Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis: A Review
Fifteen Dogs is a novel by Canadian writer André Alexis that tells the story of a bet between the Greek gods Hermes and Apollo over human happiness. The gods gift 15 caged dogs at a nearby veterinary clinic the gift of human intelligence, and the dogs become divided between those who prefer their old dog ways and those who want to take advantage of their newfound increased intelligence. The novel is the second in a planned five-book series, The Quincunx Cycle, which is centered around the philosophical themes of faith, love, place, power, and hatred.
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In this review, I will examine how the novel explores two of its main themes: language and intelligence, and death and happiness. I will also evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the novel's approach to these themes, and provide my personal opinion on whether Fifteen Dogs is worth reading. Language and Intelligence
One of the major themes explored in Fifteen Dogs is the importance of language and intelligence in shaping the lives of the dogs and their relationships with humans and each other. The novel shows how language and intelligence can be both a blessing and a curse for the dogs, as they gain new abilities but also face new challenges and conflicts. For example, Prince, a mutt who embraces his language skills to become a poet, finds joy and satisfaction in creating words and puns. He also uses his poetry to communicate his feelings and thoughts to other dogs and humans. However, his passion for language also isolates him from some of his pack members, who find his poetry strange and annoying. Prince's poetry also attracts the attention of Hermes, who intervenes in his life in various ways, sometimes helping him but sometimes putting him in danger. Majnoun, a black poodle who is reluctant to trust other dogs, learns to understand and speak English with a human couple, Nira and Miguel. He develops a deep friendship with Nira, who teaches him about human culture, history, and philosophy. He also learns to appreciate human art, music, and literature. However, his friendship with Nira also causes him to question his loyalty to his pack, as he realizes that he has more in common with humans than with dogs. Majnoun's intelligence also makes him aware of his own mortality, which leads him to seek answers about life after death. The novel's approach to this theme is both smart and exuberant, as it offers an imaginative and humorous perspective on what it would be like if animals had human intelligence. The novel also raises interesting questions about what makes us human, what defines our identity, and what role language plays in our lives. However, the novel's approach also has some weaknesses, such as its reliance on stereotypes about different breeds of dogs, its lack of diversity among human characters, and its simplistic portrayal of some aspects of human society.
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Another major theme explored in Fifteen Dogs is the effect of death and mortality on the dogs and their quest for happiness. The novel shows how death can be both a source of fear and a source of motivation for the dogs, as they try to find meaning and fulfillment in their lives. For example, Atticus, a Neapolitan mastiff who naturally emerges as the leader of the pack, values strength and courage above all else. He believes that happiness is found in living according to one's nature, and that death is inevitable and honorable. He challenges any dog who opposes his authority, and kills several of them in brutal fights. He also refuses to accept any help from humans, and dies defending his territory from a rival pack.
Benjy, a beagle who is loyal and friendly, values companionship and love above all else. He believes that happiness is found in being with others, and that death is sad and lonely. He bonds with several dogs in the pack, especially Frick and Frack, two identical brothers who are inseparable. He also enjoys interacting with humans, and finds a new home with a kind family after escaping from the clinic. He dies peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his loved ones.
The novel's approach to this theme is both poignant and profound, as it shows how the dogs cope with death in different ways, and how their choices affect their happiness. The novel also raises intriguing questions about what makes us happy, what gives us purpose, and what happens after we die. However, the novel's approach also has some weaknesses, such as its pessimistic and tragic tone, its lack of humor and hope, and its unrealistic depiction of some aspects of animal behavior.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Fifteen Dogs is a novel that explores the themes of language and intelligence, and death and happiness, through the lens of 15 dogs who are given human intelligence by the Greek gods. The novel is a creative and captivating work of fiction that challenges us to think about our own humanity, identity, and destiny. The novel also has some flaws, such as its reliance on stereotypes, its lack of diversity, its simplistic portrayal of society, its pessimistic tone, its lack of humor, and its unrealistic portrayal of animals. However, these flaws do not overshadow the novel's strengths, such as its imaginative premise, its humorous perspective, its poignant portrayal of death, its profound exploration of happiness, and its engaging writing style.
I would recommend Fifteen Dogs to anyone who enjoys philosophical fiction, animal stories, or Greek mythology. I think the novel is a unique and memorable read that will make you laugh, cry, and think.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Fifteen Dogs:
Is Fifteen Dogs based on a true story?
No, Fifteen Dogs is a fictional novel that is inspired by Greek mythology. The author André Alexis created the characters and the plot based on his own imagination.
What are the other books in The Quincunx Cycle?
The other books in The Quincunx Cycle are Pastoral (2014), The Hidden Keys (2016), Days by Moonlight (2019), and Ring (2021). Each book focuses on a different theme and genre.
What are some similar books to Fifteen Dogs?
Some similar books to Fifteen Dogs are Animal Farm by George Orwell, Watership Down by Richard Adams, Life of Pi by Yann Martel, The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, and The Plague Dogs by Richard Adams.
Where can I find Fifteen Dogs PDF free download?
You can find Fifteen Dogs PDF free download on various websites online. However, I would advise you to buy the book from a reputable source or borrow it from a library instead. Downloading books for free may be illegal or unethical in some cases.
What are some discussion questions for Fifteen Dogs?
Some discussion questions for Fifteen Dogs are:
Which dog did you like the most and why?
How did language and intelligence affect the dogs' lives?
What did you learn from the dogs' experiences with death?
What does the novel say about human happiness?
How did the Greek gods influence the outcome of the story?
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