Glaze follows up the spirited adventure of Spanish Pieces of Eight by going to the dogs with this warm, nostalgia-tinged story of Ralph (a dog who fancies himself “in charge of security” for his home) and Murray (a cat convinced that rubbing his tail can cure warts). The two unlikely friends in late 1950s Tennessee realize over time that they can "speak" to each other and the other animals in their neighborhood through a sort of whispering telepathy. The story follows Ralph and Murray's adventures together, their lives with their human families, and the love for their people of their picturesque small town, which informs their choices and decisions as they make their way through the era of Elvis, TV westerns, Tennessee Williams, and RC Cola.

Beyond the core story of the relationships between Ralph and Murray and their human families, Glaze offers snippets of stories of adventure on the high seas, some (very benign) supernatural happenings, and plenty of hometown escapades that involve lots of local color, tall tales, all glimpsed through animals’ understanding. Ralph and Murray offers a cozy vision of the free-range childhood of a lot of kids of that time, and even the darker elements of the story are offered in a pleasant, even soothing tone, laced with good humor. (Ralph’s explanation to Murray of the concept of the food chain, for example, is hilarious.)

At the end of each chapter, narrator Ralph teases what’s coming up next, like a radio announcer or a TV serial, a playful approach that, nonetheless, highlights the fact that the novel lacks a compelling narrative arc. More powered by whimsy and reminiscence than story, Ralph & Murray offers subject matter and an elegiac tone of interest to readers who lived through the era it celebrates, though the language and chatty-animal premise suggest a middle grade audience, who would likely prefer a more focused and conventional storyline. Still, Glaze pens fun, surprising scenes, blending small-town memories (and occasional gossip) with the curious logic and big hearts of animals.

Takeaway: Warm, amusing novel offering a dog’s-eye-view of 1950s Americana.

Comparable Titles: Skip Wallach’s Growing Up, Garth Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-