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Sand Dog
Grandfather had been gone for two years but I never thought it would be an ordinary day he’d come back, like a Monday or a Tuesday… I always knew he’d return across the water, triumphing over a few monsters on the way, I just didn’t know when… When Azi’s grandfather leaves their small Mediterranean island, Azi waits every day for him to return. The arrival of a nesting turtle and a tall sandy dog convinces Azi that it must mean that Grandfather is on his way. As Azi digs deeper into the past, he begins to unravel hidden secrets and starts to find out just how alike he and his grandfather really are. And without him, Azi knows he will never feel complete…
272 pages, Paperback
Published May 31, 2018
About the author
Sarah Lean
23 books115 followersMy fascination with animals began when I was aged 8 and a stray cat walked in the back door and decided to adopt me. As a child, I wanted to be a writer and used to dictate stories to my mother, but eventually I bought a laptop and decided I could type them myself. I live in Dorset and share the space around my desk with two dogs, Harry and Coco. MA in Creative and Critical Writing from University of Winchester.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 9, 2018
An odd book with a lovely message about being true to yourself, and finding where you belong. I struggled, however, to connect with the protagonist's voice and felt that the story lost its way a little. Interesting enough, but not a favourite
March 25, 2019
This book has a beautiful message, which is about finding where you belong and the power of memory.
From my point of view, the book was a very simple easy read, however, the plot lacked. I believe that the writer was considerably unsuccessful in trying to engage the reader to a great extent, for example, this could be done by enhancing the story’s complication or expanding more on Beth & the dog. The leaving of both of them left a much weaker emotion on the reader than it should have, their leaving seemed to be relatively pointless for the protagonist, they were simply a part of a message or some clues. The ending appeared to be rushed, and although the writer tried to convey a sense of belonging by Azi’s eloquent mood, it was definitely not a climax although that was what the story’s climax must have been as Azi’s longing drags for so long and is always there. I feel the clues of the story meant very little to the reader and I feel that the uncle could be expanded more in terms of his care. I think it would be more effective if the writer Showed and Didn’t tell. Azi’s longing drags very slowly throughout and is not enough for a drive- for the reader- in the story.
On the whole, there are very few ideas, and were dragged on throughout, repeated, which as a result, formed a weak plot/story. The book is very slow paced with almost no action, it is quite monotonous. I kept reading to find out the end, which was very disappointed as Azi wasn’t shown as excited or shocked or amazed, simply felt comfortable with his Grandfather, which was not enough for the reader. I don’t think the story, as it is, is enough for a book, but simply a short story.
However, Nature was described beautifully and there is some amazing descriptive writing, ie. ‘the golden sun in my blue sky’-the possessive ‘my’. ‘The rest of the sun melting into the horizon’. - the metaphor ‘melting’ etc.
The writer had her own tone and Azi had his voice which were pleasant as the writer kept that throughout which also gave the book a gentle ambience and feel.
Furthermore, Beth, Sandy, and god bless the angel María, were all a lovely addition to the plot.
Finally, the message would be a graceful message if it were conveyed more effectively, but by the book the message was just a message, relatively okay.
I’d like to thank Lean for writing this book, I want this tone & voice to be conveyed in more detail and to a greater extent, there is so much potential!
From my point of view, the book was a very simple easy read, however, the plot lacked. I believe that the writer was considerably unsuccessful in trying to engage the reader to a great extent, for example, this could be done by enhancing the story’s complication or expanding more on Beth & the dog. The leaving of both of them left a much weaker emotion on the reader than it should have, their leaving seemed to be relatively pointless for the protagonist, they were simply a part of a message or some clues. The ending appeared to be rushed, and although the writer tried to convey a sense of belonging by Azi’s eloquent mood, it was definitely not a climax although that was what the story’s climax must have been as Azi’s longing drags for so long and is always there. I feel the clues of the story meant very little to the reader and I feel that the uncle could be expanded more in terms of his care. I think it would be more effective if the writer Showed and Didn’t tell. Azi’s longing drags very slowly throughout and is not enough for a drive- for the reader- in the story.
