I had difficulty connecting with the characters in this book, and ultimately it just was not for me. I agree with the reviewer who suggests that a book excerpt be available prior to requesting. This would help to narrow down the audience and increase positive ratings.

Everything Will Swallow You by Tom Cox is a quirky, heartfelt story about two friends, Eric and Carl, living in South-West England. The book explores their deep friendship, personal secrets, and the beauty of nature. Cox’s writing is full of charm and warmth, making even the small moments feel special. It’s a relaxing, introspective read, though it can get a bit meandering at times. If you enjoy stories about friendship and finding magic in the everyday, this one’s for you.

Things happen in this book. Weird things. Magical things. Peculiar things. It’s a novel about friendship and loving support, about books and records, history and landscape. It’s about those who defy expectations, whose community and support network is small and self-chosen.

This book flits from place to place and time folds into time like the folds in the landscape of Dorset and Devon. It’s the sort of landscape where one wouldn’t be surprised to encounter mythical creatures. In Everything Will Swallow You, Tom Cox has imagined the most wise and erudite and domestic of them all. Unlike the elves who run away when you give them clothes, the enigmatic Carl delights in caring for his friends and knitting them the most beautiful garments. Of course, the fact that he appears to be a dog, except for those in the know, somewhat restricts his life, but he knows who he can trust with his secret.

This is a book that I rushed to read but find difficult to review. It’s always a good sign if the only things I write in my notes when I’m reading are passages I want to quote because they are profound or beautifully written or deserve to be remembered. This is one of those books. I loved it, zipped through it but can remember little about it. I’m sure it would reveal more gems if I reread. Sadly I won’t be able to do that because it was sent to me by NetGalley as a digital ARC which has since expired. My review, such as it is, reflects my true opinion after reading the book.

“An old gatepost was never just an old gatepost to Carl, a face on the cornice or bench end of a church never just a face, a standing stone never just a lump of granite. He saw every landmark as an arrow, a direct line into the fathoms of history. He had an instinctive feel for the grand folk threadwork of everything, rolling back through time, and the recent reading he’d been doing in the areas of topography and social history only heightened it. It was as if, to Carl, time was happening all at once, its events all potentially visible, like the moving lights you saw in the sky on a clear night that were in fact hundreds of years behind you.”

“There was something seductive to Eric about the idea of leaving the world a handmade present and moving on”, be that creating a garden, or rediscovering and selling obscure records, passing them on to fresh hands.

“Eric read books but felt scant physical attraction to them. When he’d finished them – and, no less frequently, when he hadn’t – he left them, usually much stickier and dog-eared than when he’d found them, in friends’ bathrooms, hotel rooms, on trains, buses, benches, on the walls above blacktop estuary footpaths.”

Batbridge Manor. A house so full of books that house clearers reckoned there were 50,000 of them there, inherited by Penny, who loves its links to the past.

Her uncle had lived a happy and sociable life, but after his death had been condemned as a hoarder by journalists and online commenters.
“Had they ever known the joy of surrounding yourself with love and knowledge and learning? What exactly was the more socially acceptable way to live out your final years that they would commend: the one where a person does everything cleanly and neatly and correctly in the eyes of society, right until their final breath? And did it make anyone who achieves it better, or happier, in their last years on the planet?” (p.38)

As Penny explores the house, it holds so many memories for her that she is ambushed by the past as she opens cupboards and pokes around in virtually inaccessible corners. Let me tell you, it is infinitely worse to go through a deceased relative’s belongings and find nothing that sparks any memories because anything that held any childhood memories had already been taken by someone else, sold, or given away as a raffle prize.

Eric appreciates the beauty of age and decay, tumbling bricks and encroaching moss. There’s probably a Japanese word for that, rather than a German one; Germans are too inclined to neatness to have anything but a disparaging word for the phenomenon.

There are musings about death and legacy, about early promise, flaming high, soon ignored and dying young; murmurings about Nick Drake whose name I only know is real because of obsessed music lovers (all men, round about my age) commemorating him on Twitter. Even my prog rock-loving son hasn’t referred to him. But John and Beverley Martyn also existed, but have never before crossed my path, even in name.
“But what precisely was so fucking great about being dead? Especially if you didn’t get to see people finally getting to give the music you’d made its dues? And what was left in death’s and art’s wake? What were the costs that fanned out from it into the lives of others, unglamorously but painfully?”

Looking at Tom Cox’s body of work, he is a writer of many shades, but my experience with him rests solely on the spellbindingly good novel, Villager. In a way it feels like Everything Will Swallow You envelopes Cox’s oeuvre with a folkloric, kind hearted tale of one man and his “dog”.

Eric is a record collector/seller verging on 70 who lives with Carl, a semi-aqueous bipedal being covered in fur who looks to most like Eric’s faithful companion, but is in fact his best friend in a much more meaningful way as Eric help nurture Carl in the being he will become. The novel is a meditation on many things including friendship, growing older and the changes inherit in society and technology during such time. The novel is essentially Eric’s life story and shows why we need people around us to laugh and commiserate with.

