Review by Freya Bennett
After being sent Georgia Blain’s book of short stories We All Lived in Bondi Then, I was desperate to read more of her work. I spoke of the bittersweet nature of discovering an author I adore only to realise she passed away in 2016 and reading Between a Wolf and a Dog offered a similar feeling. Georgia was an author whose writing is exactly what I look for in a book. Writing that is so good, it almost disappears, making way for the story to be told.
Between a Wolf and a Dog offers a profound exploration of the complexities of human connections amidst looming uncertainties. Georgia masterfully weaves together the lives of a family, each member grappling with their own demons and desires. The novel delves deep into the intricacies of love, loss, and the fragile threads that bind us together. Blain’s prose is both lyrical and poignant, drawing readers into the intimate world of her characters with remarkable empathy and love.
Through her vividly drawn characters and their interwoven narratives, Georgia skillfully navigates themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the unyielding resilience of the human spirit. The looming end serves as a powerful metaphor for the inevitable challenges and uncertainties that life presents, making the novel’s exploration of familial bonds and personal growth all the more poignant. Such a beautifully crafted novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page, reminding us of the enduring power of love and the indomitable strength found in the human spirit.
