Plot Summary

The Dogs of Babel

Carolyn Parkhurst
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The Dogs of Babel

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003

Book Brief

Carolyn Parkhurst

The Dogs of Babel

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003
Book Details
Pages

264

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary

Topic
Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In The Dogs of Babel by Carolyn Parkhurst, linguist Paul Iverson tries to uncover the truth behind his wife Lexy's mysterious death by teaching their dog Lorelei, the sole witness, to speak English. As Paul delves into their past and explores various methods of canine communication, he discovers messages left by Lexy, leading him to believe her death was a suicide.

Melancholic

Mysterious

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

3.9

19,847 ratings

56%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Dogs of Babel by Carolyn Parkhurst explores human grief and communication through a unique premise. Critics praise its originality and emotional depth, though some find the plot implausible and characters underdeveloped. The novel is a poignant yet divisive read that challenges conventional storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Dogs of Babel?

Readers who enjoy literary fiction with elements of mystery and emotional depth, as seen in works like The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon, would appreciate The Dogs of Babel by Carolyn Parkhurst. Fans of books that explore human-animal connections and grief will find this novel compelling.

3.9

19,847 ratings

56%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

264

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary

Topic
Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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