Good Dogs Don't Make It to the South Pole by Hans-Olav Thyvold

Jun 15, 2020 Fran rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Tassen was "...the one left over when the rest of the litter is sold. An outcast...the wrong color...sold at half-price to the Major...I'm a one-man dog...I am and will always be the Major's dog...". Major Thorkildsen, a World War II veteran, his wife, and Tassen often hunted together in the Norwegian woods. The cellar was fully supplied with food. Tassen became an overgrown lap dog raised with tenderness, love and plenty of dog treats. Now that the Major has died, "What happens to Mrs. Thorkild Tassen was "...the one left over when the rest of the litter is sold. An outcast...the wrong color...sold at half-price to the Major...I'm a one-man dog...I am and will always be the Major's dog...". Major Thorkildsen, a World War II veteran, his wife, and Tassen often hunted together in the Norwegian woods. The cellar was fully supplied with food. Tassen became an overgrown lap dog raised with tenderness, love and plenty of dog treats. Now that the Major has died, "What happens to Mrs. Thorkildsen and me?...I'm a widower dog...". Tassen, as narrator, tells his story.

"The big change comes in small steps". Mrs. Thorkildsen starts watching Dr. Phil on TV. "Neither Dr. Phil nor his patients speak a language known to me... I only speak Norwegian...Mrs. Thorkildsen is kind enough to always translate what the program is about that day". "The Puppy", Mrs. Thorkildsen's son visits. He attempts to do the bidding of "The Bitch", his wife. No way will Mrs. Thorkildsen move out of her digs so "The Puppy","The Bitch" and "Young Puppy" can move in!

Mrs. Thorkildsen is lonely. She drinks. No longer driving a car, she uses a wheelie bag, pulling it behind her, filled with alcoholic beverages purchased at the market. This is not the kind of walk Tassen had in mind. One special day, they go to the Fram Museum. Tassen climbs into the polar ship that sailed from Norway to Antarctica as Norwegian Explorer Roald Amundsen raced to reach the South Pole before Britian's Captain Robert Scott. Tassen sees two Greenland dogs displayed. "It wasn't until the sight of the taxidermied dogs that the gravity of the situation clearly appeared to me...What could [they] have done wrong? Chewed up one slipper too many?"

Mrs. Thorkildsen was a retired librarian. As a child, "with a book under one arm and a short stool under the other...she asked every single person she met on the street: Will you read to me?" Although technically speaking, Tassen did not read or count (other than Me, Me & You, Pack), she was determined to discuss and bring to life Amundsen's journey to the South Pole, highlighting his strength and determination, as well as explaining the plight and ordeal of the Greenland dogs. Mrs. Thorkildsen and Tassen, constant companions, thoroughly engaged in discussions about the polar expedition. Oh, what fascinating dialogue!

"Good Dogs Don't Make It to the South Pole:A Novel" by Hans-Olav Thyvold is the story of a special canine-human friendship that addresses aging. Tassen's philosophical and humorous touch makes for a delightful read as he tries to understand the behavior of us humans!

Thank you HarperCollins Publishers/HarperVia and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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May 10, 2020 Carolyn rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This lovely book is original in its concept, thought-provoking, and poignant. It is narrated by a unique talking dog named Tassen. Some insights and philosophies were funny and provides one with a new perception of what their pet may be thinking about besides food and walks. You may never view your dog in the same way again. Tassen brings humour to the story as he worries that he may be racist because he dislikes some breeds of dogs and detests a few other animal species. He is especially prejud This lovely book is original in its concept, thought-provoking, and poignant. It is narrated by a unique talking dog named Tassen. Some insights and philosophies were funny and provides one with a new perception of what their pet may be thinking about besides food and walks. You may never view your dog in the same way again. Tassen brings humour to the story as he worries that he may be racist because he dislikes some breeds of dogs and detests a few other animal species. He is especially prejudiced against penguins as he has learned they practice depraved sexual behaviour. Besides Tassen’s hilarious thoughts, there are deep themes of life, old age, diminishing abilities, companionship, rejection, loneliness and death.

