Customer Reviews

A Dog's Head (Phoenix Fiction)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
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First read this book in 1954 when I was 13. Read it again in college in 1958 for a thesis. Since the story remained in my subconscious all these years, in 1993,I decided to reread it. The wonders of the internet were not readily available so I wrote real letters to a bunch of book sellers in the lower tier of New York State. E voila - one responded and I was able to order and enjoy it once again. Certain scenes were etched in my mind and I wanted to see if they were still as affecting now that I am a seasoned grown-up. Guess what? they still are! The story has a universal appeal - most of us have endured unpleasant encounters or have felt unaccepted or "different" at least once in our lives - M. Dutourd details the "feeling" with "feeling."

A wonderful novel for teaching adults (young or old) about the pain of being different. Certainly a good book for those working with disabled adults or just those individuals who have a tough time fitting in. The hero of the book suffers much for his "disability" having the head of a spaniel. He faces daily rejection and though the pain is sometimes hard to bear for both the hero and the reader it provides a great base for discussion. Its short length and easy style makes it very accessible.

An astonishing and disquieting little fairy tale, Une tetede chien was first published in Paris in 1951. It is the story of ahuman boy born with the head of a spaniel dog. One would think the story would have to be either satirically funny or sadly pathetic. I found it to be more a fable of acceptance. How young Edmond, the dog-headed boy, grows to manhood and encounters (and endures) various prejudices and cruel jokes is a moral unto itself. Although a fantasy, this is not a book for children. It is a rather disturbing and thought-provoking story about being different in a world where conformity prevails.