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My Irish Dog
SPENCER HELD ON to the faintest of hope, but still he knew the trip to Ireland had almost no prospect of remedying his internal dilemma. Then again, he never imagined that a chance meeting with a lost and dying dog named Shandy would change his life forever. Step into the small Irish village of Galbally, where the unwitting Spencer stumbles headfirst into a parallel world that will test his will, sanity, and even physical well-being. Time and promise are running out. Will unnatural forces and events scare Spencer away before he can connect again with the mysterious dog? Will he find his way forward before Shandy meets her inevitable fate? Or will suspicious locals and a nefarious Dublin innkeeper force Spencer from the village before he completes his life-altering mission? Follow Spencer as he races to save a little Irish dog named Shandy. If he only realized that it is Shandy who is trying to save him...
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2020
203 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Douglas C. Solvie
2 books6 followersSet in Ireland, Douglas Solvie's first two novels are a series that can be read stand-alone or in sequence. To get a true appreciation of the characters and their full backstories, reading them in order is the preferable option.
My Irish Dog is the debut novel (released in March 2020) and was motivated by a trip taken to Ireland and the chance discovery of a lost dog there. Its sequel, Shadows of My Irish Dog, will be released in the spring of 2024.
After spending most of his adult life living and working in Japan (and sometimes traveling to Ireland), Douglas now splits his time between Japan and his home in the United States. Taking a break from Irish settings, a third novel is in the works, this time the locale being the beautiful island of Hokkaido in northern Japan.
My Irish Dog is the debut novel (released in March 2020) and was motivated by a trip taken to Ireland and the chance discovery of a lost dog there. Its sequel, Shadows of My Irish Dog, will be released in the spring of 2024.
After spending most of his adult life living and working in Japan (and sometimes traveling to Ireland), Douglas now splits his time between Japan and his home in the United States. Taking a break from Irish settings, a third novel is in the works, this time the locale being the beautiful island of Hokkaido in northern Japan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 6, 2020
A lovely book about a guy who is out to discover himself in Ireland and a mysterious dog named Shandy.
I am a lover of all things Irish and Celtic. This book took me back to my times in Ireland and somehow I could smell the freshness of the grass.
Fun story that I recommend.
I am a lover of all things Irish and Celtic. This book took me back to my times in Ireland and somehow I could smell the freshness of the grass.
Fun story that I recommend.
January 9, 2022
Rounded up from 2.5 stars
I can see that I am in the minority, but this book was just not for me. It seemed like the author took every idea for a book and tried to cram it into one book, which caused me to feel like there was just too much going on. The book started off with Spencer's credit card being mysteriously declined at the first B&B (which created one story line that I feel like was not necessary and wrapped up in a weird way). There was the storyline around fishing, which I guess was necessary for Spencer to find Shandy, but felt repetitive at times. There was the storyline of Spencer endlessly and repetitively trying to find Shandy (and why did he even leave her somewhere if he was just going to spend so much time trying to find her). There was Spencer's friendship with the kid at the market, which led to a weird homophobic scene. There was the storyline with the pub owner and his seemingly magical insights. It was just a lot going on that felt convoluted and in the end, I didn't follow how all of the storylines fit together and I didn't feel like most of the story lines wrapped up well.
All of that is to say that there was a lot going on and it made it difficult for me to connect with any of the characters. When I picked up a book called "My Irish Dog" I expected to get to a scene with the dog that would just destroy me emotionally. When I got to the scene that I thought was supposed to be that scene, I didn't care at all...I just kept reading. I was just completely emotionally unattached from this book.
I can see that I am in the minority, but this book was just not for me. It seemed like the author took every idea for a book and tried to cram it into one book, which caused me to feel like there was just too much going on. The book started off with Spencer's credit card being mysteriously declined at the first B&B (which created one story line that I feel like was not necessary and wrapped up in a weird way). There was the storyline around fishing, which I guess was necessary for Spencer to find Shandy, but felt repetitive at times. There was the storyline of Spencer endlessly and repetitively trying to find Shandy (and why did he even leave her somewhere if he was just going to spend so much time trying to find her). There was Spencer's friendship with the kid at the market, which led to a weird homophobic scene. There was the storyline with the pub owner and his seemingly magical insights. It was just a lot going on that felt convoluted and in the end, I didn't follow how all of the storylines fit together and I didn't feel like most of the story lines wrapped up well.
