2 A.M. at the Cat's Pajamas

I think it wanted to be the book equivalent of a jazz blues song, but I find that kind of melody soothing, and this I didn't. Enjoyed the writing, not sure I was meant to enjoy the characters. Felt like the author decided the only way to humanize was to focus on everybody's bad moments, in such quick succession that you're really only left with a vague feeling of disappointment, as the mood turns too late with too little resolved.
[Important minor spoiler: the dog survives.]
⚠️ Child neglect, abuse