Red Dog
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Readers familiar with the epic sweep of Louis de Bernières' previous novels, and especially his phenomenally successful Captain Corelli's Mandolin, might be shocked by this small volume of (literally) shaggy dog stories. But those who have enjoyed the humour of those same novels will appreciate this sleeker, slimline de Bernières.
In 1998, de Bernières visited the mining towns of Western Australia and stumbled across a bronze statue of Red Dog (1971-1979) outside Dampier. Inspired by this legendary canine, he made another visit, collecting the stories of his life and gently fictionalising them. We follow Red Dog, the itinerant, resourceful, if flatulent hero ("a real dag of a dog") as he seduces all who meet him at Hamersley Iron Transport. After his early residence with New Zealander John is cut short by John's untimely death, however, Red Dog undertakes "his greatest adventures" with "absolute liberty", criss-crossing the country with amazing ease, becoming the "Pilbara Wanderer, the Dog of the North-West, who belonged to everyone because he couldn't find the one he loved the most, and wouldn't settle for less".
Whether undermining the Hitlerian trailer-park managers, or hitch-hiking from Perth, Red Dog always comes up trumps. Dealing with his hero's inevitable decline, de Bernières manages to secure real empathy for the dog, without declining into mawkishness--perhaps because we all know a Red Dog, canine or otherwise. As one character points out: "Everyone's got a Red Dog story. Someone ought to write them down." Louis de Bernières thankfully has. --Alan Stewart --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
`It's a novel that will appeal to everyone whether they're dog-lovers or not' --Daily Express
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Louis De Bernieres has written some marvelous literature. "Red Dog", is a wonderful true story about a dog that befriended a good portion of Australia, and has been memorialized with a bronze statue as well as other books. Faithful readers of this author will likely be disappointed if they expect another sweeping novel. This short story does not appear to have been planned, as it unfolds with crisp episodes in the remarkable life of this canine. It is extremely unusual in that the book has been illustrated with what appear to be etchings. Illustration has sadly become the domain of primarily very expensive, limited edition, and small press books.
This is not a child's book, perhaps for young readers in Junior High, but not for young children. This is a book about adults and how a remarkably charismatic canine changed their lives. This is not a fairly tale, it includes the realities of very trying circumstances and the people who pioneer the way in this extremely difficult environment. When it gets hot in the USA warnings suggest certain groups stay indoors. When it gets hot down under, warnings are issued for gas tanks that are prone to explode when exposed to the sun!
I think it is great that an author who has established himself as an accomplished literary writer would have the courage to step well away from what has worked for him repeatedly. I was reminded of some of John Steinbeck's work that centered on animals, both his own and fictional. If John Steinbeck can make the change I believe it is safe for other accomplished authors to explore unfamiliar genres, and they do not deserve to be punished for doing so. This is especially the case when the results are so worthwhile. I was going to give this 4 stars but I stepped it up to 5. The book was punished and I wanted to even out what is a brief but entering read.
This is not a child's book, perhaps for young readers in Junior High, but not for young children. This is a book about adults and how a remarkably charismatic canine changed their lives. This is not a fairly tale, it includes the realities of very trying circumstances and the people who pioneer the way in this extremely difficult environment. When it gets hot in the USA warnings suggest certain groups stay indoors. When it gets hot down under, warnings are issued for gas tanks that are prone to explode when exposed to the sun!
I think it is great that an author who has established himself as an accomplished literary writer would have the courage to step well away from what has worked for him repeatedly. I was reminded of some of John Steinbeck's work that centered on animals, both his own and fictional. If John Steinbeck can make the change I believe it is safe for other accomplished authors to explore unfamiliar genres, and they do not deserve to be punished for doing so. This is especially the case when the results are so worthwhile. I was going to give this 4 stars but I stepped it up to 5. The book was punished and I wanted to even out what is a brief but entering read.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is the sort of book you should read on a rainy, Sunday afternoon, in front of a roaring fire, with a dog leaning against your legs. If, like me, you live in a titchy flat with central heating, it will make you feel as good as sitting by a roaring fire would. It's a heart-warming little gem of a comfort read.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is about an amazing four legged free spirit ; a roving rascal owned by no one but loved by all, or nearly all ,who met him. In return for kindly giving him a lift he kindly leaves behind a disgusting fart with a look which says aren't you so very lucky that I shared that with you. " Tally Ho " epitomises that irreverent , mischievous but at the heart decent Aussie outlook on life. After reading this short, but worthwhile book I wish I had a dog to discuss these adventures with.
It is also about a way of life in the remotest parts of Western Australia.The rugged, red landscape becomes real and you can almost feel the blistering noonday heat.There is nothing for it ; I must go to Dampier to pay my respects to Red Dog !
It is also about a way of life in the remotest parts of Western Australia.The rugged, red landscape becomes real and you can almost feel the blistering noonday heat.There is nothing for it ; I must go to Dampier to pay my respects to Red Dog !
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Brilliant
I absolutely loved this book. It is a short novel, with Red Dog as the main character. There is no doubt that Red acts and responds in the way he does because of the character he... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Ms. Louise Knight
A Good Read
This book is absolutely brilliant ~ based on a true story it is both funny and very moving ~ if you love dogs you will love this story ~ but a box of tissues is strongly... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Musical Fan
Red Dog
All dog lovers should read the escapades of this dog, more so if you have ever been to Australia - as you can equate the distances this animal travelled - and is so funny in parts... Read more
Published 1 month ago by jo
Red Dog Day
I briefly lived around this part of Australia, so I felt quite nostalgic for that big red state while reading Red Dog. Read more
Published 1 month ago by msgoodvibes
a heart-warming tale
Red Dog is the 5th book by Louis de Bernieres and was inspired when de Bernieres visited the West Australian town of Karratha for a literary dinner and came across the bronze... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Cloggie Downunder
I Can't Say It Any Better Than John.
This is a review I wrote at the Amazon US site.And since John didn't leave a review here at Amazon UK,I will reproduce his review below,so you can read what I'm writing about when... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Brizdaz
Very enjoyable but may be just for dog lovers
I am not sure whether you need to be a dog lover to appreciate this book but I am and I really enjoyed this book. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Nemo James
Maybe I am missing something here...
I have never written a review on Amazon before but felt compelled to do so by this book. Perhaps I am missing something vital but I do not understand the rave reviews. Read more
Published on 16 July 2009 by Random
little book with a big heart
this is a great book about a great dog and the people he meets in his travels. made me laugh, made me cry, made me wish i was 'red dog'. Read more
Published on 16 Jun 2009 by gabi macewan
Compassionate, funny, quirky and sweet - not just for dog lovers
When I saw Louis de Bernieres at a reading recently, he discussed Red Dog and mentioned that it was meant to be a children's book, but his publishers failed to advertise as such. Read more
Published on 23 Jun 2008 by Lauren Thomas
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