I have read most of Dawn O’Porter’s previous novels and love her witty and unapologetic awkwardness of her main characters. Trying to get back into reading and this book kept me wanting to continue and found it funny in spots, also relatable if you have a cat you love.

Dawn started out in TV production but quickly landed in front of the camera, making numerous documentaries that included immersive investigations of Polygamy, Size Zero, Childbirth, Free Love, Breast Cancer and the movie Dirty Dancing. If you are looking for an easy but thought provoking read with great characters and brilliant insight into the human connection, then this is the book for you.

There were parts where I did find myself endeared to Mia, who despite working hard in her career and her personal life still feels out of place and never quite at peace apart from when it is just her and her beloved cat, Pigeon. A delightful dark-ish comedy set around a "my pet has died" grief counselling group and essentially about forming and living one's best-self and not taking on a label that society expects from you.

But deep down it’s core is connecting with your pet and other like minded animal lovers,,finding yourself and not caring about what others think or do as long as you are happy. I did enjoy the development of some of the characters, especially (colleague designer) and how she fought for what she believed to be right within the company, even if it did feel a little half- hearted at times. There’s is no such thing as ‘just’ a pet - they are the family, heart and soul of its owner and very difficult to express to someone who doesn’t understand the significance a pet has on one’s life and how they often come first in their lives.It got a little too wacky as Mia grows increasingly erratic, which makes for an odd tone when everything that happens is very sad and painful.