Not to be confused with Kipling's "Jungle Book" story of the same name, this was on a library rack of Australian fiction. As it was written by the same guy who wrote Correlli's Mandolin, I thought this would be an adult novel, or at least as semi-adult as most dog-based fiction is. However, this is seriously in the middle grade range at best, (even though the library hadn't shelved it with YA or juvenile - will have to mention when I return).

That said - a quick, enjoyable read that's as much about the hardy folks of the Australian far west as it is about Red Dog (who reminded me a lot of a more macho "Hachi") himself. A tough dry people in a tough dry place that's so scorchingly hot, fuel tanks will literally explode if left out in the blazing sun. So, y'know, where we're all headed…

Red Dog is the 5th book by Louis de Bernieres and was inspired when de Bernieres visited the West Australian town of Karratha for a literary dinner and came across the bronze statue to Red Dog outside the town of Dampier. As the author learned more about the dog, he formulated the novel, which is essentially an amalgamation of the anecdotes told about this much loved animal, his endearing and also his annoying habits, his ability to get under the guard of the most hardened characters, and his eventual search for the master he loved and missed and seemed determined to track down. It is a heart-warming tale.

A short but enchanting book. This is a fictional account, based on the real story, of Red Dog, a kelpie who travelled the Pilbarra region of Western Australia in the 1970s and has a bronze statue erected in his honour outside Dampier. Red Dog is a feisty, independent traveller who belongs to no-one and everyone, and hitches rides far and wide, winning his way into the hearts of the mining community in the Pilbarra. He develops a close and special relationship with John, which ends in tragedy. The most surprising thing about this book is that it’s not written by an Australian, as it has a very authentic “ocker” Aussie feel to it. Funny, poignant, sweet and at times sad.

My son and I started reading this together, but he wasn't enjoying it, so I continued without him. Red Dog is a classic Australian story that I think would appeal to animal lovers, teenagers and adults. 3.5 stars.

This is a piquant fictional account of a real dog in Western Australia who achieved a vibrant independent life and captured the hearts of a broad community of people. Red Dog was a kelpie (medium-sized herding breed) who abandoned his first owner for the pleasures of multiple “homes” and travel. He learned to catch rides by car and bus and expanded his range until he became known and supported over a large region.

Red Dog’s adventures are recounted in a short book that makes you want more. The tale reveals the various fascinating ways he intersected the lives of people he “adopted” along the way. His career bears comparison with that of Ted Kerasote’s wonderful comprehensive memoir Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog, a Colorado dog who also achieved the run of his community, though differing in retaining one owner. In breaking the bonds of the servile role expected of family dogs, Red Dog also shares some similarities with Farley Mowatt’s heartwarming tall tales of his boyhood dog in The Dog Who Wouldn't Be.

The book itself is a work of art, published with thick vellum pages and beautiful evocative illustrations. It also benefits from the prose skills of the author of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and Birds without Wings.

I had already watched movie about The Red Dog. I picked up the book due to beautiful, minimalistic illustrations inside. The book was a quick read. The places in Western Australia mentioned in the book were familiar to me due to my work: Dampier salt field, Hammerseley Iron, Karratha, Paraburdoo airport, Mt Tom Price. But, I felt I had better hold on these locations now. The selfless bond between different people of Pilbara and the red dog was sweet. The incident when they lose pay as well as spend travel/vet cost to get Red dog treated because he was shot is touching. A recommended quick read, esp for animal lovers.

Here is some Perth love on Instagram: https://instagram.com/p/1d-YLsElXW/

Always love a Louis de Bernières book and this one is up there, a beautiful tale of Australia's red dog, his many friends and travels. Truly emotional and well written, have tissues on standby.

Bu nasıl minnoş, nasıl tatlı bir hikâyedir... İngiliz yazar Louis de Bernieres’in Avustralya’daki Kırmızı Köpek heykelinden etkilenip kaleme aldığı müthiş bir roman ‘Kırmızı Köpek’. İç ısıtan, yüz güldüren, ‘büyüklere masallar’ tadında, buruk ve güçlü bir metin. İnanılmaz sevdim... Keşke İş Bankası Kültür Yayınları yine çağdaş dünya edebiyatına ağırlık verse...

I firstly went to see the movie - as it was out on the big screen and I didn't know it was a book before a movie. Then, I went out to look at how much the book was and found it was far too expensive to purchase it for myself; however that afternoon, Mum bought it for me! How's that for fate! I was supposed to read this book!

I loved Red Dog. His character is strong in this book. I laughed out loud to the stories in this book; no matter how far-fetched they seem. But, it looks like you have to be a dog owner to know exactly what Red Dog went through... to understand him.
This is a great, touching and brilliant book. Makes me want to get another dog; and I look at dogs differently again... not that I looked at them in any other way; just that they were always our mates. Red Dog was a friend to all.

Güzel, naif kısacık bir roman.
Kırmızı Köpek ile tanıştığım için mutluyum.

I thought I was not going to cry during the book but I did. I cried like a baby.

Such a beautiful story yet sad ending. I wish my dogs die before me so that they dont have to bear a fate like Red Dog