Title: Four Dogs and Their Tales
Author: Marcella Bursey Brooks
Publisher: Matchstick Literary
ISBN: 978-1463427719
Pages: 364
Genre: Fantasy/Science Fiction
Reviewed by: Tony Morales
Pacific Book Review
There is a very good reason why so many people say that dogs are man’s best friend. As Emily Dickinson once said, “Dogs are better than human beings because they know but do not tell.” This sentiment is explored thoroughly, especially from the dog’s point of view, in author Marcella Bursey Brooks’ novel, Four Dogs and Their Tales.
This book explores the relationship between four different dogs and the families they are a part of as they are brought together at a Dog Agility competition, and find themselves placing high enough to represent the United States in the world competitions. However, things become more complex and the lives of the dogs are further entwined, as family members from two of the dogs find love with one another, and strange events surrounding a mysterious crop circle and the dogs begins to beg the question of how different humans really are from the beloved pets they know.
This is a fascinating narrative that puts the reader into the viewpoints of both the family of the dogs who serve as protagonists for this tale and the dogs themselves. Creating a unique backstory for each animal and their families, the author takes the narrative from personal connections between an animal and their parent/owner to the more surreal storylines featuring some truly sci-fi and fantasy themes.
This is a book meant for anyone who enjoys science fiction or fantasy reads, is an avid fan of dogs or is a pet owner themselves. As a reader with his own pet dog, it was interesting to see the mindset and storyline that a dog’s perspective could take in a full-length novel such as this, which created a one of a kind narrative that was impossible to put down.
A brilliant read filled with imagination, connection and growth, author Marcella Bursey Brooks has crafted a wonderful story in the novel.