All of that is to say that there was a lot going on and it made it difficult for me to connect with any of the characters. When I picked up a book called "My Irish Dog" I expected to get to a scene with the dog that would just destroy me emotionally. When I got to the scene that I thought was supposed to be that scene, I didn't care at all...I just kept reading. I was just completely emotionally unattached from this book.
June 24, 2020
I’m not sure how to describe this book. There is no question it was an enjoyable read. The words flowed like water. The book has intertwining stories and yet they are never once confusing. And the main character, Spencer, became someone almost anyone could identify with.
However... would a black and white thinker like me ever believe such an Irish story. Of course not...and yet...it all fit together somehow. One of those enjoyable stories where enveloping every idea or even being able to agree with everything just doesn’t really matter.
This is Douglas Solvie’s debut novel. He was afraid he wouldn’t have the imagination. Well, I’m the “prove it to me” kind and I loved every moment of it. Write some more.
However... would a black and white thinker like me ever believe such an Irish story. Of course not...and yet...it all fit together somehow. One of those enjoyable stories where enveloping every idea or even being able to agree with everything just doesn’t really matter.
This is Douglas Solvie’s debut novel. He was afraid he wouldn’t have the imagination. Well, I’m the “prove it to me” kind and I loved every moment of it. Write some more.
February 7, 2021
An Uneven Irish Tale
This book has its ups and downs. The plot is well thought out and a couple of the secondary players are interesting and engaging. The protagonist, however is unattractively whiny and self-absorbed. I would have been glad to take Shandy home or even go to Ireland to meet that Irish dog. About the first third of the book was boring enough that I almost gave up on it, but I'm glad I stuck it out. The book improved and I think the writer has potential.
This book has its ups and downs. The plot is well thought out and a couple of the secondary players are interesting and engaging. The protagonist, however is unattractively whiny and self-absorbed. I would have been glad to take Shandy home or even go to Ireland to meet that Irish dog. About the first third of the book was boring enough that I almost gave up on it, but I'm glad I stuck it out. The book improved and I think the writer has potential.
October 18, 2020
Uplifting
Spencer takes off on a supposed fishing vacation in Ireland. But what he really wants to do is reflect on his life and it's meaning.
Outside a village, he has an encounter with a small dog he later finds out is named Shandy.
Shandy is also dying of cancer.
Spencer is intrigued by the little girl and chases her around and having strange things happen.
It is a chase towards self-discovery.
Absolutely beautiful. I was deeply affected by this.
Spencer takes off on a supposed fishing vacation in Ireland. But what he really wants to do is reflect on his life and it's meaning.
Outside a village, he has an encounter with a small dog he later finds out is named Shandy.
Shandy is also dying of cancer.
Spencer is intrigued by the little girl and chases her around and having strange things happen.
It is a chase towards self-discovery.
Absolutely beautiful. I was deeply affected by this.
January 4, 2021
Spiritual
Finding peace and contentment through all the pain and loss of life. A sad story that gives some hope to the depressed and burdened but as with most things the truly poor could not have made the change, it took money. Many others would have found peace in the life Spencer had already. His depression and pain did not seem to come from losing his wife. It was unusual.
Finding peace and contentment through all the pain and loss of life. A sad story that gives some hope to the depressed and burdened but as with most things the truly poor could not have made the change, it took money. Many others would have found peace in the life Spencer had already. His depression and pain did not seem to come from losing his wife. It was unusual.
September 14, 2021
Three and a half stars for this gentle Irish tale of an American business man who finds himself and his passion in Ireland. There was an element of the supernatural as well as an introspective journey for this man as he hunts a lost dog. I had a wee tear in my eye as the story came to a satisfactory conclusion. But the mystery and the ghosts left me confused at times.
May 11, 2021
Excellent. Should win any contest entered in. A beautifully written tale with a character and a dog you will not forget. A page turner. A vacation to Ireland does not turn out you would expect. An inner look at the working of a lone mans brain.
