Memoirs with a canine twist

Julian Clary is writing a second memoir, told though the dogs in his life.

The Lick of Love, which is out in October, will focus on Fanny The Wonder Dog, his on-stage companion in his early career, and subsequent pets Valerie, a whippet cross-breed; Albert, a Jack Russell cross, and Gigi. ‘an unpredictable fur bullet of a dog’.

Clary says dogs have always given him stability in life, explaining: ‘Whatever else is going on, it is the water bowl in the kitchen, the dog hair on my jumper, the knowing gaze from the dog in the basket beside me that comforts me and tells me that all is well.’

It is a follow-up to A Young Man’s Passage, which was published in 2005.

Publisher  Jane Sturrock from Quercus told trade website The Bookseller: ‘I loved A Young Man’s Passage when it was first published in 2005 and have been badgering Julian to write a book to pick up where that left off— there’s certainly no shortage of things to say.

‘The Lick of Love is a memoir told through his relationship with his dogs, each of whom has had their special part to play, and it is every bit as entertaining, funny and filthy as I’d hoped."

Clary added: ‘I am thrilled to the marrow to have my second memoir published by the discerning folk at Quercus Books. The Lick of Love is, if you will, an autobi-dog-raphy, and tells the tale of how my canine companions have guided me and helped me through a fun and frisky life.’

Clary has also written three novels – Devil in Disguise, Briefs Encountered and Murder Most Fab - and the children's series The Bolds.

The Lick of Love is out in hardback on October 12 and can be ordered from Foyles, priced £20.

Published: 23 Mar 2021