Join Amazon Prime and get unlimited Free One-Day Delivery. Already a member? Sign in.

 

or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
 
   
More Buying Choices
56 used & new from £0.01
Have one to sell? Sell yours here
 
   
Red Dog
 
 
Share your own customer images
Publisher: learn how customers can search inside this book.

Red Dog (Paperback)

by Louis De Bernieres (Author)
4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
RRP: £7.99
Price: £5.99 & this item Delivered FREE in the UK with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions
You Save: £2.00 (25%)
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
In stock.
Dispatched from and sold by Amazon.co.uk. Gift-wrap available.

Want guaranteed delivery by Wednesday, July 15? Choose Express delivery at checkout. See Details
21 new from £2.99 34 used from £0.01 1 collectible from £4.99
Other Editions: RRP: Our Price: Other Offers:
Hardcover Order it used
Paperback (New ed of Large print ed) 2 used & new from £4.25
Audio Cassette (Abridged,Audiobook) 7 used & new from £1.99

Frequently Bought Together

Red Dog + Sunday Morning at the Centre of the World (A Vintage original) + A Partisan's Daughter
Price For All Three: £17.97

Show availability and shipping details

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

Sunday Morning at the Centre of the World (A Vintage original)

Sunday Morning at the Centre of the World (A Vintage original)

by Louis De Bernieres
3.0 out of 5 stars (5)  £6.99
A Partisan's Daughter

A Partisan's Daughter

by Louis De Bernieres
3.1 out of 5 stars (27)  £4.99
Birds without Wings

Birds without Wings

by Louis De Bernieres
4.1 out of 5 stars (45)  £5.99
The Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman

The Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman

by Louis De Bernieres
4.9 out of 5 stars (13)  £5.99
Senor Vivo and the Coca Lord

Senor Vivo and the Coca Lord

by Louis De Bernieres
4.6 out of 5 stars (15)  £5.99
› Explore similar items

Product details

  • Paperback: 128 pages
  • Publisher: Vintage; New edition edition (3 Oct 2002)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0099429047
  • ISBN-13: 978-0099429043
  • Product Dimensions: 17.4 x 12 x 1.2 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 9,566 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in these categories:

    #3 in  Books > Fiction > Authors, A-Z > B > Bernieres, Louis De
    #95 in  Books > Fiction > Short Stories

    •  Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?

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.

Product Description
In early 1998 I went to Perth in Western Australia in order to attend the literature festival, and part of the arrangement was that I should go to Karratha to do their first ever literary dinner. Karratha is a mining town a long way further north. The landscape is extraordinary, being composed of vast heaps of dark red earth and rock poking out of the never-ending bush. I imagine that Mars must have a similar feel to it. I went exploring and discovered the bronze statue to Red Dog outside the town of Dampier. I felt straight away that I had to find out more about this splendid dog. A few months later I returned to Western Australia and spent two glorious weeks driving around collecting Red Dog stories and visiting the places that he knew, writing up the text as I went along. I hope my cat never finds out that I have written a story to celebrate the life of a dog.

See all Product Description

Suggested Tags from Similar Products

 (What's this?)
Be the first one to add a relevant tag (keyword that's strongly related to this product)
Check a corresponding box or enter your own tags in the field below
(3)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)

Your tags: Add your first tag
 
See most popular tags

What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

Red Dog
67% buy the item featured on this page:
Red Dog 4.1 out of 5 stars (27)
£5.99
A Partisan's Daughter
12% buy
A Partisan's Daughter 3.1 out of 5 stars (27)
£4.99
Birds without Wings
9% buy
Birds without Wings 4.1 out of 5 stars (45)
£5.99
The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts
6% buy
The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts 4.0 out of 5 stars (33)
£5.99
Explore similar items
 

Customer Reviews

27 Reviews
5 star:
 (18)
4 star:
 (2)
3 star:
 (2)
2 star:
 (3)
1 star:
 (2)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.1 out of 5 stars (27 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Charming, 17 Dec 2002
By taking a rest - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)   
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.
Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars What a dog, 26 Jan 2009
By Alexander Bryce (Scotland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
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 !
Comment Comment (1) | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars uplifting memorable tale, 7 Nov 2001
By Herakles (Greece) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Red Dog (Hardcover)
This is a slim A5 size book about a legendary dog in Western Australia.

It is a touching tale in which the author in his usual wonderful way, brings every character to life, especially the dog.

