Dogs of Summer is a book about how, when you truly love, you adore the details that others hate about themselves. Maggi is besotted by Isora. She dotes on every aspect of her friend’s body and even loves Isora’s latent self-loathing.
The story takes place in the run-up to the Tenerife fiesta Tablas de San Andrés. However, this can’t be an island of holiday fun and sun for ten-year-old Maggi. The sky is invariably steely grey as she helps her mother clean the tourist’s villas. Her world revolves around Isora, who lives above the minimart, the hub of life. Maggi is a pure spirit in the landscape of potent odours and mangy dogs. Devoted, she craves Isora’s adolescent maturity and knowledge. They pass the weeks of summer together, inseparable, exploring the abrasive island world where every hidden crevice is cammed with rust and garbage. It’s a liminal period; both girls are conflicted as they transition from carefree play and self-pleasure to anxiety about their bodies, affections, and aspirations.
To routine existence, getting subtly more drastic day by day, Maggi brings her ardent passion and puppy-like faith, her unrequited love growing stronger. It’s a love that remains as bright as the beads of blood on the two girls’ knees scuffed on the island’s sharp rocks.
I was left thinking of Ike and Tina Turner’s River Deep Mountain High, When I was a little girl, I had a rag doll, Only doll I’ve ever owned, Now I love you just the way I loved that rag doll, But only now my love has grown. Only now, you will have to read it to find the novel’s resolution, every bit as tumultuous as that great song.

I found this book quite an uncomfortable read in places. The sexual actions and relationship of such young girls didn't sit right with me. I wasn't sure what to expect to be honest. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it. I neither liked or disliked it. I think I just didn't understand the story, it wasn't the book for me. From other reviews I can see many people really enjoyed it so maybe I just missed the point.