Tassen was bought for half price by Major Thorkildsen, judged by his kennel to be unsuitable as a show dog and for breeding. He was considered a good dog and companion by the Major. Tassen takes great pride in being a good dog. After her husband’s death, the elderly Mrs. Thorkildsen is drinking to excess but always regards Tassen with kindness. There is an abundant supply of treats and short walks, mainly to buy liquor which Tassen calls Devil Water.

A highlight of their days together is when she begins to bring Tassen to the public library where she reads to him about the 1911 race to the South Pole which was won by the Norwegian hero, Amundsen. The Englishman Scott was second to reach the destination, and his team perished. Amundsen succeeded because he brought along over 100 northern working dogs. What happened to these valiant dogs was horrifying.

After these visits to the library, Mrs. Thorkildsen always left Tassen outside while she visited the bar next door, and one day an accident occurred.
For some time, Mrs. Thorkildsen’s son (whom Tassen refers to as her Puppy) and his wife(Bitch) have been urging her to move into a Senior’s Residence or a Nursing Home. This is mainly on the insistence of Bitch who wants the house sooner rather than later. With Mrs. Thorkildsen’s declining health, they prevailed. Bitch will not permit her husband, Puppy, to allow Tassen entry to his former home.

The story is open-ended. It could be sad or pleasant and left to the readers’ imagination. In my mind, the conclusion will be a happy one for Tassen, a good dog. ...more

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Jan 07, 2020 Ian Smith rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

GOOD DOGS DON’T MAKE IT TO THE SOUTH POLE by HANS-OLAV THYVOLD
I ordered this book because it purports to be about Roald Amundsen and Captain Robert F. Scott’s efforts to reach the South Pole and, yes, that does come into it but, the book is all about Tassen, a dog no less. If fact, it’s written by the dog which opens up all sorts of possibilities. I found it very insightful into all aspects of animal behaviour.
The dog is owned by an elderly couple named Thorkildsen (and I wish it was about Smit GOOD DOGS DON’T MAKE IT TO THE SOUTH POLE by HANS-OLAV THYVOLD
I ordered this book because it purports to be about Roald Amundsen and Captain Robert F. Scott’s efforts to reach the South Pole and, yes, that does come into it but, the book is all about Tassen, a dog no less. If fact, it’s written by the dog which opens up all sorts of possibilities. I found it very insightful into all aspects of animal behaviour.
The dog is owned by an elderly couple named Thorkildsen (and I wish it was about Smith or such, having to pronounce that name constantly was a distraction) and starts where the husband leaves off. The opening tale woven around the deathbed of Major Thorkildsen was a wonderful lead-in to the rest of the story.
It’s around page 70 plus that it moves onto Roald and you have to get used to the fact that you’re learning from the dog’s point of view. You’ll constantly be sympathetic to the animal who thinks it is always trying to please. Well, until food comes into the scene and then you can forget everything else.
As for the great expeditions well, there are many things I was totally unaware of, just a few of which I’ll bring to light here. Amundsen lied about his expedition – said he was going to the North Pole! Penguins aren’t the lovely loveable creatures you think they are; necrophilia is one notable trait I’m sure you’re unaware of for instance. Amundsen’s expedition went like clockwork because they ate the dogs that pulled their sleds during the journey, a perfectly normal and calculated thing to do apparently. Which brings you to the title of the book.
Mrs. Thorkildsen’s slow decline is something older folk like myself can totally relate to. Her use of liquor (aka Dragon Water) to ease the pain is well documented. However, seen from the dog’s point of view, there’s a constant thread of wry humour that runs through the text. You’ll never look at your pet again without reflecting on this novel I can promise you. They have imagined conversations which constantly reflect the dog’s emotions.
There are also profound pieces of political insight. “Precisely by mucking up and obscuring the whole relationship. The master designates a slave to lord it over his fellow slaves ever so slightly and that’s how the dirty work is done. It’s the oldest trick in the book.” Bring to mind anyone?
Personally, I found it totally entertaining and one of the best reads I’ve had for ages. Informative on so many levels it also has the one ingredient I consider essential – readability.
...more

