Djamel White's 'All Them Dogs': A Neo-Noir of Desire and Betrayal in Dublin
Djamel White emerges as a powerful new voice in Irish literature with his debut novel, All Them Dogs. This vividly propulsive neo-noir delves into the badlands of west Dublin, where toxic masculinity and repressed homoeroticism collide in a dangerous dance of desire and betrayal. The story follows Tony Ward, a man on the run for five years after a gang fight killing, who returns under the protection of a local crime boss.
A Gritty World of Violence and Longing
Teamed with the tall, sullen enforcer Darren "Flute" Walsh, Tony navigates a grim routine of debt collection and drug dealer dues. The narrative, like its sharklike protagonist, rarely stops moving, propelled through rundown estates, boxing gyms, and tattoo parlours. White's prose combines street slang with poetic simile, creating a compelling and dynamic portrayal of this downbeat world.
However, the plotting can feel imposed and overcomplicated at times. The heart of the story—the doomed love between Tony and Flute—risks getting lost in the confusion. While there are moments of erotic spark, such as at a gatecrashed student party, the emotional charge often seems intermittent, scarcely feeding the burning sense of longing and suspicion that Tony is meant to experience later.
Exploring Psychosexual Depths
Both men present as blank slates in terms of sexuality, which could intensify their predicament but instead dissipates into an obscure state of desire. In a disjointed sex scene, an intriguing exchange leaves it uncertain whether they are discussing killing or sex with another man. Tragically, their emotional joint enterprise appears more secure in violence than in intimacy.
Tony later wonders, "But where was the rage?" as he seeks revenge for past treachery. This lack of developed passion may weaken the poignancy of the novel's lethally heartfelt double-cross denouement. Flute shapes up as a classic homme fatale, with glimpses of tender feelings that seem oddly coy, such as Tony's daydream of beaches and cocktails.
Ambitions Beyond Crime Fiction
All Them Dogs has ambitions beyond the harsh restrictions of the crime genre, employing a first-person stream of consciousness that aligns with Chekhov's notion of taking the part of guilty men. Tony is a bold choice for this endeavour, often appearing as an arrogant bully beyond even his author's compassion. Though frailties are revealed beneath the braggadocio, the true emotions and psychosexuality of this angry, battered male psyche remain unknowable—perhaps a deliberate part of the novel's realism.
Published by John Murray at £18.99, this novel offers a unique blend of crime thriller and literary exploration, making it a notable addition to contemporary Irish fiction.
