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Hard drugs, reincarnation and nomadic roof people are just three of the waves of interest that wash over this cultured novel, and make it the involved and intriguing proposition it is.
Based in the underworld of Barcelona and inspired by the characters and legends that define the area, our protagonist, Lucas, receives a mysterious postcard that leads to a steamy love affair, involvement with a long-forgotten religious cult and, without wanting to give too much away, an adventure to the very limits of human understanding.
Skipping between perspective, tense and chronology, Gwyn delights in hiding overall plot clarity in the shadows of mystery, but The Colour of a Dog Running Away suffers no real detriment to the story from this narrative ambiguity. Indeed, the untrustworthy tone of Lucas’s voice is vividly depicted, but fragile, and raises intriguing questions which really add depth to the already fascinating novel. Unmistakably tinged with the confusion of a suffering alcoholic, how much can we believe of the incredible events that happened to him?
Overall, this well written, dark and at some times wildly unpredictable book is a treat for the reader looking for genuine, built-up excitement. Experience two worlds brought together in a troubled mind and the resulting panic, obsession and gnawing unease that Gwyn so effortlessly creates.
Jack Clothier
It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgement should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council.
Gellir defnyddio’r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatad Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru.
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"This book literally kept me gripped until the very end. The whole story wasn't like anything I'd ever read before, successfully revealing to the reader the underworld of Barcelona while we watch a touching love story unfold.
The story weaves together an interesting mix of characters and settings - from Spanish drunks in the slums of Barcelona to a serene and calm setting in the mountains, which hide a strict religious cult from the eyes of the world. The characters themselves seem to linger in the mind long after you have read it.
If you like stories that stand out on their own for being different, or if you want to be shown an entirely different yet believable world, then consider this book - I promise you won’t be disappointed.
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