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Jul 17, 2020 Cheri rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: norway, netgalley, arc, 2020, dogs-companionship

4.5 Stars

This story begins as the end of Major Thorkildsen’s life is becoming more apparent, as though death is hovering above them, awaiting the moment. Tassen, the Major’s faithful companion notes the scent in the air as Mrs. Thorkildsen lifts Tassen onto the Major’s bed, where he notes the smell of the pain that has been inside the Major for a while now. As Tassen lays beside him, he finds himself reminiscing on a rhyme the Major taught him when he was still a young pup, eventually realizing
4.5 Stars

This story begins as the end of Major Thorkildsen’s life is becoming more apparent, as though death is hovering above them, awaiting the moment. Tassen, the Major’s faithful companion notes the scent in the air as Mrs. Thorkildsen lifts Tassen onto the Major’s bed, where he notes the smell of the pain that has been inside the Major for a while now. As Tassen lays beside him, he finds himself reminiscing on a rhyme the Major taught him when he was still a young pup, eventually realizing after several tests that it was, in fact, true.

The reminiscing goes back to the day when the Major first met Tassen, and brings him home to live with him, Tassen’s days of puppyhood, but doesn’t dwell in those days. It gives us a small idea of how close he was with the Major until the end. The Major’s end, that is. And after that, for a while, it is just Tassen and Mrs. T., with periodic, rather unwelcome visits by the Thorkildsen offspring, whom Tassen refers to as “Puppy” and “Bitch,” somewhat appropriately, since they seem to be of the belief that they should now be in charge of Mrs. T’s life.

There is humour in this to add some balance, although it is often a dark humour. I would not consider it a light, happy story – especially as Mrs. T., a retired librarian, shares the story of the book she is reading with Tassen, about Roald Amundsen’s 1911 journey to the South Pole, the dogs that we involved in that exploration, and their story. For each of the dogs accounted for on that exploration, she makes a folded paper dog, and then another and more…until all of the dogs are accounted for – just to show Tassen how many dogs there were on this expedition, since his math skills are somewhat limited.

As time passes, their relationship grows, her fondness for him as a companion, someone she can talk to, share things with, grows. His trust in her grows, as well as his love of her stories and her cinnamon rolls. What he is less fond of is her keenness for dragon water, but he is still protective of her, and doesn’t appreciate it when others take advantage or are less than kind to her. He becomes her closest friend, protector and partner, and in exchange she confides and shares more of herself in the process. As time passes, they spend their days watching Dr. Pill on the TV, which she loves to comment on, which works – but, not always – to keep her from overindulging in her dragon water.

This story is shared from Tassen’s perspective, which adds to the sense of watching, waiting, wondering how this story will eventually end, but in the meantime, enjoying being slowly immersed in their quietly wonderful world and the love and trust that develop. To be alone is one thing, to be alone with a dog, or more, is to not really be alone, at all. To love, to share love is really all that matters, it is what gives meaning to our lives.

Pub Date: 18 Aug 2020

Many thanks for the ARC provided by HarperCollins Publishers / HarperVia via NetGalley

#GoodDogsDontMakeIttotheSouthPole #NetGalley
...more

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Dec 31, 2019 Dale Harcombe rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Two and a half stars
I started this expecting it to be a light and amusing read. After all it is told from the point of view of a dog, Tassen. After the Major dies it is up to Tassen and the Major’s wife to carry on. They settle into a life together surrounded by books and stories of the 1911 race to reach the South Pole first, between Norway’s explorer Roald Admunsen and Britain’s’ Captain Robert Scott. What started as an entertaining and amusing read though turned into something else. It became ...more

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Jan 22, 2020 M - The long hot spell rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, all-time-faves

(Edit (25/01/20): I think this book had a much darker ending that I realised at the time of finishing it. It's only been two days of course but my mind keeps returning to this story, going over the things that happened in it. This is not a light story - it's kept buoyant by the humour, but actually it deals with some rather confronting and depressing things.)

