September 6, 2015

Finest Hour 168, Spring 2015

Page 42

Kevin Donnelly, Taming the Black Dog, Australian eBook Publisher, 2013, 100 pages, $10.99 AUD. ISBN: 9781925029666

Review by Harry Atkinson

When asked to review this book, I felt apprehensive. I expected it to be another long-winded screed about depression and Churchill’s supposed struggles with his Black Dog. I was surprised to find instead a short and thought-provoking autobiography about a man from less-than-normal beginnings struggling through life’s hardships and how this prepared him for an even greater challenge: dealing with the death of his son.

2024 International Churchill Conference

Join us for the 41st International Churchill Conference. London | October 2024

More

Dr. Kevin Donnelly graduated from La Trobe University in 1974 and has been teaching in Australia for the past 20 years. He is a controversial figure in Australian educational circles due to his ardent conservative values and belief that the Australian school system has been hijacked by leftists. Donnelly attributes his conservatism to growing up the son of an alcoholic father who belonged to the Australian Communist Party. Donnelly’s mother also suffered from alcoholism and was a victim of domestic violence. 

The book was written as a guide to help others who are suffering with grief, loss and hardship—factors often associated with serious depression and illness. The author takes you on a journey through his life as a young boy, a teenager, a man, and finally through the unbearable pain of a grieving father.

The front cover implies that Sir Winston is a major figure in the book. This is not the case, although Donnelly subtly reminds the reader that Churchill influenced his decision to write and gave him the courage to speak about his own struggles with depression. “Churchill’s black dog might be an ever-present companion but, to admit as such does not deny that life continues and that happiness and fulfilment are still achievable” (10). Given the title, I expected more references to Churchill but now feel this would have upset the balance of the text and overshadowed the message that Donnelly tries to get across.

As a person who suffers from anxiety, I received a lot of fulfilment from reading this book. It increased my awareness of the ongoing struggles with which many people must cope. Unfortunately, mental issues that we have to overcome are often highly personal and private. This book highlights how important it is to discuss and communicate openly with the people you love, be they friends or family.

I was able to read Taming the Black Dog in just over two hours, a relief given the gloomy subject matter. At times I was so emotionally overwhelmed I needed to pause before continuing. But Donnelly does not linger and is quite forward in telling the reader how he felt and what he had to overcome.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for insight into dealing with life’s most difficult challenges. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Harry Atkinson serves in the Royal Australian Navy.