Title: The Way of the Dog: The Memoirs of Eros, the Metaphysical Dog
Author: Eva Ann MacDonnell
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 258
ISBN: 978-1532059124
Genre: Philosophical, metaphysics, satire
Reviewed by: Jennifer Weiss
Pacific Book Review
The Way of the Dog: The Memoirs of Eros, the Metaphysical Dog is a satirical fable about a young pup named Eros. Eros spends his time growing up on a farm where his curiosity sometimes gets the best of him. It is a metaphysical journey as one puppy learns his way through life and what it means to be a dog. Readers are introduced to him through his birth and wander through life with him as he plays with his siblings and learns to accept Mary and her love. He is a curious pup with lots of questions; seeking answers for questions that also pertain to humanly lives as well.
Who doesn’t love a book about dogs or from a dog’s point of view? The Way of the Dog is an entertaining story about Eros learning from his environment and those around him. Readers get to walk with Eros as he questions everything about existence from how he came to be to what a kiss was. There is a lot of dialogue between Eros and other characters such as his mother, a lot of questions and answers in the beginning of the story, but it progresses to Eros learning things through experience. Even if you are not familiar with metaphysics or philosophy, the book is entertaining and has easy to understand concepts.
The book has a sense of authenticity of being inside one’s own mind. MacDonnell’s descriptions are done well, it was easy to picture a tiny miniature golden poodle trying to be fierce and vicious. The images the novel creates of the puppy learning about his existence will bring a smile to the readers face.
The Way of The Dog: The Memoirs of Eros, the Metaphysical Dog is an interesting read and would be good for those who are just beginning to learn the theories and ideals of metaphysics and some philosophies. Readers will find themselves expanding on some of the questions that Eros poses throughout the book. It is recommended for anyone who enjoys reading about metaphysics, philosophy, and even dogs. The idea of having a dog pose these questions is a cute idea and Eros would win over the hearts of many.
Dog lovers and metaphysical enthusiasts would enjoy reading The Way of The Dog: The Memoirs of Eros, the Metaphysical Dog and taking the journey to self-discovery with young Eros.