What an odd book this was and before you think I have complaints, I mean it in the nicest way. This was five stars for me so you know I lik (Edit (25/01/20): I think this book had a much darker ending that I realised at the time of finishing it. It's only been two days of course but my mind keeps returning to this story, going over the things that happened in it. This is not a light story - it's kept buoyant by the humour, but actually it deals with some rather confronting and depressing things.)

What an odd book this was and before you think I have complaints, I mean it in the nicest way. This was five stars for me so you know I like it. It’s my second five star novel for 2020 yet, unlike My Sister, the Serial Killer (which is fab and I recommend it) this one will remain on my shelf of favourite books. They’re the ones I like to get out now and then and reads snippets of, or just scan, or that I think I’ll re-read at some stage and Good Dogs don't make it to the South Pole I will most likely read again once I get to feeling elderly (if not before).

Besides that, I have a feeling that there are deeper things to be gained from this novel that I’ve missed. That happens to me sometime, particularly if the ‘deeper things’ are those with which I’m not familiar or haven’t experienced. Then I can miss them more easily. So I feel like there is more for me in this book and I’ll be keeping an eye on other peoples reviews to see if this is true. Of course, I could be mistaken. Maybe Thyvold’s story simply is what it is. In that case, no problem - because I loved it!

The story is written by a dog called Tassen. He’s a clever dog, though he doesn’t always understand the world of humans (hey, that could be said for many of us), and this leads to many funny moments. Tassen is a sweet soul and his view of the world was fascinating. We share similar views on poetry, I found…not so keen on it. The novel finds him giving opinions on various animals species—and dog breeds, pondering whether this makes him a racist, and watching the “Dr Pill” show with his owner Mrs Thorkildsen.

Tassen branches out socially but much of the book is based around his relationship with Mrs Thorkildsen, their outings together, their talks, and their readings together. Yes, I said talks and readings. I can’t really explain it to you but it’s not creepy or weird - it works beautifully. Now, the reading is important because another focus of the book is their exploration of Roald Amundsen’s trip to the South Pole (beating Scott’s one, which ended in his death). If you don’t think you could get interested in a South Pole trip, then this may not be the book for you. Also, it was harsh. Few participants got a good deal and especially not the dogs.

However, there’s more. Mrs Thorkildsen is an elderly woman who is now on her own (her husband passes at the beginning). I feel like Thyvold deals deftly with her concerns about ageing and what the future holds. I will not say too much about this because I think it’s best you learn from reading the book.

This was an Advance Reader Copy so I can’t quote it at this stage, but if I could, I would add at least a dozen quotes to Goodreads today. I made many pencil marks while reading and I think when my library gets a published copy I’ll give you the quotes then. I feel like I need to with this novel.

Good Dogs don't make it to the South Pole was a joy to read despite the difficult, sad and sometimes downright nasty realities it dealt with.

Thank you to the publisher, Allen and Unwin, and the author, Hans-Olav Thyvold, for this copy given in return for my honest review.

This review is also published on my blog: The Long Hot Spell. ...more

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Oct 30, 2020 Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020-international-male-author-chal, 2020-books

*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com

‘Mrs Thorkildsen thinks for a while before responding: ‘Well, who knows? It’s not at the South Pole. But if it was a good dog, and I have every reason to think it was, I’m sure it went to a good place.’ ‘Good dogs don’t make it to the South Pole?’ ‘Unlikely.’

Good Dogs Don’t Make It to the South Pole by Norwegian born author Hans Olav-Thyvold was first published in 2017 as Snille hunder kommer ikke til Sydpolen. Translated into English and released in Februa *https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com

‘Mrs Thorkildsen thinks for a while before responding: ‘Well, who knows? It’s not at the South Pole. But if it was a good dog, and I have every reason to think it was, I’m sure it went to a good place.’ ‘Good dogs don’t make it to the South Pole?’ ‘Unlikely.’

