Why We Are Here

A masterpiece of raw courage - shot through with the humour, heart and more-than-human understanding that is central to Doyle's work. - Laura Jean McKay

This novel has no right to be as funny as it is. - Gina Rushton

Why We Are Here is a love story reveling in the beauty and solace of the natural world, embracing the bonds between humans and celebrating the empathy and wisdom provided by dogs.

I read many novels this year. My favourite was Why We Are Here, a story of love, disabling grief, and the raw courage of the novel's protagonist, "BB". This is a book I will return to again and again. - TONY BIRCH

When life knocks you down, have faith in Dog.

After her partner and father die in quick succession, BB moves to a glamorous, condemned beachside apartment at the edge of a glittering city so memory-saturated it might be a mirage. Her plan? To rediscover the person she was before finding, and losing, the love of her life. To heal she'll party like it's 1999, walk her motley dog, Baby, and surrender to the simple joys of life alone by the sea.

When a neighbour mistakes her for a dog trainer, and enlists her in correcting the murderous tendencies of his Doberman, BB feels close to a meaningful new life. Harnessing the tenets of Cesar Millan the dog whisperer, and other less canine-centric canons, she helps local dogs and their wealthy, oblivious owners to distinguish between the things they can and cannot change. She even takes tentative steps towards new intimacies - with safely unavailable Franz, and sultry, free-spirited Vera.

Cinematic, heart-breaking, often hilarious, Why We Are Here is a singular love story for strange days. Doyle's witty prose revels in the solace of the natural world, in conversing with writers who have lost and endured, and above all in the profound connection between a woman and her dog.

I have read a lot of good books this year, but I think this is my book of the year. It touched the soul. - BEN HUNTER, TELL ME WHAT TO READ - AUSTRALIA'S BIGGEST BOOK CLUB