21st Century Literature discussion
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Fifteen Dogs - General - No Spoilers
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I started this book a little early, thinking I could get a little head start.Instead, the book flew by and I finished reading a day or so ago.
I listened to the audio which is available free on Hoopla for anyone who uses that service from their library. The audio is narrated by the author, which was wonderful.
I'll wait for the spoiler thread to make any comments, but really enjoyed this unusual book.
It's a quick read Hugh.Sue, glad you'll be joining. I read it in audio first and it was well done, but I have the paperback as well.
I just began, was loving it, then had an unexpected hospital stay and had my Kindle there instead of this book...am out and looking forward to going back and finishing it, such an interesting premise!I'm going to go with Benjy, because from the description in front, it seems like he's pretty intelligent.
Ahhhh, Benjy. Yup he's pretty intelligent but, as described, also very conniving! You are in for an interesting journey with Benjy as your companion.
Sue, thanks for mentioning Hoopla. I think of it as a TV streaming site (Maigret! ), but it has a lot more. I was sucked in at Agatha, "an old labradoodle." Off we go!
I too finished this one in a day about a month ago. I liked it so much, I read "Pastoral" by Alexis Andre next! ("Pastoral" is also very good, but very different!)I pick Majnoun as my book companion. I'll just be over here crying forever.
Ah, Majnoun. Quite the dog, that one.
Whew! That was a whirlwind! I had a little look at the writing and got sucked in. Two days later, it's a wonderful memory. It's the second book I've had to put down until I stopped crying. (I don't think that qualifies as a spoiler.) I think I'll stand by my pick of Agatha, though.While we're asking about dog character, why don't we ask about why humans like to do things that make them cry?
BTW, The Guardian review is at https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...
Best quote from the review: "They discuss humanity, as gods do, and end up agreeing a wager, as is also the godly way."
Revised review links (several had extra semicolons added): https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
https://www.thestar.com/entertainment...
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/... (paywall)
https://nationalpost.com/entertainmen...
"...how he teases at all humanity’s threads with his canine needles. "
Q&A with Andre Alexis: Fifteen Dogs author talks art, language and philosophy
https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment...
This presented an interpretation that was unexpected, but that seems quite valid: Alexis is illustrating the gap between cultures, especially as seen by an immigrant.
https://youtu.be/7F3SShuouyY
Hilarious encounter with Alexis.
I love the idea of having a companion dog for this book!I loved Majnoun, but I think I'll pick Prince as my guide.
What a wonderful novel. The combination of humble dogginess plus high-minded philosophical wisdom really charmed me.
I choose Athena as my companion. My BFF is a Poodle and I am captivated by all things 'Greek Athena'. I did not find this book a fast read, so many thoughts with each page. Hoping that Athena will provide strength and wisdom through the discussion.
Sue, perhaps Prince will help you compose a poem or two?! Sarah, Athena striding high atop Bella, a majestic sight that should carry you along.
I think I'll pick that misguided mastiff Atticus as my companion, as I'd like to be around when Zeus shows up.
Mark, thanks for fixing the links and providing a few more. You ask a good question - why do humans like to do things that make them cry, like read books and watch movies that are sad?
It's just about time for our pack to join the Fifteen Dogs on their trip to the land of human beings.
I just started this book yesterday and I'm really enjoying it. I always find it interesting when human nature is viewed through an animal's perspective, it is very charming like Lark said.I think I will choose Majnoun for my companion, I like his character and inquisitive nature.
Jessica, Welcome aboard! Majnoun will be an interesting companion.
Argh, I managed to go on holiday and left my copy at home. I have tracked down a library ebook though, so hope to join in soon.
I'm only a couple of chapters in to the book. So far, I like Prince the best because he plays with words.I have no idea where the book is going, but it seems to be a mix of Animal Farm and Lord of the Flies. I'm not sure what to make of it yet.
I'm a third of the way through and also not sure what to make of it, but as it's short I'm happy to take the journey with no clarity!I also choose Prince. I was going to choose Ronaldinho or Agatha, but they both died within a few pages, so I'll go with the poet.
Welcome Tamara. If you like poems, Prince, the Poet, is indeed the companion for you.
As an expansion of the interviews with Andre (especially the one where he hides behind a pillow in his lap), I recomend his VERY short novelett "A". It's available on Hulu.
21st Century Literature
Books mentioned in this topic
Animal Farm (other topics)Lord of the Flies (other topics)
Let's start with some reviews -- Caution to those who don't like spoilers
https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
https://www.thestar.com/entertainment...
http://www.fjordsreview.com/reviews/f...
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/...
https://nationalpost.com/entertainmen...
And some interviews with the author -- Again: Caution to those who don't like spoilers
https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F3SS...
https://therumpus.net/2017/01/the-rum...
Let us know if you'll be participating. The spoiler thread for the book will be posted in a few days. Looking forward to this discussion!