Good Dogs Don’t Make It to the South Pole by Norwegian born author Hans Olav-Thyvold was first published in 2017 as Snille hunder kommer ikke til Sydpolen. Translated into English and released in February 2020 by Allen and Unwin, Hans Olav-Thyvold’s novel offers an offbeat account of the life and times of Tassen, a dog recently left in the care of the widow of his much loved owner. Moving, revealing, surprising and life affirming, Good Dogs Don’t Make It to the South Pole is an entertaining piece of debut fiction from Hans Olav-Thyfold.

A story that looks at life, love, death, ownership, friendship, loyalty and trust, Good Dogs Don’t Make It to the South Pole follows a dog named Tassen who is left rather bereft following the loss of his owner named The Major. A survivor of the Second World War, the Major rescued Tassen and gave him a loving and respectful home. But now following the death of the Major, Tassen faces a future under the care of the Major’s wife. Both are grieving the loss of the Major, but they manage to cultivate a new friendship based on respect, care, compassion, understanding and unconditional support. Mrs Thorkildesen begins to take Tassen with her to the library, where she tells Tassen stories of a great dog journey involving a race between renowned explorers Roald Amundsen and Captain Robert F. Scott to get to the South Pole. This is a strange time for Tassen, learning to negotiate a new friendship and reconcile his thoughts on this keynote expedition. But just as the Major succumbed to illness and old age, so too does Mrs Thorkildsen. In this ode to a dog’s life, Hans Olav-Thyfold considers the light and dark moments in this canine’s existence.

I have a weakness for dog stories and I was really intrigued by the slightly offbeat title of Hans Olav-Thyfold’s fictional debut, Good Dogs Don’t Make It to the South Pole. A very appealing cover featuring a gorgeous dog also caught my attention and I knew that I had to read this international bestseller. I’m glad I made some room in my rather tight reading schedule for this non review book, it was a heart-warming piece.

I loved how Good Dogs Don’t Make It to the South Pole was solely narrated from the viewpoint of an endearing and a captive narrator, Tassen the Dog. We are privy to Tassen’s innermost thoughts, feelings and opinions. Some of these will have you laughing, crying and they may even leave you baffled! I liked how this book worked to illustrate the confusion that exists between how we relate to dogs and how our canine friends misunderstand us. But what shines is the loyalty, respect, trust and implicit love between a human and a canine. There are moments of pure love and devastating lows. The sad times did get to me, but I was able to take the moments of hope that are sprinkled through this novel as a guiding light to get me through the sorrow.

Relationships are a focal point in Good Dogs Don’t Make It to the South Pole. We witness the respectful reciprocal relationship between Tassen and the Major. We glean a little of Tassen’s history, as well as the Major’s life story. We meet the Major at the end of his life and his departure leaves a big dent in the life of his dog and his wife’s heart. The author did a good job of capturing the grief and loss felt by a canine left behind once his owner passes on. I liked the gentle development of the relationship between Tassen and the Major’s wife. This was a genuine connection that progressed out of grief, need, support and duty. Within the context of the relationship side of things, we receive a different kind of insight into ageing and ill health, from a dog’s point of view. This was unusual, but also enlightening.

There is an extra focus for this narrative that forms a relatively significant component of the novel. We are guided through a story involving the race to the South Pole, involving two prominent explorers. There is a rather sad history to the dogs involved in this pioneering expedition. I’m not sure that it had as much impact for me as the author may have intended. I think the focus on the relationship between the dog, the Major and his widow was more than enough for this novel.

Good Dogs Don’t Make It to the South Pole offers a unique look into grief, loss, friendship and ageing from the viewpoint of a very perceptive canine. I’m sure Hans Olav-Thyvold’s book will resonate with many readers, including dog lovers.

