This week’s Jen’s Jewels shines a spotlight on an unforgettable story that blends humor, heart, and mystery. THE SIDEWAYS LIFE OF DENNY VOSS by Holly Kennedy is a poignant coming-of-age novel wrapped in a compelling family drama, following the journey of Denny Voss—a man with a unique perspective on the world—and his loyal Saint Bernard, George. Their story is as touching as it is thought-provoking, reminding us of the power of resilience, kindness, and seeing life through a different lens. If you love novels that linger in your heart long after you turn the last page, this one is a must-read. Tag me on social media and let me know what you think—I have a feeling you’ll be just as captivated by Denny’s journey as I was!
Jennifer Vido: Your novel masterfully combines humor with deeply emotional themes. What inspired you to write Denny Voss’s story?
Holly Kennedy: I wrote the first 30 pages of this novel at a writers’ retreat in 2010 and immediately fell in love with Denny. He was stubborn and funny, and he had an undefinable charm. I couldn’t stop thinking about him; I even dreamed about him. He wasn’t a cardboard character, though, and I knew I’d have to nail the authenticity of his voice before I could begin to write his story. He had to feel believable on the page. He had to feel real. Could I do that, though? Could I write an entire novel from a mentally challenged man’s point of view? I worried that I’d get it wrong, but Denny wouldn’t leave me alone. I thought about him all the time, and eventually I convinced myself that if Mark Haddon could write The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time narrated by a boy with all the characteristics of someone with Asperger’s syndrome—he’d worked with children on the autism spectrum but wasn’t autistic himself—then I could be Denny on the page.
For me, it was important that I portray him sympathetically—as different rather than handicapped. I felt like his story was an important one and I hoped his character would touch people and make them feel (and, perhaps, act) differently when dealing with someone like him. I hoped getting to know him would encourage people to look at the world from a different perspective. I also hoped Denny’s story would spark conversation.
Jen: The setting—rural Minnesota—plays a strong role in the novel. Why did you choose this location, and how does it shape Denny’s world?
Holly: I’m Canadian, but I chose to set the novel in Minnesota because of the gun violence that plagues the US, which is the underlying issue that drives Denny’s story forward in the novel. I don’t live in the US, but I watch the same news channels Americans do, and each time I hear about another senseless shooting, I feel like Denny does.
Jen: Denny’s interactions with his dog, George, are some of the most touching moments in the book. Can you share a little about your inspiration for George?
Holly: Initially, I had a Newfoundland dog in the book for Denny (my family has had Newfoundland dogs for 30 years) but I changed my mind after we made the life-altering decision to adopt a blind and deaf Saint Bernard named George. Taking care of him was a challenge, but it quickly became clear to me that we needed George as much as he needed us. At the time, I wasn’t in a good place. I was sad and disillusioned about my writing career, which I’d had to temporarily set aside while we faced some personal challenges as a family. One night, I was at my desk in tears when George appeared, put his head in my lap, and stayed there until I stopped crying. That’s just how he was. Call it serendipity, or fate, but in my heart, I believe George was always meant to be ours, and when it comes to this novel, I believe he was meant to be Denny’s, too.
Jen: The novel features an unconventional mystery at its heart. What was the most challenging part of crafting the twists and turns in Denny’s case?
Holly: None of it was easy, but that part was especially hard. THE SIDEWAYS LIFE OF DENNY VOSS is a cross-genre book. It’s a murder mystery, a family drama, and a coming-of-age tale, and all those elements were blended throughout the book to create a unique reading experience. I had to determine what the crux of the story was first, and then, to hold the reader’s interest, every other aspect involved in the story’s climactic reveal had to be meted out throughout the book. It was a challenge, but a good one!
Jen: Without giving too much away, were there any surprises for you as a writer while working on this book—plot twists or character developments you didn’t anticipate?
Holly: Not really. To be fair, once I figured Denny’s story out, along with which characters would play key roles at various points, the toughest problem I ran into was not realizing how difficult it would be to actually write it. Like most creative endeavors, it’s always easier in theory, right? I will say, though, that I didn’t anticipate how invested I would become in the characters. I was very emotional when I finished the book and it went into production, and even now, today, I miss Denny deeply. I truly do.
Jen: The book tackles themes of resilience, justice, and self-discovery. What message do you hope readers take away from Denny’s journey?
