Only a short book but it still packed a huge punch. I freely admit that it made me emotional. The descriptions are spot on, considering Louis de B. is not an Australian let alone a local to the area it is set in. It’s beautifully written BUT I found the flow was choppy and a few bits seemed to start to go somewhere but didn’t really finish well. This, of course, could be because of holes in the original stories he heard. Overall I would recommend this book to everyone, young and old.

A good book for dog lovers. It tells the true story of 'Red Dog', although de Bernieres creates characters to fit into the story. It is a really lovely story and a quick, easy read. Full of pretty pictures too!

I did feel a bit sorry for Red Dog's original owners though!

When the movie Red Dog was released a few years ago, I didn't realise that it was based on a book of the true story of this iconic Aussie character. Red Dog is a beautiful picture of life in the harsh Western Australian landscape. This is full of love and description. I finished it while bawling my eyes out at the beauty, heart and the inevitable conclusion. The edition I read was beautifully illustrated by Alan Baker and in a smaller format which I always like. It reminded me of one of Alexander McCall Smith's books, for its captivating description, lively characters and simple pictures that bring even more life to it. Red Dog is utterly charming, just like the dog himself.

A fascinating book I came across whilst looking for books by the author. As a 'doggy' person, I decided to read it. It's a delightful story , based on a true tale of a dog who became famous in Australia. The dog had no single owner, but attached himself to different groups of people. He travelled far and was widely known about.

I loved this book! I went through every emotion whilst reading it. It's short and so simple in concept but heart warming and just perfect!

I’ve listed ‘Red Dog’ under children’s’ literature though to be honest it is more aligned with a young adult and/or adult novel, as I suspect that much of de Bernieres’s book is more suited to these audiences. The narrative and much of the prose has the simplicity of a child’s story, and the characterisation of Red Dog would appeal to a juvenile audience. However there are depths within this book that remind one of the work of Colin Thiele and Henry Lawson and perhaps Jack London. De Bernieres has written a book that is just as much about the world of men and women on the frontier as it is a ‘shaggy dog story’.

It must be noted that for an English author de Bernieres has done a remarkable job of capturing the sounds, the feel, the character of his Australian characters and setting. He writes with an ease, a familiarity that is not stilted nor alien; he has done exceedingly well in capturing and depicting the bush world of ‘Red Dog’. I would expect that non-Australian readers may mistake the author for an Aussie.

Overall ‘Red Dog’ is a pleasant, enjoyable and easily read story that will entertain anyone who reads it. It has all the elements of a future classic of the genre of dog stories and will also satisfy anyone who has seen the movie.

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A gorgeous set of yarns, plain and simple not overworked or explained. Describes the character and the landscape of a very unique place in the world, all through a relationship with a dog without a single owner. The adventures of a real life dog, captured by the author Louis de Bernières, who became transfix by the area.

I have visited this area a couple of times, as my partner spent several years of his childhood in a small mining town out that way. It’s a really unique and special part of the world.

This was a book that I was drawn to in a charity shop and wouldn’t have brought it brand new, but was glad to pick it up.

A book of short tales based on reality.

I can't help but think that this is an adult version of an animal tales book which are popular with new readers. The themes are similar but this does contain some upsetting scenarios you wouldn't usually find in those.

There is humour as well as sadness in the tales. The title character also isn't humanised which adds to the impact of certain events. The glossary of Australian terms is a nice touch too.

On the downside is the length of the story means that some threads of interest are just dropped completely. I feel that an extra few pages could have given some more closure to some of the human characters.

It is easy to recommend this type of book to a more mature audience. It could be too upsetting in places for a younger reader despite the subject matter seeming like something they could enjoy. I don't think there is enough here to give it 4* but it is a high 3* rating in my opinion.

Two stars seems a little harsh and there is nothing bad about this book I just couldn't quite make it to three.
This book does exactly what it tells you it's gonna do. If you want some stories about a dog, something a little bit moving, a little bit adventurous this is it. Falls somewhere between Marely and Me and Call of the Wild.
Its illustrations are beautiful though!

Louis de Bernieres has a beautiful, warm-hearted storytelling style. He brings to life a story about a dog in the harsh, rough country of northern Western Australia in the 1970s. The events are real but the characters are mainly fictionalized. Red Dog was an exuberant, amazing animal who seemed to think that he 'owned' all the people he came in contact with, rather than being 'owned' by anyone in particular. In his cheeky way, he demanded from them food, loyalty and friendship - and they gave unstintingly. He was highly adventurous and travelled for hundreds if not thousands of miles (cadging a lift with all that he knew) to be at the centre of the action, then looping back to familiar friends and homes for a while. This is an uplifting and moving book that can be read by anyone, of any age.

Finally got around to reading this one after seeing that they've made a movie out of the famous "Red dog". A very easy read by my favourite author. Red Dog is the story of a dog who belongs to no one in particular (but he does have a best mate)and goes wherever he pleases. Mostly fictional but de Bernieres did spend a couple of weeks in WA researching. Had a little tear in the end but I found all the short stories inside completely delightful. A good, easy one for dog/pet lovers.

Audio Book Read ..

Was just looking for a short book when I stumbled across this one .. the adaptation of true stories about the life of the real Red Dog from Western Australia in the 1970's ..

Easy to read, funny in places and highlights the impact this nomadic dog had on the lives of the humans he befriended along the way ..