Nigel

Book excerpt: THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER When Monty Don's golden retriever Nigel became the surprise star of BBC Gardeners' World, inspiring huge interest, fan mail and his own social media accounts, Monty Don wanted to explore what makes us connect with animals quite so deeply. In many respects Nigel was a very ordinary dog; charming, handsome and obedient, as so many are. He was a much loved family pet. He was also a star. By telling Nigel's story, Monty relates his relationships with the other special dogs in his life in a memoir of his dogs past and very much present. Since it was first released in 2016, Monty Don's Nigel: my family and other dogs has sold over a quarter of a million copies, with Nigel, who sadly passed away in 2020, ensuring his place in the hearts of readers and dog lovers everywhere. This life-affirming memoir of the importance of dogs in Monty's life and in all our lives, is never more true than now. 'I have always had a dog, or dogs. I cannot imagine life without them. I am just as much a fan of Nigel as any besotted viewer. In the book I explore why we love dogs and what they mean to us emotionally and domestically. I look back on all the dogs in my life - all of which I have loved deeply and which have been an essential part of my life. So, this is the book of Nigel - but also the book of all our dogs in every British family and a celebration of the deep love we feel for them' Monty Don