*Book #10 of the 2020 International Male Author Challenge. ...more

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Mar 28, 2020 Saturday's Child rated it really liked it · review of another edition

With my dog, a glass of dragon water and nowhere to go (thanks to Stage 2 Lockdown) this novel gave me something to laugh about in the current miserable situation.

“A perfect example of one of the dangers of reading books. It may change you. Forever”.

“The Librarian takes a fresh swig. I may have overestimated Mrs. Thorkildsen’s special talent for drinking; new evidence would suggest that this is a more widespread skill. It would seem that librarians, in the course of their everyday work, are expo ...more

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Mar 22, 2020 Ken Fredette rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Hans-Olav Thyvold has taken our favorite mutt and made him into a lovable dog named Tassen. Tassen talks to Mrs. Thorkildsen after her husband Major Thorkildsen died. What they talked about the most was about dogs and the first person to reach the South Pole, Roald Amundsen. A Norwegian before the British reached it. What was interesting was that Amundsen was in Greenland for two years before he left for the South Pole working with the Greenland dogs to master working with them. During the tales ...more

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Nov 30, 2020 Helen rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: those interested in dogs, aging, family dynamics, or the race to the South Pole

Shelves: politics, social-justice, medical, animals

This is an interesting book about dogs, aging, families, and the race to the South Pole, as narrated by a dog!

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Jan 25, 2020 Tanya rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: arcs

After much agonising, I'm calling this a DNF at page 166 (55% read). I absolutely hate giving up on books, but I also feel life is too short to spend reading books you're not enjoying. And unfortunately, this book has me feeling this way. It's having me put off reading when I used to love it, reading it for me is a chore instead of a pleasure, and so I'm having to conclude it's not the book for me.

Good Dogs Don't Make it to the South Pole is the story of a dog called Tassen. After his master, M After much agonising, I'm calling this a DNF at page 166 (55% read). I absolutely hate giving up on books, but I also feel life is too short to spend reading books you're not enjoying. And unfortunately, this book has me feeling this way. It's having me put off reading when I used to love it, reading it for me is a chore instead of a pleasure, and so I'm having to conclude it's not the book for me.

Good Dogs Don't Make it to the South Pole is the story of a dog called Tassen. After his master, Major Thorkildsen dies, he and widow Mrs Thorkildsen attempt to navigate their new life. Part of their grieving and moving forwards includes them discovering Roald Admunsen's journey to reach the South Pole first.

Look, I've read books from a dog's perspective before and loved it. Dogs (obviously) see the world in a different way to us, and someone putting that into words? It's magical to read. Tassen, for me, didn't quite work. Occasionally he would see the world through a dog's eyes and a dog's imagination, but too many other occasions he seemed to see the world as a human - and even have conversations with Mrs Thorkildsen as if he was human. Actual in depth conversations and analysis. Now, I talk to my pets as much as the next person, but if I read them aloud a piece of whatever I'm reading they don't offer their thoughts and opinions back. It just didn't work for me how sometimes he seemed a dog, and other times human.

Mrs Thorkildsen. I think she could have been an interesting character and would have loved to have seen her moving through the grieving process and her new life. Her husband gone, left with just his dog, a son that rarely visits, a daughter-in-law who just wants the house....she's lonely and trying to find where she fits into this new world. Unfortunately, I come back to my earlier point about Tassen just not being the right narrator to tell me this story.

This book is also quite heavy on the history of the Antarctic expedition, and offers opinions and insights into those involved with the journey. That was probably the most interesting aspect of the book for me. Mrs Thorkildsen threw herself into her research, learning about who they were as people, what they contributed to the group. The book doesn't hold back on the nasty details either. There were parts that were uncomfortable to read because they go against my beliefs - but I guess it's easy to have such beliefs when you haven't had that life experience that the polar explorers did.

I kept trying to force myself to try this book, but ultimately couldn't do it. I hate giving up on books. Sometimes you just have to concede that a book isn't right for you though.

