It is partway through a what-if moment that we are introduced to English painter, Edward Dacres, the macabre main character of Goya’s Dog by author Damian Tarnopolsky. It’s not just any what-if though; it’s “what-if I run from the Second World War?”

Dacres, a widowed artist, spends his days cursing his misfortunes and thinking up excuses to keep him out of combat. His misery deepens, as conscription looms, when anxiety defeats his ability to paint.

One day, a mal-addressed letter arrives inviting Dacres on a tour of Canada to promote the arts. He has been mistaken for the successful artist, Edward Davis, and given his opportunity to evade the war. Seeing this as a solution to his creative block, lack of funds and dying artistic career, Dacres accepts the invitation. Goya’s Dog follows Dacres on his fraudulent journey across the Atlantic to a booming, industrious Toronto, where it becomes apparent that Canada has no interest in supporting artists.

Tarnopolsky’s examples of Second World War-era Canadians provides a sharp contrast to Dacres’s low self-esteem and lack of motivation. The Canadians are bursting with new ideas and hope for their young country. A strong sense of nationalism fuels an intense work ethic, of which Dacres has no understanding.

Through character foils and environmental description, Tarnopolsky develops a vivid portrayal of depression. Dacres’s growing despair at the lack of interest in the arts causes a creative lethargy which begins to bleed into his life. His clothes disintegrate and he ages beyond recognition. His aching body is a manifestation of his cowardice, and gives him more reason to avoid the pursuit of commissions. Eventually, Dacres’s art scholarships run out, as does his landlord’s patience, forcing him onto the street.

Tarnopolsky creatively shows Dacres’ descent into depression through a conversation with the character’s deceased wife, Evelyn. He makes excuses for his meagre existence, but his depression deepens with each excuse. Eventually, Dacre’s lack of reason pushes him to end his life, unsuccessfully. It is only after he almost drowns, his wrists are marked with deep cuts and a scar from a bullet grazing his head, that he is given a helping hand.

Post-suicide Dacres appears to be the perfect sad opportunity for local heiress, Darly, who hopes to better herself by healing the depressed artist. Burner grows a fond of Dacres’s English accent and artistic past, and secures funds to give him an artist studio. He can’t overcome his hesitation towards painting, however, and proves to be a bad investment. Dacres’ lack of confidence ruins his every chance at happiness.

Goya’s Dog presents interesting insight into a sad mind and an unimaginable fate for many, yet Tarnopolsky has successfully painted a character the reader may not sympathize with, but could teach a lesson or two about what not to do in life.