Customer Reviews

LORELEI'S SECRET

5 star:		(4)
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When I first heard of this novel, I couldn't imagine being able to suspend my disbelief to the extent that I could tolerate the far-fetched concept: a grief-stricken widower decides to teach his dog, the only witness to his wife's death, to talk. But to my pleasant surprise, this was nothing like the outlandish tale I was dreading. Rather, in author Parkhurst's skillful hands, the decision of the main character, Paul--who happens to be a linguist--to teach his dog, Lorelei, to talk, seems not only plausible but completely understandable. Parkhurst shines in her ability to describe the pain and confusion that results from the sudden loss of a loved one as well as the one survivor's seemingly irrational efforts to make sense of a death that appears to be senseless.

In searching for answers to his wife Lexy's death, Paul reconstructs their relationship, bringing the reader along with him to their first date (which lasted a week), their marriage, and their life together; this reminiscence, not Paul's work with Lorelei, forms the bulk of the story. Slowly, a more complete picture of Lexy begins to emerge, yet the exact reasons for her death do not become clear until the very end of the novel. I found myself to be genuinely surprised by the details which Paul uncovers, and although I have never experienced a similar loss myself, I empathized with Paul more and more as the book wore on. Twice in the final pages I found myself sobbing: when Paul finally figures out Lexy's last clue, and when he describes their relationship in the very last paragraph.

Like life itself, this novel is both sad and beautiful, and I highly recommend it.

Note: This book is also published under the title The Dogs of Babel.

I love this book! I'm on my second copy now. It's got love and mystery, art and books, and a secret society, as well as humor and grief. I highly recommend it!

Carolyn Parkhurst is an astonishing writer. She handles complexity with ease and sorrow with grace. This is the British version of Dogs of Babel, so don't get it thinking you're getting another book. But Oh, what a read! You will be haunted by this one for years.
And looking at dogs wth a new eye. And searching for those masks.

Parkhurst creates amazingly complex realities and envelops you in them.

Wow! This book is incredible. I picked it up at a second-hand store after it 'jumped' out at me and I couldn't put it down. It's an easy read and sucks you in from page one. The story is powerful and filled with intrigue, suspense, love and loss. The author is an excellent storyteller. The book has stayed with me which is an indication that it really made me think about life and love. Highly recommended!