I read my first Nunez a few months ago (The Vulnerables) and really enjoyed her style, and I’m trying harder to pick up more books by the same authors. I tend to bounce around authors quite a lot and it’s likely making me miss out on some new favourites!

The Friend is just as engaging as The Vulnerables, and I like all of the literary references Nunez weaves into her work. The Friend is a meandering novel about grief and the bond between humans and dogs - and ironic if you’ve read it, but nothing bad happens to the dog! The narrator is mourning the loss of a friend, an altogether not-great person, which makes the grieving process more complex, and takes on his great dane who nobody else wants. The dog is reticent and unaffectionate, grieving for his master, and so the bond that slowly grows between them is all the more affecting.

I thought it started to lose its way a bit towards the end. The sections with ‘the friend’ lost me a bit, as he really is an unappealing guy. His rants about creative writing students and authors were eye-roll-worthy. But I enjoyed the little meta twist towards the end.

Even when I’m not loving the plot though (and I use that term loosely, Nunez’s works are more vibe-heavy), her prose keeps me engaged. It’s effortless, makes you feel things without straining itself.

I liked the Vulnerables more, but will certainly continue making my way through the rest of her books!