April 30, 2021
Good read
Interesting story searching for meaning. A little slow at times. A good tale of finding connections and joy. Loved the setting in Ireland.
Interesting story searching for meaning. A little slow at times. A good tale of finding connections and joy. Loved the setting in Ireland.
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September 17, 2020I loved this book. I have 2 dogs myself and I love books on Ireland seeing I am Irish. I hope he comes out with a squeal.
September 18, 2024
Of course I shed a tear or two reading this great book. A great character both man and dog. I'm going to have read the 2nd book in the series. I really enjoyed most of the main characters in this book and the beautiful setting. Loved the name Shandy of the DOG.
August 15, 2024
When I read a book, I read it as I interpret it and I’m not great at figuring out an author’s deep or hidden meanings a book may contain. I just know that Shandy, to me, was the embodiment of a mythical and magical creature. The book focuses entirely on Spencer chasing this little creature around which led him on an adventure. An adventure that was confusing to him at times and frustrating, but he still had a strong enough desire to continue the search.
The author proves that from death and sorrow, good things may still come. The end is not always the end. The book revealed that life has more to offer even when you think it may not. I loved how this book ended. I’m such an animal person and this story, especially the ending, truly warmed my heart.
The author proves that from death and sorrow, good things may still come. The end is not always the end. The book revealed that life has more to offer even when you think it may not. I loved how this book ended. I’m such an animal person and this story, especially the ending, truly warmed my heart.
June 27, 2024
A beautiful story
I’ve been to Ireland, and have owned dogs in my life, so i guess that’s what attracted me to this title in the first place. Mr Solvie described Ireland like everyone probably remembered it if they ever had the opportunity to visit this fantastic country. I enjoyed bed, and breakfasts all over Ireland back in the 80s, so this wonderful story brought back so many memories for me. So sit back grab an ale, or a morning coffee, and enjoy the interesting characters that live in the villages, but especially the ones with four legs.
I’ve been to Ireland, and have owned dogs in my life, so i guess that’s what attracted me to this title in the first place. Mr Solvie described Ireland like everyone probably remembered it if they ever had the opportunity to visit this fantastic country. I enjoyed bed, and breakfasts all over Ireland back in the 80s, so this wonderful story brought back so many memories for me. So sit back grab an ale, or a morning coffee, and enjoy the interesting characters that live in the villages, but especially the ones with four legs.
December 18, 2025
My Irish Dog is such a heartwarming and unexpected read! I loved following Spencer on his journey through the Irish village Solvie captures the charm of the setting perfectly. Shandy, the dog, is absolutely unforgettable and adds so much emotion and warmth to the story. The mix of suspense, mystery, and gentle humor kept me turning pages, and I found myself genuinely rooting for both Spencer and Shandy. A touching story about connection, courage, and the little things that can change your life.”
November 17, 2020
A shaggy dog story (3.5)
At times charming, but mostly irritating, this convoluted tale has an unbelievably obtuse hero who engages in seemingly endless circular discussions about the meaningless of his life. With overtones of mystery and the supernatural, it pulls the reader, desperate for something to happen, along very slowly. It is actually a good tale but would benefit from tighter editing.
At times charming, but mostly irritating, this convoluted tale has an unbelievably obtuse hero who engages in seemingly endless circular discussions about the meaningless of his life. With overtones of mystery and the supernatural, it pulls the reader, desperate for something to happen, along very slowly. It is actually a good tale but would benefit from tighter editing.
March 19, 2022
Exceptional and beautiful, an amazing story.
I read a lot, starting some books and quickly losing interest a few chapters in. This book, this story, these people are artfully woven together by the author to bring something wonderful to its pages. Is it real life, is it a surreal life, a fantasy or reality?
Whatever you make of it; reading this book had me smiling and weeping and questioning many things. If you read it, you will too.
I read a lot, starting some books and quickly losing interest a few chapters in. This book, this story, these people are artfully woven together by the author to bring something wonderful to its pages. Is it real life, is it a surreal life, a fantasy or reality?
