Fifteen Dogs

"I wonder," said Hermes, "what it would be like if animals had human intelligence."

"I'll wager a year's servitude," answered Apollo, "that animals - any animal you like - would be even more unhappy than humans are if they were given human intelligence."

And so it begins: a bet between the gods Hermes and Apollo leads them to grant human consciousness and language to a group of dogs overnighting at a Toronto veterinary clinic. Suddenly capable of more complex thought, the pack is torn between those who resist the new ways of thinking, preferring the old dog ways, and those who embrace the change. The gods watch from above as the dogs venture into their newly unfamiliar world, as they become divided among themselves, as each struggles with new thoughts and feelings. Wily Benjy moves from home to home, Prince becomes a poet, and Majnoun forges a relationship with a kind couple that stops even the Fates in their tracks.

André Alexis' contemporary take on the apologue offers an utterly compelling and affecting look at the beauty and perils of human consciousness. By turns meditative and devastating, charming and strange, Fifteen Dogs shows you can teach an old genre new tricks.

©2015 André Alexis (P)2016 ECW Press

Reseñas de la Crítica

"[Alexis] devises an inventive romp through the nature of humanity in this beautiful, entertaining read.... A clever exploration of our essence, communication, and how our societies are organized." (Kirkus Reviews)

"Alexis manages to encapsulate an astonishing range of metaphysical questions in a simple tale about dogs that came to know too much. The result is a delightful juxtaposition of the human and canine conditions, and a narrative that, like just one of the dogs, delights in the twists and turns of the gods' linguistic gift." (Publishers Weekly)

"...I'm far from being a dog person, but as a book person I loved this smart, exuberant fantasy from start to finish." (Jonathan Gibbs, The Guardian)

Wonderful, unique

This is the first dog story I have come across that gives new insight into "dog-ness" which, aside from all the other philosophical questions raised, gives refreshing food for thought for any dog lover.

I found the book delightful: thought-provoking, tender, humourous.

I wonder what it all meant

I fear the author knows less about canine psychology than he thinks: but the book was about people I'm sure, so it doesn't matter.. Like many books I have the feeling there was a great deal of meaning here, but I don't know what it was

stunning

truly a work of fiction which captivated a philosophers interest. brilliant work & I will be recommending to my fellow students

Superb

One of the most unusual and imaginative stories I have ever encountered. The prose is matter of fact and deeply beautiful. It needs to be read or heard multiple times—my first impression is that I’m astounded by its beauty.

I'm shocked at the power of the book

A look into what it means to be conscious and mortal, this book delivers a potent pontification with an unusual cast. the characters are brilliant and the point of view, if not the narrative, being of the dog is a compelling way to convey the story. i recommend this book to anyone who thinks about life, death or the meaning of any of it.