'Dogs and Monsters' by Mark Haddon offers a compelling journey through a collection of short stories that intertwine Greek mythology with contemporary themes. Haddon’s adept storytelling skillfully merges ancient fables with modern sensibilities, creating narratives that resonate with readers.

Throughout the book, Haddon deftly reimagines classic myths, infusing them with fresh perspectives and poignant insights. The retelling of the Minotaur myth, particularly in 'The Mother’s Story', resonates as a powerful parable of maternal love amidst the oppressive forces of patriarchy and prejudice.

One of the standout aspects of this book is its exploration of the human condition through various lenses. From the eternal struggles of immortality in 'The Quiet Limit of the World' to the psychological ramifications of genetic engineering, Haddon skillfully delves into the depths of human experience. The stories offer a thought-provoking examination of themes such as motherhood, community, mental health, and queerness, presenting a nuanced portrayal of the complexities of life.

Haddon’s storytelling prowess shines through in his ability to create distinct and compelling characters within the confines of short narratives. Each story is meticulously crafted, with rich detail and vivid imagery that captivate the reader’s imagination. While some may find certain stories drawn out in pacing, the overall impact of the collection remains powerful and thought-provoking.

As a reader who appreciates classical references, I found particular enjoyment in the stories of Asterion the Minotaur and Actaeon. Haddon’s reinterpretation of these myths offers fresh insights into timeless tales, enriching the reading experience with layers of depth and meaning.

Like any anthology, this volume presents a mixed bag of stories, with some resonating more strongly than others. However, even the darkest and most disturbing narratives are rendered with Haddon’s trademark clarity and readability. While not a book for the faint of heart, it offers a compelling choice for readers seeking a bit of darkness and depth in their literary exploration.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House, UK for the opportunity to read the ARC of Dogs and Monsters.

While I’m normally not one to pick up a short story collection, I will say I’m thoroughly glad I did. Dogs and Monsters treads from Greek mythology retellings to H. G. Wells inspirations and original works featuring stories of motherhood, community, mental health, queerness and the woes of immortality.

Whilst I thought some of the shorts felt a bit drawn out in their pacing, I found each story to be incredibly detailed despite their short length, and each character’s voice was incredibly distinct and made for a pleasant reading experience.

My favourites of the selection were the Greek reworking ‘The Mother’s Story’ about Pasiphaë and Asterion, more commonly known as the Minotaur, and ‘The Quiet Limit of the World’ a retelling of the immortal love story of Tithonus and Eos.

I think Dogs and Monsters does a great job in showing the darker details of the human condition in a short, entertaining and thought provoking manner whilst simultaneously denoting the strength of the good qualities that the few have, and the rippling impact it has on the lives of the many.

Fantastic collection of short stories - huge scope and variety and yet all thematically linked. Makes me wish I knew my Greek myths better. Gripping, thought provoking and superbly penned.

Mark Haddon has been one of my favourite authors for years so I was very excited to read this book. It felt different to his other books I have read but I enjoyed it overall, to see the intertwining of cultures and myths added a level of darkness and truth to humanity and who we are. It was a strong read overall.

'Dogs and Monsters' is a disturbing collection of eight short stories, based on myths and legends - Haddon explains which in the acknowledgements at the end. Some I was familiar with, like the story of the minotaur that opens the collection, others I didn't know. The stories are dark, verging on horror, although compellingly written in Haddon's clear, readable style. For me, the first story about the minotaur is the best, and the cleverest. Some of the others I found too horrible, particularly the one based on the story 'The Island of Dr Moreau'.

Although I didn't exactly enjoy the stories at times, I can certainly admire how effectively they are written. If you enjoy being disquieted by what you read - and lots of people do - this would be a great choice. Haddon is very good at creating atmosphere and conjuring up a vivid sense of place and time - really important in short stories where there's less time than in a novel to make an impression. I think these stories will stick in my mind, even though I may not want them all to.

I'd recommend this to readers looking for something a bit dark and a bit different. It's not a book to read if you're feeling squeamish or are looking for something to cheer you up. But if you're in the mood for a bit of spine-shivering then it's a great choice.