Whatever you make of it; reading this book had me smiling and weeping and questioning many things. If you read it, you will too.
March 19, 2025
I wanted to love this book. Ireland and a dog… kind of the perfect setup for me. There were parts I enjoyed, and parts that made for a real page-turner. But in the end, I found myself asking “what WAS that?” I was just left with too many questions… too many bits were woven into the story and then dropped without explanation or closure. The bamboo? The Australian lady? The gate? The old guy on the island? Disappointing.
March 15, 2022
Exceptional story
I really enjoyed this book. Being a dog lover, I think it was believable and entertaining.
It also makes me feel that maybe there is still something more to come in my life of trials and tribulations. Lots to be th bankrupt for, but feel there is something missing and maybe more to come. Look forward to more of these books!
I really enjoyed this book. Being a dog lover, I think it was believable and entertaining.
It also makes me feel that maybe there is still something more to come in my life of trials and tribulations. Lots to be th bankrupt for, but feel there is something missing and maybe more to come. Look forward to more of these books!
September 13, 2020
A different sort of story
A cute read. The writing is okay but some refining would have helped the flow. The paranormal aspects of the story felt thrown together rather than developed. This writer shows potential but needs to smooth some rough edges.
A cute read. The writing is okay but some refining would have helped the flow. The paranormal aspects of the story felt thrown together rather than developed. This writer shows potential but needs to smooth some rough edges.
May 4, 2021
This book has a lot of repetitive introspective conversations about the meaning of the protagonist's trip to Ireland and his life. It is kind of a fantasy, but kind of cute with the little dog and all.
August 8, 2021
An enthralling story
I loved this book and the descriptions of Southern Ireland. The villages had an hint of fantasy about them and the characters were skilfully drawn. Shandy was so lovable and believable; brave, faithful and mystical. It was sad, inspiring and full of hope
I loved this book and the descriptions of Southern Ireland. The villages had an hint of fantasy about them and the characters were skilfully drawn. Shandy was so lovable and believable; brave, faithful and mystical. It was sad, inspiring and full of hope
October 1, 2021
A whimsical tale about how a small, wayward dog had a part in an American's life transformation during a visit to Ireland and how that encounter led to a fresh start, the beginning of a more consciously led life.
July 6, 2024
He was looking for a change in his life
He decided to go fly fishing while he contemplates his boring life. He does not get to do much fishing but a terrier helps him with decisions about his future. This is a wonderful story with well defined characters and emotion.
He decided to go fly fishing while he contemplates his boring life. He does not get to do much fishing but a terrier helps him with decisions about his future. This is a wonderful story with well defined characters and emotion.
August 27, 2020
Maybe a little too descriptive at times but a good story. I enjoyed it.
October 26, 2020
Kind of a Strange story
Some of the book was good, and I liked Killian and Colin. However it reminded me of small towns-small minds. Worth reading.
Some of the book was good, and I liked Killian and Colin. However it reminded me of small towns-small minds. Worth reading.
September 4, 2021
My Irish Dog
An easy read. It will bring a smile to your face and a tear to your eye. There is nothing like an animal to change your life.
An easy read. It will bring a smile to your face and a tear to your eye. There is nothing like an animal to change your life.
September 4, 2021
Heart warming tale about love and friendship
Friendships come in all forms and this book details this wonderful relationship between a man and a dog and life.
Friendships come in all forms and this book details this wonderful relationship between a man and a dog and life.
March 24, 2022
Wonderful story
I am an animal person - especially dogs. I enjoyed Sandy's visits and shed a tear or two. Life works in mysterious ways -
I am an animal person - especially dogs. I enjoyed Sandy's visits and shed a tear or two. Life works in mysterious ways -
May 3, 2022
Great read
This a great read with many twists and turns. It holds wisdom we can all use …. If you are ready to understand it.
This a great read with many twists and turns. It holds wisdom we can all use …. If you are ready to understand it.
July 26, 2024
a good book
The story was good if not a little sad. It had adventure and mystery. I washer well wrapped it ten. I liked it a lot.
The story was good if not a little sad. It had adventure and mystery. I washer well wrapped it ten. I liked it a lot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews