42 pages • 1 hour read
Fifteen Dogs
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Book Brief
176
Novel • Fiction
Toronto, Ontario • Contemporary
2015
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Fifteen Dogs by Andre Alexis, Greek gods Apollo and Hermes make a wager on whether animals with human intelligence would be happier than humans if given the ability to comprehend language. They grant this gift to 15 dogs at a veterinary clinic. The dogs' reactions vary, leading to friendships, rivalries, philosophical musings, and moral dilemmas as they navigate their new reality and struggle with the complexities of their newfound consciousness. Death, violence, and existentialism are predominant themes.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Emotional
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
29,025 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Andre Alexis' Fifteen Dogs is praised for its imaginative premise and profound exploration of human and animal consciousness. Reviewers highlight the novel's eloquent prose and philosophical depth. However, some critics perceive it as uneven in pacing and emotionally distant. Despite this, the book’s originality and thought-provoking themes are widely appreciated.
Who Should Read Fifteen Dogs?
A reader who enjoys Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis would likely appreciate philosophical fiction, exploring themes of consciousness and the human condition through unconventional perspectives. Enthusiasts of Animal Farm by George Orwell and Life of Pi by Yann Martel will find similar moral and existential inquiries compelling.
29,025 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Apollo
Apollo
Apollo, another son of Zeus, is the Greek god of poetry, music, healing, and prophecy. He is known for his involvement in divine disputes and exhibits a more detached attitude towards humans compared to his brother, Hermes.
Majnoun
Majnoun
Majnoun is a black poodle who values freedom and exhibits philosophical tendencies, adapting to a new state of consciousness with acceptance. His experiences with humans lead to complex relationships and a deep bond with one particular human.
Atticus
Atticus
Atticus, a grey Neapolitan mastiff, is a strong leader figure within the pack. His anxieties stem from conflicts between natural instincts and self-consciousness, leading him to a rigid adherence to pack rules.
Prince
Prince
Prince is a mutt with a notable affinity for language and poetry. He has a history of varied experiences with humans and dogs, finding solace in his poetic expressions and the language of the pack.
Benjy
Benjy
Benjy is a beagle, pragmatic and primarily concerned with his own survival and status within the pack. His dog instincts enable him to recognize instability, and he navigates challenges with a focus on personal safety and hierarchy.
176
Novel • Fiction
Toronto, Ontario • Contemporary
2015
Adult
18+ years
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