Official Review: The Dogs...Barking by Jan Notzon

MarisaRose · Post by **MarisaRose** » 03 Dec 2019, 14:58

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Dogs...Barking" by Jan Notzon.]

4 out of 4 stars

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The Dogs…Barking, by Jan Notzon, is a cerebral coming-of-age story that begins in the 1950s. Set in the small Texas town of Luz Oscura, Jason’s strict Catholic education coupled with his ranking as the youngest of five children sets the stage for a psychological story about how childhood experiences impact one’s growth, purpose, and hubris. The novel focuses on profound events that span into the character’s mid-thirties. Via a third-person narration, the reader is intimately guided through Jason’s journey. Childhood abuse, finding young love, rebelling as a university student, and discovering a passion for acting lead Jason from his quiet boyhood roots to the hustle and bustle of New York City, where he hopes to emerge as a star. Will Jason finally find the purpose he needs in New York City? Or is the void Jason feels one that can’t be filled by such obvious accomplishments?

The Dogs…Barking is a true bildungsroman. Beginning with Jason’s youth, the narrative explores his formative years and the long journey he takes to self-realization. Notzon expertly connects the events of Jason’s past to the problems he experiences throughout his university years and into his adult life. The novel explores heavy themes about family structure, dedication to religion, the impressionability of children, and the impact of loneliness. Jason’s journey to adulthood is constantly stalled by the many defining experiences of his childhood, and Notzon dedicates ample time to these experiences to showcase how Jason’s hubris was imperfectly molded in his early life. Overall, Notzon’s narrative is deeply cerebral, which created an engaging and thought-provoking literary treat.

This book is exceptionally well written: The editing is remarkable, the prose is lyrical, and the narrative is full of literary devices that amplify the impact of the author’s writing. For instance, Notzon’s use of imagery is exemplary. The variations in Jason’s physical surroundings are beautifully described. From the quiet town of Luz Oscura, to the disorderly university campus, and the loud streets of New York, I felt effortlessly transported from one setting to the next. But more important than the obvious descriptions is the brilliance in the imagery used to describe the chaotically profound thoughts constantly swirling around in Jason’s head. Jason's character adequately conveys a confused person who is desperate to find meaning in life. Similarly, the narrative doesn’t hesitate to delve into the philosophical realm, which beautifully complements the constant questioning and self-reflection present in Jason’s story.

Despite the skillful use of literary devices, there were some aspects of the novel that didn’t work as well. The motif of the dogs barking became redundant and obvious. Notzon doesn’t leave much room for the reader to ponder the symbolism of the motif, as the motif’s contribution to the main themes is mostly spoon-fed to the reader early in the narrative. Further, there are occasions when Notzon tends toward verbosity; this was exacerbated by the author’s penchant for challenging vocabulary. Though I greatly enjoyed the author’s language, this element of the novel may cause some readers to be turned off from Jason’s story. Those who are distracted by uncommon words like chimerical, cumbrous, ebullience, flocculent, internecine, maladroit, and sclerotic, for example, will most likely dislike the style of this novel.

Altogether, The Dogs…Barking was a pleasant, literary surprise. I enjoyed the change of pace from the easy-to-read, straightforward novels that have flooded the literary fiction genre. Notzon poses many thought-provoking questions about childhood development and the ramifications of mental illness. Further, Notzon’s writing style is absorbing. Although I don’t think this novel is for everyone, I applaud the intelligence of Notzon’s work and happily rate The Dogs…Barking 4 out of 4 stars. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy literary fiction and to those looking for a challenging book with relevant themes. However, readers should be warned there is a scene depicting child abuse.

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The Dogs...Barking
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Stephanie Elizabeth · Post by **Stephanie Elizabeth** » 12 Dec 2019, 06:14

I was hesitant about this book, but with the lovely review you provided, I am sold. Sounds like a great coming-of-age story. Thanks!

LauraLeeWasHere · Post by **LauraLeeWasHere** » 20 Dec 2019, 07:33

With the huge mount of stories being published these days it's good to have help to maneuver through the sometimes murky waters to find a good story that is truly worth the time we'll put into it.
Love LL

Nisha Ward · Post by **Nisha Ward** » 31 Dec 2019, 22:40

This sounds like quite the heavy read, even dor a book in this particular genre. Still, I do think folks should give it a chance and that the review was great.