The Dog’s Last Walk: (and Other Pieces)

British novelist and journalist Howard Jacobson has assembled almost one hundred of his reflective columns written for The Independent, the English publication which closed in 2016. This collection of essays that were published after 2010 in the now-defunct newspaper make up the contents of this book. The opening piece, “The Dog’s Last Walk,” summarizes the mood engendered by the demise of the newspaper. The series of short, two- to three-page essays vary in content and mood, dealing with political, racial, economic, and personal topics as it seemed to have suited the author. He challenges the reader to think with his quixotic challenging thoughts and dynamic command of language. Whether he talks about sex, civility, maintenance of dignity, gossip, changing customs, politics, illness, or other sundry topics, his writing captures one’s thoughts and forces the reader to consider his views. The author, like an amiable curmudgeon, raises issues that may not be politically correct, and that can be satirically biting, but also reveals his vulnerability to the sweet sadness found within the game of life. Unflinchingly, he duels with personalities like Mamet, Chomsky, Snowden, royalty, and others to bring these icons down to size. Filled with wit, wisdom, and incisive barbs, these mini-essays make up an enjoyable iconoclastic read.