**I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review** ...more

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Jul 20, 2020 Denice Langley rated it it was amazing

A wonderfully told book of a life lived through the eyes of a faithful dog. We've all wondered what our dogs were thinking at one point or another. Hans-Olav Thyvold gives a voice to Tassen, a dog chosen as the last friend to the Major and then his wife. The story is an original. A life lived in the comfort of a family that transitions after the Major dies. The tale of the journey of a famous dog sled team to the south pole runs through the main tale. Both stories are sure to please dog lovers o ...more

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Mar 26, 2020 Maggie Rotter rated it it was amazing

What a treat! Tassen is right up there with S.T. from Hollow Kingdom as a narrator with a sympathetic but ultimately nonhuman voice. Tassen is cultured compared to S.T., but both take action to mitigate their humans'unwise choices with mixed results. Please give yourself a shot of cheer with these fully developed characters. And while we're talking about it, don't miss Three Bales Full - sheep detectives. ...more

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Nov 02, 2020 Cheryl rated it liked it

This book just wasn’t for me, a life told through the eyes of a dog.

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Sep 09, 2020 Jodi rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: dog lovers

Shelves: funny-stuff, favorites, animal-matter, mother-earth

This was an absolutely wonderful reading experience! You might think that a book about a talking dog would be a "lightweight" read, but you'd be wrong. And don't let the cartoon-ish cover fool you, either. This is no lightweight and certainly no cartoon! In fact, it's incredibly poignant, and doesn't seem odd in the least that Tassen should speak and be understood by Mrs. Thorkildsen. It feels as natural as can be, and they have the most stimulating conversations!

I laughed A LOT - almost constan ...more

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Oct 18, 2020 Joan rated it really liked it

Wonderful Norwegian tale narrated by the dog. It follows the relationship of a widow after her husband passes and the dog, Tassen, develops a new relationship with her. The widow was a former librarian and takes to reading books to Tassen, specifically books on the exploration of the South Pole (thus the title). Compassionate, reflective but witty throughout.

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Jan 01, 2020 Tim rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Thank you Hans-Olav Thyvold and Allen & Unwin for the ARC of Good Dogs Don't Make it to the South Pole.

I enjoyed this immensely, the character development is superb. I felt strong connections to Tassen and Mrs Thorkildsen and truly disliked Bitch. Tassen is quick witted, his sensitive sense of smell and his observations of people are hilarious. There are many laugh out loud moments. The accounts of the Antarctic expeditions are fascinating; informative and confronting. There are poignant comment ...more

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Jan 10, 2020 Emily rated it really liked it · review of another edition

A beautifully touching story about loneliness, friendship, grief, mortality and not only finding but maintaining our purpose in this world.
Strongly recommended for fans of The Last Family in England by Matt Haig and all animal lovers.

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Jul 05, 2020 Claire McKell rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Came highly recommended but I was underwhelmed. Easy to read, interesting perspective (dogs-eye view) but the characters were unappealing, the storyline bland and boring.

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Aug 27, 2020 Judy Graham rated it it was amazing

I truly enjoyed this book! Did a lot of laughing! I recommend that you read it!

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Nov 08, 2020 Anna rated it it was ok

If I could give this book 2 1/2 stars I would. This book had potential. I love dogs and I love the concept of the book that one is in the head of a dog named "Tasssen"; There were many times in the book I would stop and contemplate and think I wonder if my own dog thinks this way. I have always wondered what i would be like in a dogs head. What are they thinking all the time, etc. And if my dog could talk what would he say. So, maybe that is what kept me going in the book.

The writing was a litt ...more

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Oct 22, 2020 Patti Procopi rated it it was ok

I was really looking forward to reading this book. The premise sounded very appealing but it just seemed to go off the rails and get bogged down in the story of the South Pole expedition and all the horrors inflicted on the dogs that helped Amundsen win the race. Sorry. Not the story I wanted to read. This novel needed some serious editing. Way too long. I almost gave up on this book a couple of times but I stuck with it hoping for some great end. It didn’t happen. I liked the dog Tassan. None o ...more

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Apr 22, 2020 Anneke rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley-read

Book Review: Good Dogs Don’t Make It to the South Pole
Author: Hans-Olav Thyvold
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers/Harper Via
Publication Date: August 18, 2020
Review Date: April 22, 2020

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

From the blurb:
“Told through the eyes of a very grumpy yet lovable mutt, a funny and touching tale of aging, death, friendship, and life that proves sometimes a dog's story is the most human of all.

