibly excited about when I first read it. I think this normally happens when you discover something yourself and you havent previously heard any hype about the author/book. It somehow feels more yours. If that makes sense.

So anyway, back to the actual book! It's about a musician and translator called Lucas, who abandons his nomadic ways to settle down in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter. He recieves a postcard one day with a cryptic message on it. This catapults him into a love affair, a world of the Roof People and the a strange Cathar sect. There is no disguising it this plot is seriously weird in a very believable way and it certainly keeps you guessing throughout.

This book is definitely worth a read and it is clear to readers that Richard Gwyn has done his research with knowledge of the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona that exeeds that of a tourist. It really is an original story and I am certain you wont feel dissapointed you gave it a try.

Summary: This is the kind of book I wish I had written.