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The Lick of Love

How Dogs Changed My Life

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The Lick of Love

By: Julian Clary
Narrated by: Julian Clary
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About this listen

From one of Britain's best-loved comedians comes this wonderfully funny, sharp and touching memoir and a celebration of the bond between man and dog - an autobidography, if you will.

The Lick of Love takes us on a tour of Julian's colourful life - and wherever life has taken him, Julian has had a dog by his side. Fanny the Wonder Dog, who came into Julian's life when he was somewhat adrift, propelled him up the ranks of the alternative comedy circuit and onto television. Valerie, the whippet cross-breed escorted Julian through his 40s, the Germaine Greer to his Bernard Manning. Albert, a jaunty geezer type who was sent to acclimatise Julian to middle age and helped him seduce his now husband, before being joined by naughty but nice Gigi, an unpredictable fur bullet of a dog. These canine characters have been there, bearing witness, on and off stage.

Whether writing about encounters in seedy London nightclubs, finding success on television with Sticky Moments, the death of his partner, that Normant Lamont joke, a narrow squeak with a thwarted eastern European plot to kidnap him, his move to the country, or finally settling down, falling in love and getting married, Julian's unique voice is heard throughout. Ultimately, The Lick of Love is the story of a fascinating life and a love letter to the dogs that have played a loving and near constant part of it. Told with humour and great honesty, this promises to be one of the best memoirs of the year.

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. - JC

©2021 Julian Clary (P)2021 Quercus Editions Limited
Entertainment & Celebrities Pets & Animal Care Celebrity Comedy Dogs Funny Feel-Good Heartfelt Witty
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Critic reviews

"I loved The Lick of Love. It's often insightful, sometimes hilarious, frequently filthy - I'm a cat person, but if anything were ever to convince me to get a dog, it would be this." (Joanne Harris)

"[W]ise and perceptive, and funny and moving. Each dog you meet marks a different chapter of your life and Julian writes about it so BEAUTIFULLY." (Joanna Cannon)

What listeners say about The Lick of Love

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A Great Listen For Animal And Julian Lovers.

Very enjoyable and very sad hearing Julian's ramblings of love and loss of his dogs and the goings on at Goldenhurst including his Chickens told in only the way Julian could, more please.

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Absolutely loved this book

Thank you Julian Clary for writing a book I couldn’t stop listening too!
Just delightful and so true the feeling we all have with wonderful dogs in our lives

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Just Julian

Having had to stop listening at work with my ear phones in due to lots of laugh out louding, I finished it at home. Another Julian masterpiece. Hilarious, sad & full of dog stories! Thanks Julian. Loved it! 😊

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Wonderful story of Julian's love of dogs

Julian's story resonates with all dog lovers of the importance and meaning they bring into our lives.

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Very entertaining

Amusing, entertaining and very real. A most enjoyable listen narrated as only Julian could do.

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Wonderful

Great book. Enjoyed every minute of it. Gorgeous mixture of hilarious,
Heartwarming, interesting, sad and very naughty anecdotes. Was disappointed when it came to an end. Made me want another dog 🫣.

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A lovely reconnection

A thoroughly wonderful listen. It’s Ben a while since I’ve engaged with JC and having grown up with him and Fanny on my TV, this really was a great opportunity to reconnect with someone who has so much wit and camp comedy to share. It’s sharp and funny, heartwarming and at times tongue in cheek. The fact that there are plenty of tales about various dogs is an absolute bonus and a joy. I simply loved it.

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Brilliant!

I have listened to this twice now - it is brillaint. Julian is just so funny, and also generous in his honesty. I thoroughly recommend.

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LOVED LOVED LOVED

I love Julian Clary and this audiobook is perfection. Any animal lover will enjoy it immensely. Julian really is a tonic and a balm for ones soul. Highly recommend.

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Very enjoyable

What a lovely book and Julian made it so,it just wouldn't have been the same if someone else had narrated it. Both Fanny & Valerie sounded wonderful dogs (but all dogs are wonderful in the right owners hands). A few weeks ago my Lucher Lady suffered the (wobbles) one morning she twelve & a half thankfully she's fine now & my other dog (mom was a Staffy dad not knowed) has have one for a few years & I was the same as you thinking it was something he picked up (as he picks anything unsociable up).
Once again thanks for a most enjoyable book.

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