Holly: In many ways, THE SIDEWAYS LIFE OF DENNY VOSS is about community, about the families we inherit and those we create. At its heart, though, it’s about individual limitations and human potential, and I truly hope Denny’s story will nudge readers to accept and appreciate the people they meet on a day-to-day basis, without judgment.
Jen: What’s next for you? Can you share any details about your next project?
Holly: I have started writing a new novel, and, like THE SIDEWAYS LIFE OF DENNY VOSS, it too will be a cross-genre book: a coming-of-age tale, a mystery, and a family drama. I don’t have a title yet, but it’s a standalone story, told in first person, from a woman’s point of view. It opens in scene, dropping the reader directly into some action (my protagonist is not in a good place!) and then, ripping a page out of Denny Voss’s playbook, it slides back in time to rebuild and slowly reveal the story to the reader.
Jen: What’s currently on your TBR pile? Any recent reads you’ve loved and would recommend?
Holly: I’m a slow reader. Not kidding - I read maybe 30 books a year, if I’m lucky. Right now, I’m reading BROKEN COUNTRY by Clare Leslie Hall (so good) and after that I’m counting down the days until I can read Fredrik Bachman’s new novel, FRIENDS (I love his work, all of it). Favorite books I would recommend? AMERICAN DIRT by Jeanine Cummins (utterly brilliant storytelling), A MAN CALLED OVE by Fredrik Bachman, and BEARTOWN by Fredrik Bachman. I also loved Gail Honeyman’s ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE and ROOM by Emma Donoghue (for that one, I truly have no words. She is an incredibly talented writer).
Jen: What’s one fun fact about you that readers might not know?
Holly: THE SIDEWAYS LIFE OF DENNY VOSS is my first attempt at writing anything in first person, ever. I’ve published three other novels, and they were all done in third person.
Jen: What’s the best way for readers to connect with you and stay updated on your work?
Holly: Readers can follow me on Instagram or Facebook, or they can visit my website at hollykennedy.com.
Jen: Thank you so much for taking the time to chat! Your novel is a compelling mix of humor, heart, and mystery, and I know readers will love Denny’s story. Wishing you all the best with this release and your future projects!
Holly: Thank you so much for your kind words and for helping to promote the book!
In this poignant and funny novel, a man who is defined by his limitations sets out to fight a murder charge—and discovers unexpected truths about himself, his family, and the world at large.
On the surface, Denny Voss’s life in rural Minnesota is a quiet one. At thirty years old, he lives at home with his elderly mother and his beloved blind and deaf Saint Bernard, George. He cleans up roadkill to help pay the bills. Though his prospects are limited by a developmental delay—the result of an accident at birth—Denny has always felt that he has “a good life.”
So how did he wind up being charged with the murder of a mayoral candidate—after crashing a sled full of guns into a tree?
As Denny awaits trial, his court-appointed therapist walks him through the events of the past year. Denny’s had other scuffles with the law, the first for kidnapping a neighbor’s cantankerous goose. And then there was the time he accidentally assisted in a bank robbery. It seems like whenever Denny tries to do the right thing, chaos ensues.
Untangling the events around the murder reveals even more painful truths about his family’s past. He’s always been surrounded by people who love him, but now it’s up to Denny to set his life on a new course.
Mystery [Lake Union Publishing, On Sale: April 8, 2025, Trade Paperback / e-Book , ISBN: 9781662525926 / ]
Born and raised in Canada, Holly Kennedy currently lives near the Rocky Mountains in Alberta with her family and their Newfoundland dog, Wallace. She is the author of four novels and her books have been translated into multiple languages. When she’s not writing, you’ll typically find her reading, spending time with family, or (her not-so-secret obsession) watching true crime TV shows like Dateline. To find out more visit her website or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.About Jennifer Vido
Jennifer Vido writes sweet romances set in the Lowcountry, earning acclaim as the award-winning author of the Gull Island series. Her debut novel, "Serendipity by the Sea," secured the prestigious Best First Book award from the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Contest. In 2024, Vido's talent garnered further accolades, with Baltimore Magazine readers naming her Best Local Author in their annual Best of Baltimore poll, while the Baltimore Sun acknowledged her with an Honorable Mention in their Best of 2024 Author category. When not writing fiction, she interviews authors for her weekly Jen’s Jewels column, leads water exercise classes, and directs a legal nonprofit. Currently residing in Maryland, she and her husband are proud parents to two grown sons and a rescue dog named Fripp.
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