The book builds upon Cox’s love for Dorset and the South-West corner of England while showcasing his wonderful wit and penchant for the hilarious one liner. It’s an extremely British sense of humour, but the way everything counts in the long run of the novel is one of the things that make it special and how this book becomes something of an old friend when you pick it up again.

It’s a novel that looks at how the past and present have shaped us in a fun, warm way rather than becoming laden with hopelessness. There is still hope in the journey and the friends you make along the way no matter the species.

I liked this book but I also somehow didn’t really connect with this book. I liked the characters and simultaneously didn’t quite get them. The dialogues and topics were interesting but also oftentimes too long-winded, rambling and a bit weird. Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed many elements and liked exploring the lives of Carl and Eric, but I think I just didn’t quite get it. I am not generally a fan of experimental literature and unfortunately this one is not different enough for me to rate it higher than a three.

In his third novel, Everything Will Swallow You, Tom Cox presents a compelling narrative that delves into the intricacies of friendship, the allure of the British landscape, and the acceptance of the extraordinary. Set against the backdrop of South-West England, the story follows Eric and Carl, two long-time friends whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways.

Eric, an antiques dealer, and Carl, a crocheting enthusiast with a penchant for swimming, share a unique bond that has spanned over two decades. Their journey through the region in search of rare records and unusual collectibles introduces them to a diverse array of individuals, each contributing to the unfolding narrative. As they traverse this richly depicted landscape, hints of an impending apocalypse loom, adding a layer of tension to their adventures.

Cox's portrayal of the South-West England setting is vivid and immersive, capturing the essence of its folklore and natural beauty. The landscape itself becomes a character, influencing the events and emotions of the protagonists. The author's exploration of the "collector instinct" offers a thoughtful commentary on the human desire to find meaning and connection through objects and experiences.

Central to the narrative is Carl's closely guarded secret, which adds depth to his character and challenges the perceptions of those around him. The novel delves into themes of identity and the complexities of revealing one's true self in a world that often resists the unconventional.

Everything Will Swallow You is a testament to Cox's ability to blend humor, introspection, and a touch of the surreal. The novel encourages readers to reflect on their place within the broader tapestry of life and to embrace the unexpected joys that come with accepting the unusual. For those seeking a story that intertwines the charm of British landscapes with profound insights into human connections, this book is a noteworthy addition to contemporary fiction.

Everything Will Swallow You by Tom Cox is a beautifully quirky and heartfelt book about friendship, nature, and embracing life's oddities. It follows Eric and Carl, two friends living in a cozy Dorset cottage.

Cox’s writing is full of warmth, humor, and deep reflections on the world around us. It’s the kind of book that makes you see everyday life in a new, more magical way. If you love books that celebrate friendship, nature, and the little joys of life, this one’s a must-read!

Grab bag of characters, themes, stories and writing - for Tom Cox fans

What you never know with Tom Cox is exactly what you’re going to get, and this novel is no different. Following a pair of irascible (and enigmatic) old friends as they satisfy their passions and obsessions, the semi-urban landscape and the internal cultural landscapes of the two leads elide and morph, exploring their histories and their friendship.

I didn’t really connect with this book, in its restless, rambling fullness, with so many thematic threads that slipped past each other on the way to somewhere else. I think I may get more out of it by picking it up now and again, like taking a refreshing dip in a bracing river, and then scrambling back to the safety of the shore.
Tom Cox’s world is nice to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there.

Three stars.

I really wanted to love this book, but unfortunately I couldn't even really like it. I felt some of the writing was so smart, but it was hidden in lots and lots of information that really put me to sleep - and I usually enjoy slow paced stories. I liked the very unexpected premise and heartwarming characters, but this just wasn't for me.

Relentless rat-a-tat-tat of garrulous whimsy 1.5 rating

I’m afraid I had to abandon this less than a tenth of the way through, as I was almost grinding my teeth in irritation,

The experience was of being talked AT, unstoppably and VERY LOUDLY by someone who speaks a mile and minute, never drawing breath, and telling a very long, very shaggy dog story to the wrong person (me)

I’ve raised my 1.5 star to 2 because I’m honest enough to know that Mr Cox has been unfortunate enough to just be paired with the wrong reader, for whom his voice grates.

He clearly has many lovers of his style and anarchic imagination (I can take delight in anarchic imagination, but not, sadly Tom’s) but this is just not at all a charm offensive which works on me.

I found the humour just tries far too hard. For what it’s worth (and may well help to attract the readers for whom his writing will find a happy home) I have also found the same difficulty with Terry Pratchett – horrifying those friends who adore Pratchett, who have amused me by explaining, chortling merrily, snippets of their favourite Pratchett moments, and had me, many times, assaying a Pratchett, only to abandon, early, feeling over-battered by what feels like a too relentless bashing of my funny bone

I really wish that it were possible, on Netgalley, with ARC’s to have a short excerpt available to read on the site, without having to request the title. I would have known, pretty quickly that this writer and this reader would not connect

Tom Cox has written a wonderful unique novel..The characters were wonderful. I was drawn into their world and enjoyed every page.#netgalley #unbound.