On the whole, there are very few ideas, and were dragged on throughout, repeated, which as a result, formed a weak plot/story. The book is very slow paced with almost no action, it is quite monotonous. I kept reading to find out the end, which was very disappointed as Azi wasn’t shown as excited or shocked or amazed, simply felt comfortable with his Grandfather, which was not enough for the reader. I don’t think the story, as it is, is enough for a book, but simply a short story.
However, Nature was described beautifully and there is some amazing descriptive writing, ie. ‘the golden sun in my blue sky’-the possessive ‘my’. ‘The rest of the sun melting into the horizon’. - the metaphor ‘melting’ etc.
The writer had her own tone and Azi had his voice which were pleasant as the writer kept that throughout which also gave the book a gentle ambience and feel.
Furthermore, Beth, Sandy, and god bless the angel María, were all a lovely addition to the plot.
Finally, the message would be a graceful message if it were conveyed more effectively, but by the book the message was just a message, relatively okay.
I’d like to thank Lean for writing this book, I want this tone & voice to be conveyed in more detail and to a greater extent, there is so much potential!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2018
This book took me by surprise with how beautiful it was. The story is narrated by Azi, a young boy living above his uncle's restaurant on a Mediterranean island. Until just a few years ago he lived with his grandfather in a cottage on the beach and spent most of his time on, in or near the sea. Then, something happened and his grandfather leaves...and Azi is now waiting for him to come back. Azi's grandfather taught him to read the signs of the sea so, when a turlte lays her eggs on the beach for the first time since the day before his grandfather left, Azi sees it as a sign that something is going to change. Then he finds a blue door, a British passport and a lonely, sand-coloured dog - all clues towards where Azi's grandfather is and pointing towards him coming back.
This is an incredibly poignant story, particularly as various things are revealed about Azi's past, and what happened before his grandfather left. I loved the way he spoke as if the sea had stories to tell, if only we listen and the friendship he develops with Rebecca and Sandy. I will be thinking about this book for a long time to come!
This is an incredibly poignant story, particularly as various things are revealed about Azi's past, and what happened before his grandfather left. I loved the way he spoke as if the sea had stories to tell, if only we listen and the friendship he develops with Rebecca and Sandy. I will be thinking about this book for a long time to come!
May 13, 2018
I received this as a free eBook from Netgalley. This does not affect my review.
A holiday dream of a story with an undercurrent which gently pulls you in and draws you to the ending refreshed and sighing happily, but with a far deeper understanding of what home means. Azi has lived on the island with his Grandfather all his life: he came from the sea to a man of the sea, although he doesn't really understand what that means. Two years ago, Grandfather abruptly left, and Azi's heart is now pulling hard to find him. He begins to search for signs that the sea sends to him, and receives a turtle, a sandy dog, and a girl named Beth. Together they work their way through the islands, searching for Sandy's owners, Azi's Grandfather, and all the little pieces of Azi which make up a much larger story.
The Sand Dog is a beautiful, gentle book which allows the reader to gradually see how lives cross and expand to become parts of a greater whole. Highly recommended.
A holiday dream of a story with an undercurrent which gently pulls you in and draws you to the ending refreshed and sighing happily, but with a far deeper understanding of what home means. Azi has lived on the island with his Grandfather all his life: he came from the sea to a man of the sea, although he doesn't really understand what that means. Two years ago, Grandfather abruptly left, and Azi's heart is now pulling hard to find him. He begins to search for signs that the sea sends to him, and receives a turtle, a sandy dog, and a girl named Beth. Together they work their way through the islands, searching for Sandy's owners, Azi's Grandfather, and all the little pieces of Azi which make up a much larger story.
The Sand Dog is a beautiful, gentle book which allows the reader to gradually see how lives cross and expand to become parts of a greater whole. Highly recommended.
August 12, 2018
A canny little story about love and loss, friendship and relationships, set in a sunny island setting.
January 19, 2019
l liked that it was set in Greece! I really enjoyed it- it was thoughtful, comforting and reassuring.
June 1, 2019
The Sand Dog
#GoodreadsGiveaway
ISBN: 918-0-00-816581-9
I loved this book - from cover artwork and design to the very last word.
