I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, only that it was told from the perspective of a dog. As a "dog person" I loved it! I was sucked in and read it all in one day. I kept thinking I would get to a point I'd put it down and go to bed, but never did.
I don't want to giveaway too much of the story, but basically, it's the journey of a man and his family as told by his dog, Enzo. He's a yellow lab (as far as I can tell) and he longs to be human.
Denny, Enzo's owner, longs to be a race car driver and is able to follow that dream while young and single. Eventually, he meets Eve and they marry and have a daughter Zoe. Enzo is unsure of Eve from the time he meets her. He learns over time that he can be a comfort to her. Soon, he learns of her cancer through his keen sense of smell, but being a dog can do nothing to warn her or Denny. He can only stand by and observe.
After Eve's death, Denny is forced into a custody battle with Eve's parents for his daughter that nearly crushed his spirit. The way that Enzo is able to communicate with his master and others in this time is so touching and heartfelt that I couldn't help but look at my dogs and wonder if they truly do understand more than we give them credit for.
The racing analogies were very well told from Enzo's perspective as he is a dog that loves to race. My favorite scene is when Denny takes him out on the track. The joy expressed by Enzo is unmistakably canine and brought joy to my heart.
By the end of the book, I too wished for Enzo to be given a voice and thumbs so that he can participate in the world of those he loves. While our dogs are a part of our family, this books reminds us of how much more so they wish they could interact with us humans.
It was very touching, and yes, if you love dogs, it will make you cry. In a good way. I know I did. I finished the book thinking of my dog I grew up with who will always be the standard by which I measure all other dogs and missing him greatly. But remembering him fondly and with much love.
4 comments:
Sounds like an interesting book! I LOVE dogs of all shapes and sizes. They are just so human sometimes that its hard NOT to love them.
I bought this book a few months ago, but knew it was going to be sad and tucked it away for when I need a good cry.
Fantastic review, Sara!
this book made me sob and sob!!!!
oh! this sounds like a great book! I cant wait to read it once i get some time... the description alone made me a little sentimental, haha
Post a Comment