The Boy and the Dog

A heartwarming and suspenseful novel about the bond between humans and dogs, following a young man in Japan who finds a stray dog and takes him in on his journey to reunite with his first owner. The book won the Naoki Prize and the Society of Authors Sasakawa Foundation Prize and is perfect for fans of "The Guest Cat" and "Before the Coffee Gets Cold."

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2023
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

The new novel from the award-winning translator of Sweet Bean Paste is a captivating tale that will leave readers in awe. Winner of the Naoki Prize, the Society of Authors Sasakawa Foundation Prize, and a must-read for fans of The Guest Cat and Before the Coffee Gets Cold, this novel is a testament to the power of resilience and survival.

Set against the backdrop of a devastating earthquake and tsunami, the story follows a young man in Japan who finds a stray dog outside a convenience store. The dog's tag bears the name "Tamon," a name that evokes the guardian deity of the north. Determined to reunite with his first owner, the man decides to keep Tamon, embarking on a journey that takes him southward.

Over the course of five years, Tamon is taken into six vastly different homes, each one offering him a new perspective on life. From a wealthy family to a struggling single mother, from a retired couple to a young girl, Tamon's journey is filled with love, kindness, and hope.

But Tamon is not just a dog; he is an agent of fate, a gift to everyone who welcomes him into their life. His presence brings joy, comfort, and healing to those he encounters, and his unwavering loyalty and love inspire those around him to overcome their own challenges.

At once heart-rending and heart-warming, intimate and panoramic, suspenseful and luminous, this bestselling, award-winning novel weaves a feel-good tale of survival, resilience, and love beyond measure.

"Heartrending . . . powerfully demonstrates how love and loyalty can overcome obstacles . . . and how a dog's love can save a person in every possible way." - Booklist

"Affecting . . . moving . . . never feels sent." - The New York Times

"A beautiful and heartwarming story that will touch your soul." - Goodreads

In conclusion, The Stray Dog is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story, and especially for those who appreciate the bond between humans and dogs. Nozomi Abe's English translation is masterful, and the story is a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring love that can be found even in the darkest of times.

Weight: 262g
Dimension: 198 x 131 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398515406