Bel Ria [Paperback]

Sheila Burnford (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Bantam Books (Mm) (December 1978)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553120506
• ISBN-13: 978-0553120509
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,772,882 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bel Ria --- GREAT book --- stick through first chapter, November 20, 2003

By 

Ali (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bel Ria (Paperback)

Bel Ria is a heartfelt novel, which takes you into the life a young dog's adventures during WW II. The story begins by introducing us to the soldier, Sinclair, and the dog (later named Ria and soon after Bel) in the depths of France. The dog belongs to a traveling caravan where he performs tricks for show and entertainment. Soon the dog and Sinclair's paths cross whereas their futures are welded into one. The caravan's owner dies when a German airplane bombs the caravan. The dog and a monkey survive the ordeal and soon enough find Sinclair and attach themselves to him. The dog has lost communication with people because as a performing dog the only way he knew to communicate was with the hand signals that his former master gave. Throughout his journey, Bel Ria tries to communicate with the outside world. He is far more intelligent than other animals and every person he meets, McLean, Sinclair, Alice, he changes in a considerable way. He is marveled by many but never fully understood. This book takes you through his life and to his final performance.

the first chapter is a little slow but when i got past that i was hooked. 5 stars!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bel Ria is a great book to read, January 26, 2005

By 

Goat girl "Coconi" (Washington) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bel Ria (Paperback)

Bel Ria is a great book to read if you like stories about pets, like The Incredible Journey, also written by Sheila Burnford. Bel Ria is one of the best books that she has written since the New York Times bestseller, The Incredible Journey.

Bel Ria is a captivating story about a dog, Bel Ria, who goes from owner to owner all across the world. Bel Ria started out as a circus dog in a small traveling circus. When his caravan is searched by German soldiers, his owners are killed, leaving him alone, except for his friend, Louis the monkey. Together, they meet a medical officer, a British captain, and many more. They are torn apart after docking at an English port, one stays aboard the ship, and the other is taken away. The rest of the book is based off of getting them back together.

I thought that this book was a fun book to read, as it involved the friendship of a monkey and a terrier. I would recommend this book to any reader, because of its ability to please all audiences. Not only is this book about a dog and a monkey, but it also goes through the hardships of war on soldiers, and those leaving war-torn countries.