First I want to give a big shout out to the cover and illustrations artist, Jessica Courtney-Tickle (@jesscotickle and http://www.jessicatickle.co.uk/). The cover art captures the perfect amount of whimsy and warmth. I also want to highlight the cover designer, Katie Everson (https://www.katieeverson.com/ and https://www.katieeverson.co.uk/). I'm not in the publishing business but it seems to me that perhaps the best compliment to give the cover illustrator and designer is to see a book and say "I want to read that book." This was certainly the case with this book. I very much wanted to read this book and to visit the beach with the sand dog and the boy.
Thankfully the story inside the covers did not disappoint. The narrative which slowly reveals Azi's personal story, tackles a dizzying array of emotionally potent topics including a personal sense of place and belonging, profound loss, war, threatened species, addiction, and family relations and guilt. For some readers the emotional freight may prove to be too much. There is a lot to chew through, but Sarah Lean handles these issues with a lighter hand which keeps these weighty topics more accessible. I would have appreciated about 10-15 more pages added to the final chapters of the book. I think this would have allowed the resolution to develop at a more deliberate pace giving the reader more time to "sit with" the pervasive emotions of the story. This story lingered for days after the final sentence. I am glad to have been moved by Azi's story.
4 1/2 stars.
August 18, 2025
I enjoyed this story. The sense of hope that prevailed under trying circumstances was touching.
Azi found life tough. His grandfather had gone away and had not come back. He lived with his uncle now, and his uncle was shouty and not very affectionate.
Months and months went by, and still Grandfather did not come back. Azi sat by the sea waiting for him and saw signs in a floating door, a girl who befriended him and a homeless dog. It was teh dog that helped Azi maintain his optimistic view that his grandfather would come back. How did the dog help Azi?
Recommended for readers aged eight years adn older.
Azi found life tough. His grandfather had gone away and had not come back. He lived with his uncle now, and his uncle was shouty and not very affectionate.
Months and months went by, and still Grandfather did not come back. Azi sat by the sea waiting for him and saw signs in a floating door, a girl who befriended him and a homeless dog. It was teh dog that helped Azi maintain his optimistic view that his grandfather would come back. How did the dog help Azi?
Recommended for readers aged eight years adn older.
May 28, 2019
This was a good reads win. Poor Azi with the help of his friend Beth and a lost dog the they named Sandy looked for his grandfather who left suddenly two years prior. In this story a friendship was built and a lost dog was returned to his owners. Many little sea stories are told. This is a keeper for my grand kids and I to read together.
July 2, 2019
Would probably appeal more to kids under 11. Overall the book is alright, but not a particular favorite of mine. The story isn't too compelling and the characters seem very shallow at times.
On the positive side, the cover art is very appealing. The general story does have an air of lighthearted mystery through out. The setting is interesting and fun.
On the positive side, the cover art is very appealing. The general story does have an air of lighthearted mystery through out. The setting is interesting and fun.
July 10, 2019
This story did not compel me to read. I struggled through as friendship are made and secrets revealed. However, it may appeal to middle schoolers and certainly fits into a multicultural approach to literature.
October 17, 2020
I might be missing the point but what in the world happened in this book. Like it kept on teasing for an big adventure only to put it down chapters later. I was just sitting around waiting for something to happen.
March 23, 2023
A heart warming story of a boy trying to find his roots. It's about friendship and perseverance. Recommended for children aged 8 and above.
May 20, 2019
How do you write a middle grades novel dealing with the refugee crisis, gentrification, and alcoholism, just to name a few of the weighty topics touched upon in The Sand Dog, without being completely mawkish or treacly? Such is the prowess of Sarah Lean. It's a heavy, heavy book, one I would hesitate to recommend to just any child because of its serious subject matter. And, yet, it is so skillfully written that I think I could. I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways on Monday, May 20, 2019.
September 22, 2019
A story of friendship, love and loss, The Sand Dog chronicles the shared adventures and feelings of a boy and his new friend. It is beautifully written and other worldly, set on a small island where Azi is free to spend his life near and in the sea. It deals with knowing that someday you will have to part with what you love and that love is still worth it. It speaks to the very human need to belong and to understand where you come from. This story gently addresses the difficulties alcohol can cause. A lot of deeply felt feelings and wisdom are imparted in these pages. There are adventures and of course the sand dog plays his part, too.
This is a clean book on a fairly easy reading level. I received this book in a goodreads giveaway.
This is a clean book on a fairly easy reading level. I received this book in a goodreads giveaway.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews