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The Lick of Love: How dogs changed my life
From one of Britain's best-loved comedians comes this wonderfully funny, sharp and touching memoir and a celebration of the bond between man and dog - an autobi dog raphy, if you will.
'I loved The Lick of Love . It's often insightful, sometimes hilarious, frequently filthy - I'm a cat person, but if anything were ever to convince me to get a dog, it would be this' Joanne Harris
'. . . wise and perceptive, and funny and moving. Each dog you meet marks a different chapter of your life and Julian writes about it so BEAUTIFULLY' Joanna Cannon
'A quirky and witty excavation of memory lane in the company of his furry canine friends' Dame Joan Collins
The Lick of Love takes us on a tour of Julian's colourful life - and wherever life has taken him, Julian has had a dog by his side. Fanny the Wonder Dog, who came into Julian's life when he was somewhat adrift, propelled him up the ranks of the alternative comedy circuit and onto television. Valerie, the whippet cross-breed escorted Julian through his forties, the Germaine Greer to his Bernard Manning. Albert, a jaunty geezer type who was sent to acclimatise Julian to middle age and helped him seduce his now husband, before being joined by naughty but nice Gigi, an unpredictable fur bullet of a dog. These canine characters have been there, bearing witness, on and off stage.
Whether writing about encounters in seedy London nightclubs, finding success on television with Sticky Moments , the death of his partner, that Normant Lamont joke, a narrow squeak with a thwarted eastern European plot to kidnap him, his move to the country, or finally settling down, falling in love and getting married, Julian's unique voice bounces off the page. Ultimately, The Lick of Love is the story of a fascinating life and a love letter to the dogs that have played a loving and near constant part of it. Told with humour and great honesty, this promises to be one of the best memoirs of the year.
'Whatever else is going on, it is the water bowl in the kitchen, the dog hair on my jumper, the knowing gaze from the dog in the basket beside me that comforts me and tells me that all is well.' JC
'I loved The Lick of Love . It's often insightful, sometimes hilarious, frequently filthy - I'm a cat person, but if anything were ever to convince me to get a dog, it would be this' Joanne Harris
'. . . wise and perceptive, and funny and moving. Each dog you meet marks a different chapter of your life and Julian writes about it so BEAUTIFULLY' Joanna Cannon
'A quirky and witty excavation of memory lane in the company of his furry canine friends' Dame Joan Collins
The Lick of Love takes us on a tour of Julian's colourful life - and wherever life has taken him, Julian has had a dog by his side. Fanny the Wonder Dog, who came into Julian's life when he was somewhat adrift, propelled him up the ranks of the alternative comedy circuit and onto television. Valerie, the whippet cross-breed escorted Julian through his forties, the Germaine Greer to his Bernard Manning. Albert, a jaunty geezer type who was sent to acclimatise Julian to middle age and helped him seduce his now husband, before being joined by naughty but nice Gigi, an unpredictable fur bullet of a dog. These canine characters have been there, bearing witness, on and off stage.
Whether writing about encounters in seedy London nightclubs, finding success on television with Sticky Moments , the death of his partner, that Normant Lamont joke, a narrow squeak with a thwarted eastern European plot to kidnap him, his move to the country, or finally settling down, falling in love and getting married, Julian's unique voice bounces off the page. Ultimately, The Lick of Love is the story of a fascinating life and a love letter to the dogs that have played a loving and near constant part of it. Told with humour and great honesty, this promises to be one of the best memoirs of the year.
'Whatever else is going on, it is the water bowl in the kitchen, the dog hair on my jumper, the knowing gaze from the dog in the basket beside me that comforts me and tells me that all is well.' JC
304 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2022
10 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Julian Clary
51 books70 followersJulian Clary is an English comedian and novelist. Clary began appearing on television in the mid-1980s and became known for his deliberately stereotypical camp style. Since then he has also acted in films, television and stage productions, and was the winner of Celebrity Big Brother 10 in 2012.
Clary has released two large format comedy books: My Life With Fanny The Wonder Dog (1989) and How To Be A Man (1992).
Between 2005 and 2008, Clary wrote a fortnightly column for the New Statesman magazine. He has also published an autobiography, A Young Man's Passage, which covers his life and career up to the 1993 "Norman Lamont incident" at the British Comedy Awards. In 2007, Clary released his first novel, Murder Most Fab, published by Ebury Press. His second novel, Devil in Disguise, was published in 2009. His first book for children, The Bolds, was published by Andersen Press in 2015.
Adapted from Wikipedia.
Clary has released two large format comedy books: My Life With Fanny The Wonder Dog (1989) and How To Be A Man (1992).
Between 2005 and 2008, Clary wrote a fortnightly column for the New Statesman magazine. He has also published an autobiography, A Young Man's Passage, which covers his life and career up to the 1993 "Norman Lamont incident" at the British Comedy Awards. In 2007, Clary released his first novel, Murder Most Fab, published by Ebury Press. His second novel, Devil in Disguise, was published in 2009. His first book for children, The Bolds, was published by Andersen Press in 2015.
Adapted from Wikipedia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 24, 2025
This charming book by comedian, author, dog-lover, actor, entertainer, and self-styled renowned homosexual, Julian Clary, is not only a gentle piece of autobiography, but also a love-letter to all the dogs that have ever shared Julian's life and glared witheringly at the less than worthy men in it.
Clary takes us through his early life, always with a dog beside him, and then to the alternative comedy circuit as The Joan Collins Fan Club, with the much-loved Fanny the Wonder Dog. As he explains, not only was Fanny an excellent performer in her own right, but she distracted audiences and softened their mood before he began his act! She accompanied Julian for much of his early career until retiring whilst still at the peak of her career - or thereabouts.
This is a warts-and-all autobiography, in that Clary doesn't gloss over the seedier aspects of the earlier parts of his career, nor the issues with drugs that came later. All the same, this is an absolutely fascinating account of a full and colourful life and the great friends - including Joan Collins and Percy Gibson, Gary Wilmot, and the late Paul O'Grady - he's made along the way. Julian's parents also make regular appearances, with their own eccentricities and joys, as do other members of his family: the book ends with him moving back to Camden with his husband, Rolf, and dogs Albert and Gigi.
Clary writes engagingly and vividly and with endearing self-deprecation. At the start of this review, I described The Lick of Love as 'charming', which it is: it's also remarkably gentle, and, I admit, quite eye-opening, and Clary emerges from it as a thoughtful, caring individual with a big heart.
The overwhelming impression I gained is of someone who loves dogs with a passion and goes to great lengths to take care of his own. He writes about his dogs - Fanny, Valerie, Albert, and Gigi - with enormous love and affection, and tells some hilarious tales of their exploits. However, as Julian acknowledges, their lives are so much shorter than ours. When he describes losing Fanny and Valerie, and also the after-effects of a fox attack on the remaining chicken, he writes touchingly and with surprising poignancy: I was moved to tears several times.
I loved this book. In fact, I think many dog-lovers would: there's a lot here that dog owners will recognise!
A recommended read.
Clary takes us through his early life, always with a dog beside him, and then to the alternative comedy circuit as The Joan Collins Fan Club, with the much-loved Fanny the Wonder Dog. As he explains, not only was Fanny an excellent performer in her own right, but she distracted audiences and softened their mood before he began his act! She accompanied Julian for much of his early career until retiring whilst still at the peak of her career - or thereabouts.
This is a warts-and-all autobiography, in that Clary doesn't gloss over the seedier aspects of the earlier parts of his career, nor the issues with drugs that came later. All the same, this is an absolutely fascinating account of a full and colourful life and the great friends - including Joan Collins and Percy Gibson, Gary Wilmot, and the late Paul O'Grady - he's made along the way. Julian's parents also make regular appearances, with their own eccentricities and joys, as do other members of his family: the book ends with him moving back to Camden with his husband, Rolf, and dogs Albert and Gigi.
Clary writes engagingly and vividly and with endearing self-deprecation. At the start of this review, I described The Lick of Love as 'charming', which it is: it's also remarkably gentle, and, I admit, quite eye-opening, and Clary emerges from it as a thoughtful, caring individual with a big heart.
The overwhelming impression I gained is of someone who loves dogs with a passion and goes to great lengths to take care of his own. He writes about his dogs - Fanny, Valerie, Albert, and Gigi - with enormous love and affection, and tells some hilarious tales of their exploits. However, as Julian acknowledges, their lives are so much shorter than ours. When he describes losing Fanny and Valerie, and also the after-effects of a fox attack on the remaining chicken, he writes touchingly and with surprising poignancy: I was moved to tears several times.
I loved this book. In fact, I think many dog-lovers would: there's a lot here that dog owners will recognise!
A recommended read.
June 23, 2024
Well I bloody love this! What's not to like? Julian Clary who makes me cackle like a demented goose, talking about his love for his dogs, win win!!
I've always been a fan of the camp queen and Clary is no exception. I love his writing with his acerbic humour, wit and smut. It is right up my street. It is clear from this book how much he loves his dogs and how they've always been there for him, providing comfort, support, a lending ear or a sympathetic look. Despite the usual expected bawdiness which I've come to expect and love, this book is actually very pure. There is a genuine devotion to his canine companions which really shines through.
A brilliant read.
I've always been a fan of the camp queen and Clary is no exception. I love his writing with his acerbic humour, wit and smut. It is right up my street. It is clear from this book how much he loves his dogs and how they've always been there for him, providing comfort, support, a lending ear or a sympathetic look. Despite the usual expected bawdiness which I've come to expect and love, this book is actually very pure. There is a genuine devotion to his canine companions which really shines through.
A brilliant read.
April 4, 2022
Just as brilliant as A Young Man's Passage which I think is one of the best autobiographies I've ever read.
I agree with Clary when he says that dogs are mindfulness on four legs.
I've just learnt that there is an audiobook version of this tome read by Clary himself. I need this in my life.
I agree with Clary when he says that dogs are mindfulness on four legs.
I've just learnt that there is an audiobook version of this tome read by Clary himself. I need this in my life.
March 13, 2022
easy going read about how dogs helped/changed him during this career from an unemployed student to being the joan collins fan club to covid days
February 3, 2024
I am so happy I found out about Julian Clary through Taskmaster Series 16. He isn’t well known here in Mid-Western USA. He is brilliantly funny and his love of his dogs is so apparent in this book. Fanny and Valerie still hold such a special place for him. I loved at the very end his description of Gigi and felt for poor Albert. This book is just wonderful.
November 2, 2021
This is the first book of Julian Clary’s I have read. I found it very entertaining, make me laugh, cry and reflect on my own experiences. Being a dog lover myself and owning my own little Fanny I could relate with so much of the emotions expressed.
This book not only gives Julian Clary’s dogs a voice it shows a side to the author that is far from his media portrayed persona.
The end of the book is abrupt and seems rushed to finish but left me wanting to read more.
This book not only gives Julian Clary’s dogs a voice it shows a side to the author that is far from his media portrayed persona.
The end of the book is abrupt and seems rushed to finish but left me wanting to read more.
June 29, 2024
Hilarious and at times quite moving story of
Clary’s life, told through the eras of his various dogs.
Clary’s life, told through the eras of his various dogs.
March 9, 2023
Thoroughly excellent read - funny, moving, sad - highly recommend.
April 2, 2022
*I CONSUMED THIS BOOK AS AN AUDIOBOOK , WHICH BOTH BEGINS AND CONCLUDES WITH DOGS BARKING BUT NOT DURING THE MAIN BODY OF THE TEXT. THIS MAY BE NOTEWORTHY FOR ANYONE, LIKE ME, WHO LIKES TO LISTEN WHILST IN THE COMPANY OF THEIR DOG/S*
A really very entertaining book, Clary is exceptional company. Some of the stories and anecdotes may be familiar to those who’ve read or encountered his earlier works, but anyone who has done so is presumably a fan and therefore forgiving.
The author’s passion for his pets shines through, and though the book doesn’t necessarily carry through on the promise of the introduction- there isn’t quite as much introspection and reflection as I was hoping for- anyone who has had a dog in their life can relate to the universality of joy and eventual loss they bring.
I’d be remiss if I also didn’t bring up a jarring and inexplicable casually racist turn of phrase in the book- how this made it into print in 2021 I’m not altogether sure.
That aside, a great autobiography, enhanced by the author’s performance of the audiobook.
A really very entertaining book, Clary is exceptional company. Some of the stories and anecdotes may be familiar to those who’ve read or encountered his earlier works, but anyone who has done so is presumably a fan and therefore forgiving.
The author’s passion for his pets shines through, and though the book doesn’t necessarily carry through on the promise of the introduction- there isn’t quite as much introspection and reflection as I was hoping for- anyone who has had a dog in their life can relate to the universality of joy and eventual loss they bring.
I’d be remiss if I also didn’t bring up a jarring and inexplicable casually racist turn of phrase in the book- how this made it into print in 2021 I’m not altogether sure.
That aside, a great autobiography, enhanced by the author’s performance of the audiobook.
April 8, 2023
Nice book for dog lovers as Julian talks about the dogs he has loved over the years as well as antidotes from his own life.
I did feel sorry for (canine) Maureen, though.
I can remember Fanny from Sticky Moments, so her chapters were the most interesting to me, but the others seemed lovely dogs too (maybe lovely is the wrong word for Gigi!).
I have read most of Julian’s books and he does have a nice, easy writing style. He is quite candid in places too and not scared to come across as flawed or admit to times he’s messed up. For me the insecurity was surprising, which came across in the trying so hard to please when Joan Collins came to stay. I don’t know why I’m surprised after finding out he’s a Gemini. I’m one too. I know better than anyone we have about 10 personalities 😂.
Nice light reading and brief at under 300 pages. Nice photos included too.
I did feel sorry for (canine) Maureen, though.
I can remember Fanny from Sticky Moments, so her chapters were the most interesting to me, but the others seemed lovely dogs too (maybe lovely is the wrong word for Gigi!).
I have read most of Julian’s books and he does have a nice, easy writing style. He is quite candid in places too and not scared to come across as flawed or admit to times he’s messed up. For me the insecurity was surprising, which came across in the trying so hard to please when Joan Collins came to stay. I don’t know why I’m surprised after finding out he’s a Gemini. I’m one too. I know better than anyone we have about 10 personalities 😂.
Nice light reading and brief at under 300 pages. Nice photos included too.
December 2, 2021
This is the audible version, read by the great man himself. About half way through and loving it. It's very sweet, funny, and oh yes, I've been touched by this. Any book that contains phrases such as Julian riding a 'carousel of cock' is a winner!
...and it was a lovely listen. If anything, a touching reflection for dog-lovers on the joys of having a canine companion. Also, some classic smut in here too.
...and it was a lovely listen. If anything, a touching reflection for dog-lovers on the joys of having a canine companion. Also, some classic smut in here too.
May 31, 2022
From start to finish, a rollicking riot of a read. Loved the audiobook as it was read by Julian. I cried a little and laughed a lot. As a fellow dog lover, I really enjoyed listening to his descriptions of his four legged friends and the experiences he had with them all. A treasure of a book that helped me through a difficult few weeks.
November 7, 2021
Such a charming and clever memoir! Julian was once a close friend, so through this book I’ve re-lived some happy memories, particularly our time in Mallorca together. His best book yet!
February 7, 2022
Got this in my Christmas stocking; great fun and very sweet. Julian's a bit naughty.
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January 23, 2026Lovely Julian and his lovely dogs. Delightful tongue in cheek charm.
July 16, 2022
Of the controversial book opinions I have, one of my most steadfast is that Julian Clary is a hugely underrated author. Murder Most Fab, Devil in Disguise and Brief Encounters are perfect beach reads with a winning mix of wit, drama, poor taste and even some degree of heart. If it were up to me, I would bully him until he writes some more, but alas, it is not, so until then I shall make do with this.
The Lick of Love is essentially an updated autobiography, with the framing of the various dogs Julian has owned. However, underneath the musings on canine loyalty, there is a far more interesting story on the nature of fame. When invited to enter Celebrity Big Brother, Clary comments that a friend wondered if he could sink any lower. Clary justifies the choice to enter on the grounds of money (which is refreshingly honest), but we don't hear any more about how it may have hurt to hear such a scathing verdict from a so-called friend. Elsewhere, he mentions not wanting to end up like Dale Winton who died penniless, but again, this is skimmed past.
Still, this is a very amusing, easy read, but a little more introspection would have made it a more insightful one.
The Lick of Love is essentially an updated autobiography, with the framing of the various dogs Julian has owned. However, underneath the musings on canine loyalty, there is a far more interesting story on the nature of fame. When invited to enter Celebrity Big Brother, Clary comments that a friend wondered if he could sink any lower. Clary justifies the choice to enter on the grounds of money (which is refreshingly honest), but we don't hear any more about how it may have hurt to hear such a scathing verdict from a so-called friend. Elsewhere, he mentions not wanting to end up like Dale Winton who died penniless, but again, this is skimmed past.
Still, this is a very amusing, easy read, but a little more introspection would have made it a more insightful one.
January 8, 2026
I couldn’t put the book down and didn’t want it to end. Any dog lover will recognise many of the doggy traits of Julian’s wide assortment of canine companions through the decades. He has had an extraordinary life and has been lucky enough to share it, and vice versa, with some adorable pooches. From the legendary Fanny to the loving but more reticent Valerie who eventually learns to relax and have fun with the gregarious Albert who in turn lives in fear of the split personality Serbian rescue, Gigi, his dogs all have their own unique qualities and Julian memorialises them perfectly in The Lick of Love. It’s not overly sentimental and has at least one laugh out loud moment per chapter. Thoroughly recommended!
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June 24, 2022I have been a fan of this particular Renowned Homosexual since he first hit our tv screens in the early 80s, and the presence of the magnificent Fanny the Wonderdog at his side was a clincher for me. When I learned he had written a memoir about his canine companions, I simply had to have it, and it exceeded my already high expectations. I have laughed - a lot - and cried, sometimes when reading the same page. Julian writes beautifully, and despite his self-depreciation, without sentimentality, about the joy, love, amusement and pain that dogs can bring to our lives. If you love dogs, and aren’t offended by Julian’s trademark repartee, I highly recommend this delightful book.
November 27, 2021
A great listen on Audible this is the story of Julian’s life from 21 to date and the dogs he has loved and more importantly who have given him the unconditional love that only an animal can give. Julian’s voice is so soothing and although inevitably there are stories of loss, the book is never maudlin.
January 15, 2022
Really lovely. Made me cry both happy and sad tears. I think the only reason for 4 stars is I felt the latter three dogs had their stories rushed a bit, and I don’t feel I got to know Albert as much as Valerie or Fanny (Gigi is a fairly new addition so I understood that). But a carefully and lovingly done portrayal of Julian’s relationships with his beloved dogs
February 14, 2024
I listed to this as an audiobook and Julian read it himself. I wiled away many an hour cooking and washing up or walking the dog listening to Julian tell me his stories all intertwined with the wonderful dogs he has known and loved. I laughed, I gasped, I cried, I said "oh Julian" quite a lot. I adored it. Didn't want it to end. Perfect to brighten any mood or day.
June 7, 2025
An enjoyable, funny and heart warming read, although I did weary a little of the innuendo towards the end. The author's love of dogs certainly shines through and as a dog-lover myself this was a lovely book to read: It made me pine for a canine companion again. I liked learning about the author's life too; the writing grabbed and kept my attention.
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May 29, 2022Just returned from the Hay Festival, where Julian was discussing his recent & last book on The Blobs. He was absolutely wonderful! So dry & witty & interacted with the audience. Made my day! Can't wait for his 'adult' book to come out!! You were a joy, thank you!
November 2, 2024
I just love Julian 🥰 he is so cute and straight talking which is always a trait I adore! His love for his animals and nearest and dearest is portrayed so lovingly in these pages! He is simply a delight x x
February 20, 2022
What a joyous love letter to his dogs and life.
Massively got me through having covid as well
Thanks Julian
Massively got me through having covid as well
Thanks Julian
September 13, 2022
This is proof that humans don’t deserve animals. 🐶🐾
February 13, 2023
An entertaining book about Julian's love for the dogs that shared/share his life.
November 29, 2023
Very funny
Gentle story
Gentle story
January 16, 2022
A great romp of a book by Julian Clary. Most people remember Fanny the Wonder Dog who helped him so much when he was trying desperately to find a niche. An amazing little dog who loved being on stage. Then came Valerie, Albert and Gigi who was like a bullet from a gun. All dogs so very different but who all gave Julian so much love and help in their own ways especially when life was so hard for him. Very insightful book, a must read for lovers of animals and admirers of Julian Clary's books.
Free Book from Publisher
Free Book from Publisher
September 6, 2025
Not sure how much if the material was about dogs🤪😳
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews