This is a dark book about depression that has both light-hearted and humorous moments--a wonderful combination. Winston Churchill suffered from depression his entire life and called his depression the "black dog". Using this historical fact, Rebecca Hunt has crafted a wonderful novel about depression and how it can completely consume lives. The story takes place over a five day period in July 1964 and involves Winston Churchill as he prepares to retire from Parliament and leave public life and Esther Hammerhans, a young House of Commons librarian, who is facing the second anniversary of her husband's death by suicide. Deciding to rent her spare bedroom, Esther is surprised when Mr. Chartwell shows up to rent the room. Mr. Chartwell is a 6 foot 7 inch black Laborador who walks on his hind legs and talks. He wants to rent Esther's room so that he can be near Winston Churchill and he also wants to draw Esther into the depths of depression. As the story unfolds, Churchill and Esther meet and Mr. Chartwell works hard to keep and extend control over both of them. A wonderful debut novel.