Review: "Four legs good two legs bad" - George Orwell Animal Farm
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 19, 2012
All parents beware of the bodacious Boswell  ! This is the third volume based on the Boswell Speaks series and  was written in the  wake of the hugely successful  Twitter feed based on the  loveable and mischievous Australian Terrier expertly brought to life by award winning  author Richard Grossman,  but if you think this is all Andrex Puppies and  boy scouts at supper - think again !The book is part satire part allegory with a genuinely funny running commentary that details the highs and lows of a dog's life . From "fat squirrels" who eat up all the acorns and "alien skunks" who cause tension there is a definite  evocation of the here and now  and  strong cultural references to the issues affecting society today .With its overtly unassuming  style and layout including frequent references to "naptime" it is as if the book were actually penned by a canine thus enhancing its authenticity as the bonafide memoirs of a  real dog .  A dog that knows all about  shows like Millionaire Matchmaker  waxes lyrical about humans getting frisky in hot tubs and has Zen like, philosophical discussions with his "higher poocher".The book is enjoyably good in an uncomplicated  way the sequel providing anarchic  black comedy with all the characters within the novel working deftly together . Every chapter has its own poochie delights but I think it's more suited to teens and adults rather than children . Often Grossman returns to poetry using every kind of poetic device to capture moments of dreamy soft focus contemplation .It works as comedy ,as entertainment  and a clever fusion of art and politics . A big paws up !