Tassen has always been a one-man dog. When his ...more

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Aug 22, 2020 Bob rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: dog-books-2020

What a wonderful experience this was! I knew after reading just three pages that this might be a five star book. And indeed it is: a delightfully gay, poignant, joyful, sometimes snarky, always enthralling adventure into the human condition. It's told from the unique perspective of a very believable, charming dog named Tassen; an outcast, the runt of the litter and lover of all things human... especially treats and companionship. If you've ever suspected that dogs may have a more informed and en ...more

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Aug 23, 2020 Bob rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: dog-books-2020

What a wonderful experience this was! I knew after reading just three pages that this might be a five star book. And indeed it is: a delightfully gay, poignant, joyful, sometimes snarky, always enthralling adventure into the human condition. It's told from the unique perspective of a very believable, charming dog named Tassen; an outcast, the runt of the litter and lover of all things human... especially treats and companionship. If you've ever suspected that dogs may have a more informed and en ...more

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Aug 20, 2020 Miriam rated it really liked it

Shelves: adventure, fiction, about-life, memoir, books

I just loved this book. I laughed, I cried, and I chortled at the adventures of Tassen and Mrs. Thorkildsen as they venture out to get "Dragon Water," pick up books and Roald Amundsen at the library, meals (and more) at the nearby tavern, and even their journey to a museum.

Oh what adventures they have!

One of my favorite lines is “Your bum is behind you whichever way you aim.” A pithy and all too true sentiment that you’ll nod at each time you read the phrase.

As you read this adventure story ful ...more

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May 17, 2020 Rachel rated it liked it · review of another edition

This is the story of Tassen, a dog owned by Major and Mrs Thorkildson, written from his perspective. The book starts with the death of Major Thorkildson and looks at how the elderly Mrs Thorkildson copes with living on her own. Mrs Thorkildson is a former librarian so, prompted by Tassen, starts researching Armundson's journey to the South Pole and particularly the role of dogs in this journey.

This book was interesting enough but it pales in comparison to one of my all time favourites, also writ ...more

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Oct 09, 2020 Terri Suda rated it really liked it

Shelves: literary-fiction, fiction, audiobook-gold, word-candy, audiobooks

I've read reviews that compare this charming and darkly humorous novel as a combination of A Man Called Ove and The Art of Racing in the Rain. I couldn't agree more! I thoroughly enjoyed the audio version, told in the voice of Tassen, a Greenland Dog. When his owner, the Major, passes away, Tassen is left with his widow, Mrs. Thorkildsen, to while away the hours. Mrs. T, a retired librarian, fills this time, emboldened by her daily consumption of "dragon water," with study of Roald Admundsen's i ...more

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Mar 28, 2020 O Prism rated it it was amazing

Who’s a GOOD boy? Tassen is! Delightful story told from a dog’s POV. Mrs. Thorkildsen has long conversations with Tassen after the death of her husband. She explains the story of Roald Amundsen, the first person to reach the South Pole. She cuts out many, many paper dogs and props them up around the fireplace to help Tassen understand how many dogs were on that run, and what happened to them while on the ice. The two of them have many long and varied conversations with each other, at home or whi ...more

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Sep 19, 2020 Jessica rated it liked it

This was a really fun read for me! What I loved the most was that the whole story was told from the dog's point of view. Tassen the dog was our beloved narrator and it offered a unique perspective on what your dog could be thinking. As a dog lover and owner, I found this really fun.

When Tassen's owner died, he was left with Mrs. T, the widow. They spent all of their time together going to the library and learning about a pack of dogs that made a journey to the south pole. It was a welcome distr ...more

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