Fifteen Dogs

By: André Alexis

Narrated by: André Alexis

"I wonder," said Hermes, "what it would be like if animals had human intelligence."

"I'll wager a year's servitude," answered Apollo, "that animals - any animal you like - would be even more unhappy than humans are if they were given human intelligence."

And so it begins: a bet between the gods Hermes and Apollo leads them to grant human consciousness and language to a group of dogs overnighting at a Toronto veterinary clinic. Suddenly capable of more complex thought, the pack is torn between those who resist the new ways of thinking, preferring the old dog ways, and those who embrace the change. The gods watch from above as the dogs venture into their newly unfamiliar world, as they become divided among themselves, as each struggles with new thoughts and feelings. Wily Benjy moves from home to home, Prince becomes a poet, and Majnoun forges a relationship with a kind couple that stops even the Fates in their tracks.

André Alexis' contemporary take on the apologue offers an utterly compelling and affecting look at the beauty and perils of human consciousness. By turns meditative and devastating, charming and strange, Fifteen Dogs shows you can teach an old genre new tricks.

©2015 André Alexis (P)2016 ECW Press

Critic reviews

"[Alexis] devises an inventive romp through the nature of humanity in this beautiful, entertaining read.... A clever exploration of our essence, communication, and how our societies are organized." (Kirkus Reviews)

"Alexis manages to encapsulate an astonishing range of metaphysical questions in a simple tale about dogs that came to know too much. The result is a delightful juxtaposition of the human and canine conditions, and a narrative that, like just one of the dogs, delights in the twists and turns of the gods' linguistic gift." (Publishers Weekly)

"...I'm far from being a dog person, but as a book person I loved this smart, exuberant fantasy from start to finish." (Jonathan Gibbs, The Guardian)

interesting read

I read this at the recommendation of a friend. I really like the concept and the way it followed reality. We are a dog-eat-dog world, and it put that in perspective. I appreciate that I fell in love with some of the characters and mourned when they were gone (I don't think this is a spoiler--we have to expect death when you read the description). I felt the end didn't fit the book--it felt abrupt and didn't mesh with the rest of the story for me. The author was so thoughtful throughout, then it just ended. I am not sure if I would ever read this again, but I am glad I did. I thought the performance was lovely and gave the characters real personalities.

Unexpected gen

Loved it. Cried a little, it made me miss having a dog. The note st the end about the poetry was an unexpected surprise.

Buying this as a Christmas present for some friends.

profoundly moving

This book is remarkable. It is a profoundly moving inquiry into who we are and who we can be as humanity.

Thought provoking

Very intense book. Wonderful narration done by the author. Excellent example of animals living in the moment versus the chaotic challenge of the human brain. Due to intensity I may not reread for quite some time.

Wonderful, unique

This is the first dog story I have come across that gives new insight into "dog-ness" which, aside from all the other philosophical questions raised, gives refreshing food for thought for any dog lover.

I found the book delightful: thought-provoking, tender, humourous.