It's as much a story for children as is Peter and the Wolf and the Harry Potter's.

A particular essence of the Australian Outback is brillianty captured. No small feat for a foreigner. But this foreigner is an expert story teller.

It's sad and funny, it's thought-provoking and entertaining. And it's rightly enjoying huge sales.

But for those who judge de Bernieres solely on his Corelli book (or worse that film!) and who haven't read his others, should avoid this one at all costs.

For people who love a good read, this book will not disappoint. But expect to cry at the end of it.

Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)


Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
 
 
 
Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars 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 26 days ago by gabi macewan

5.0 out of 5 stars 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 12 months ago by Lauren Thomas

5.0 out of 5 stars Like the author, I hope that my cat doesn't find out about this book!
I got this book thinking that it was going to be the story of someone's family pet but instead got the story of a dog who befriended everyone, even his feline counterpart, Red... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Bean Cosnochta

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!
This is a lovely heart-warming book which I thoroughly enjoyed reading and would definitely recommend to others, especially dog lovers.
Published 21 months ago by danielle88

4.0 out of 5 stars Could do better
RED DOG by Louis de Bernières

Most people will enjoy the book about a dog that became both famous and infamous in Western Australia during the early 70's. Read more
Published on 27 Feb 2007 by Bob Smith

5.0 out of 5 stars RED DOG IS ACE
Red dog is a wonderfully written book by Louis De Bernieres which will make you laugh and at some points make you feel upset. Read more
Published on 27 Feb 2007 by POTTER

5.0 out of 5 stars Rusty the rover
We consider Canis familiaris a "domestic breed", but there are some dogs who cannot abide constant human contact. Read more
Published on 5 Dec 2006 by Stephen A. Haines

5.0 out of 5 stars Red Dog
We always had mongrel dogs when I was growing up and this story is every mongrel and every Australian you have ever known. Read more
Published on 31 Aug 2006 by Gillian Ann Humpston

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful wee book
This is a short and delightful book that had me laughing and crying. I felt sad when I finished it, and it will be one of those books that I will re-read every few years. Read more
Published on 13 Jun 2006 by M. J. Allen

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful little book
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. Read more
Published on 21 Feb 2006

Only search this product's reviews


Customer Discussions

 Beta (What's this?)
This product's forum (0 discussions)
  Discussion Replies Latest Post
  No discussions yet

Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
  [Cancel]


Active discussions in related forums
   
Related forums

Listmania!

Create a Listmania! list

Look for similar items by category

Feedback

Fun for Everyone

Christmas Gifts
Achieve over 15,000 RPM with our great range of Powerballs.

›Shop the Powerball store

  

More From Louis De Bernieres

Captain Corelli's Mandolin

Captain Corelli's Mandolin

Captain Corelli's Mandolin is set in the early days of the second... Read more
£7.99 £4.62

 

A Close Shave

Philips Nivea Coolskin HS8060 Moisturizing Rotary Shaving System
For all types of hair removal, stay smooth with Amazon.co.uk.

›Discover Shaving & Hair Removal

  

Treat Someone

Amazon.co.uk Gift Certificates--available in any amount from £5 to £500 With an Amazon.co.uk Gift Certificate, you can get them what they want (even if you don't know what that is).

›Learn more about Gift Certificates

  
Ad

Where's My Stuff?

Delivery and Returns

Need Help?

Your Recent History

  (What's this?)
You have no recently viewed items or searches.

After viewing product detail pages or search results, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in.

Look to the right column to find helpful suggestions for your shopping session.
Continue Shopping: Top Sellers
The Girl Who Played with Fire
The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson
4.5 out of 5 stars (75)£3.86
 Breaking Dawn (Twilight Saga)
Breaking Dawn (Twilight Saga) by Stephenie Meyer
4.1 out of 5 stars (464)£6.49
 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
4.1 out of 5 stars (165)£3.99
 The Host
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
4.2 out of 5 stars (84)£3.86

amazon.co.uk Amazon Home
International Sites:  United States  |  Germany  |  France  |  Japan  |  Canada  |  China
Business Programs: Sell on Amazon  |  Fulfilment by Amazon  |  Join Associates  |  Join Advantage
Customer Service  |  Help  |  View Basket  |  Your Account
About Amazon.co.uk  |  Careers at Amazon
Conditions of Use & Sale |  Privacy Notice  © 1996-2009, Amazon.com, Inc. and its affiliates