The Boy and the Dog

A young man in Japan finds a stray dog outside a convenience store, and the dog's journey to reunite with his first owner is a tribute to the bond between humans and dogs. Over the course of five years, Tamon will be taken into six different homes, the final one belonging to his beloved first owner, Hikaru. The novel is heart-rending and heart-warming, intimate and panoramic, suspenseful and luminous, and weaves a feel-good tale of survival, resilience, and love beyond measure.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

Winner of the prestigious Naoki Prize, this novel is a captivating blend of heartwarming and suspenseful storytelling that delves into the true essence of resilience and survival. The author's remarkable talent has earned them this prestigious accolade, making it a must-read for fans of "The Guest Cat" and "Before the Coffee Gets Cold."

Set against the backdrop of a devastating earthquake and tsunami, the story unfolds as a young man in Japan discovers a stray dog outside a convenience store. The dog's tag bears the name "Tamon," a name that carries a sense of reverence, evoking the guardian deity of the north. Intrigued by this newfound companion, the man decides to keep Tamon, embarking on a journey that would see him become the first in a series of owners as the dog travels south in search of the boy whom disaster had separated from him.

Spanning a period of five years, Tamon experiences the warmth and care of six vastly different homes. Each home offers him a unique perspective and a different chapter in his life. However, it is his final destination, belonging to his beloved first owner, Hikaru, a boy who has remained silent since the trauma of the tsunami, that holds the greatest significance. Tamon becomes an agent of fate, a gift to everyone who welcomes him into their lives.

Through the course of this captivating tale, the reader is taken on an emotional rollercoaster as the story explores themes of survival, resilience, and love. It is a heartfelt narrative that touches the depths of the human heart, showcasing the profound impact that a dog's love can have on a person's life. The author's writing is masterful, effortlessly capturing the essence of human emotions and the profound bond between humans and dogs.

"Heartrending" is just one of the many adjectives used to describe this novel. It powerfully demonstrates how love and loyalty can overcome even the most challenging obstacles, and how a dog's love can save a person in every possible way. The characters are well-developed, and the reader is able to empathize with their struggles and triumphs, making the story all the more relatable and compelling.

"Affecting" and "Moving" are other words that perfectly capture the emotional depth of this novel. It never feels sentimental or overdrawn, instead striking a delicate balance between heartache and hope. The author's storytelling is masterful, and he weaves a tale that is both intimate and panoramic, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the lives of the characters.

"Never feels sentimental or overdrawn" is a testament to the author's skill in handling sensitive subjects. He manages to convey the profound impact of trauma and loss without resorting to clichés or emotional manipulation. Instead, he offers a touching meditation on shining lights in the face of trauma and hopelessness, reminding us of the resilience and strength that can be found within us.

"A touching meditation on shining lights in the face of trauma and hopelessness" is a quote from Kirkus Reviews that perfectly sums up the essence of this novel. It is a testament to the author's ability to create a story that is both heart-rending and life-affirming. This bestselling and award-winning novel has touched the hearts of countless readers, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.

In conclusion, "The Dog Who Saved the World" is a must-read for anyone who loves dogs, storytelling, and the power of resilience. It is a novel that will leave you feeling inspired, uplifted, and profoundly grateful for the bonds that we share with our furry companions. Prepare to be swept away by the heartwarming and suspenseful journey of Tamon, as he embarks on a quest to reunite with his first owner, and in the process, changes the lives of everyone he encounters.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 139 x 205 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398515383