The Last Family In England

The Last Family In England - Matt Haig

Started: Sunday 26th July 2022

Finished: Sunday 26th July 2022

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ve had this book on my shelf for a while; Matt Haig is responsible for two of the most beautifully written books in my opinion - How To Stop Time and The Midnight Library.

This one however, was peculiar .

For a start, it didn’t make me cry. And by the end of the first chapter - I genuinely expected to. I wholeheartedly thought I’d be bawling my eyes out as I’m wont to do with these kind of books.

Instead, I was absolutely baffled.

The premise of the book is good. The Last Family In England is based on The Labrador Pact - To protect their family. It’s a stunning idea and way in which Prince behaves, he is a typical young dog. Wanting to love, seeking attention, diverting attention when he senses trouble. You can picture it all.

But something didn’t connect with me. I loved Prince, but the family around him - they were self serving and quite frankly predictable. But I guess that was the point?

Haig is a brilliant writer. As always, the emphasis on Mental Health is absolutely there. I admire him for this. But as opposed to The Midnight Library, even The Possession of Mr Cave, it didn’t quite come together.

I’m glad I read it. It gave me something to think about. Genuinely. And if anything if reaffirmed my belief in the Dogs quest to just Be Good. But I can clearly see why Haig’s other books have seen far more acclaim.

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