Elise and the Second-hand Dog

Elise’s mother has been in Brazil bridge building for months. Her father’s music playing grows more sombre, while Elise has taken to tearing up the letters she writes to her mother. All would be better with a dog, she reassures her father. When they visit Potifar’s second hand market, they assume care of a second hand dog, ugly, distorted and smelling of cheese. Yet, Elise loves him.

The second-hand dog takes the lead in the relationship, from their conversation, to food and sleeping arrangements, and their destinations. He reminisces about his youth in Tobermory, while helping her raise money, survive Halloween, or choose a Christmas present for her father.

‘Elise and the Second-hand Dog‘, a Danish translation, is a gorgeous book. It made me laugh and cry. Empathy and realism are in abundance, despite the presence of a talking dog (with a Scottish accent). Elise’s relationships with her parents, aunt, grandparents and neighbourhood are recognisable. I have longed for a book similar to Bicycling to the Moon, a Gecko Press, Finnish translation for slightly younger readers. This hits the mark in every way.