This book is as eccentric as the cover would have you believe. The characters are quirky, yet relatable. I enjoyed the story although I found it difficult to follow at times - it may be that I was not the intended target market, but it was still enjoyable to read. The writing itself was beautiful and descriptive, and reminded me what reading for pleasure (rather than to find out what happens next) is. Tom Cox is a wonderful author and I look forward to reading more from him. Thank you for the ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I found certain elements of this book really charming, particularly following the cast of characters through their early, mid, and eventually, late lives in different settings and contexts depending on the circumstance. It definitely leans into the concept of whimsy and relies heavily on a sense of nostalgia and small-town cosiness, which is really lovely in its own way. Some of the descriptions are lovely, and there are definitely some sections of this book that give a very heavy 'curl up and read' sort of vibe.

I did find that parts of this book did wander off sometimes into weird pockets where I wasn't quite sure where it was going, but I can appreciate there's definitely an experimental aspect that maybe didn't click with me as much as it might for others. There was definitely an element in here that I really enjoyed, but I didn't find the characters easy to connect with. Maybe it was just a matter of not having had the requisite life experience or vibe of the characters themselves. I am sure that this book has a perfect audience - I just don't think that I am it!

I liked this book! some people may perceive it as boring day to day life, but the beauty that is in all those little and seemingly boring tasks is what makes it so enjoyable to read. I love the cozy feeling this book gave off

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

Thanks to Unbound and NetGalley for this ARC of 'Everything Will Swallow You' by Tom Cox.

I don't know if there's anyone out there writing novels with such imagination, originality, warmth, and pathos as Tom Cox. I fell in love with his '1983' and 'Everything Will Swallow You' is even better.

As the blurb suggests, the story revolves around the seven-decade life and experiences of Scouser Eric and his companion of a couple of decades, Carl, who's, well, I'll let you figure out who or what Carl is though as the description reveals, he's generally taken or mistaken as a rare dog breed.

Set mainly in the South West of England (as well as London and the North of England to a lesser extent) we bounce to-and-fro between the past, present, and future as we're treated to the unique and mesmerizing set of experiences and lives lived.

This could be a challenging read for some - I took a break about a quarter of the way through to read some more conventional narratives - but it is so rewarding to stick with it. I took an additionally long time to read this through since I kept resorting to Google to see whether some of the south west English place names and band and album/song names were real or made up by Cox. The nature of both the human geography of that region and psychedelic and progressive rock music means that there's a 50/50 chance the names could be real or invented by the author. This really added to the enjoyment for me.

Bravo for the imagination that created this wonderful world contained in the novel and for the bravery to put it out there.

I love Tom Cox and have read all his books to date. I have loved them all. His writing is usually eccentric and strange, but in a very good way..this book didn't disappoint. I will definitely be buying my own copy.

his book is weird in the best possible way.
It explores the meandering ways that adult relationships change over time. You can read it focusing on the strange stuff - I did wonder if I was missing the point of Carl looking very much like a dog - was this a metaphor I didn't get? Was he actually a dog? It didn't really matter in the end. I enjoyed the off beat descriptions and the unexpected similes made for an unpredictable read. I don't think I could categorise this, beyond ‘fiction’ and this is one of the biggest strengths.

Thank you for an enjoyable E-ARC read

I loved this book, an unusual book. A contemporary setting and centres on a friendship between Eric and Carl. Carl is unusual looks like a dog and has many talents. Enjoyable read, thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

I love Tom Cox as a writer. I have read his non-fiction, his fiction, his short stories and his novels and he never lets me down. He has a singular view of the world and an authorial voice all his own and no matter what he attempts, he succeeds and he generously takes you, the reader along for the ride.
This is a psychedelic trip of a novel, with wild characters and a plot that sometimes utterly confounds expectation. It's the most experimental thing by Tom and yet it has strongly traditional elements that save the book at the times it promises to veer off the page and go somewhere entirely different. What was rather lovely, as a long time subscriber to Tom's writing on Substack and his website, is seeing him weave some of his non-fiction writing into the body of the novel. It was a real delight to recognise some of the faces and places of the novel from elsewhere.

I wish I had experienced what other reviewers did while reading the book. There are some good bits in here: love of friendship and beautiful things with a history.

Unfortunately, I did not find the characters convincingly written. They seemed more cardboard cutouts of an idea of what a character is supposed to be. There is a strong reliance on "humor" and "whimsy" that did not land for me in the way that it had for others. Additionally, the author writes in a meandering style that was a bit frustrating and disappointing. I enjoy long convoluted sentences in many works, but these needed some revision.

Still, I think Mr Cox will have many fans of his work. Those who follow and enjoy his Substack will enjoy this as it's written in the same style. This style doesn't work for me, but it will be delightful and heartwarming to those who get something out of his other writings.