Translated from the Japanese bestseller, this story centers on Oto-san, a man who finds himself abandoned by his family and friends with nothing in his life happening the way he had planned. He embarks on a road trip to escape it all, and he soon discovers the only one he can count on completely is his faithful, recently adopted dog, who helps him see the light at the end of the tunnel. Illustrating the valuable lessons of friendship and loyalty, this is a heartwarming tale of two endearing characters and their shared adventure into the unknown.
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Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
Reading this graphic novel is the emotional equivalent to listening to NPR’s StoryCorps—moving, beautiful, and ultimately heart-wrenching. Murakami’s lovingly drawn, award-winning manga tells the story of a simple man’s life from the point of view of his devoted dog, Happie. Due to a combination of factors, circumstances change quickly for Happie’s nameless owner, “Daddy,” who was once a regular Joe with an office job and a family. Happie sticks by him through thick and thin, and, true to his name, Happie remains blissfully unaware of Daddy’s increasingly desperate living situation. As Daddy’s luck and health continue to fail, Happie becomes Daddy’s only friend and final joy. This touching story shows the cruelty of a modern society that allows those down on their luck to fall through the cracks. --Candice Mack
Review
"Murakami knows he has a powerful central image in this happy, ignorant mutt and the desperate man who loves him, and so he stands back from it just enough to let it work on the reader, never pushing the story too far to the maudlin." —www.AVClub.com (November 2011)
"Reading this graphic novel is the emotional equivalent to listening to NPR's StoryCorps—moving, beautiful, and ultimately heart-wrenching." —Booklist (December 15, 2011)
"Anyone who's ever loved a pet will be moved to tears by the tale of human misfortune and the unwavering dedication of dogs that unfolds in Murakami's graphic novel." —Modern Dog (March 2012)
"Charming and universally appealing." —New City (February 2012)
"Did I mention the book will break your heart, yet? So it's really up to you if you want to spend a half hour of your life reading a book like that. I'm glad I did, because it's a memorable book that doesn't harp on politics or society as a whole. I'm a softie for this book, completely." —www.ComicBookResources.com
"Here are some cool reads featuring awesome canines that will help take your mind off the sweltering temperatures." —www.yalsa.ala.org
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By Billy Kumo
Format:Paperback
Since the Dawn of Time Men were only allowed to cry at the end Old Yeller, Brian's Song, & the "Jurassic Bark" episode of Futurama. UNTIL NOW.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By theGsayeth
Format:Paperback
Make sure you have a box of kleenex or are alone for this read. You will have something in your eye by the end of the story. I'm not going to spoiler anything so let's get it out of the way, the story begins with a rather grim scene. A squad of police officers encounter an abandoned car in a field of sunflowers with two corpses: an old man who has been dead for more than a year and a dog who has only recently died sometime within the past three months.
The story is told from the POV of a young puppy/dog named Happaei. This is all you really need to know, the life of a dog as he is adopted by a family and the patriarch of a family who endures some breathtaking struggles and adversities that life seems to consistently throw at him. "Daddy" didn't choose to bring this dog into his family, yet he is the one that ultimately connects the most with Happaei. A strong familial bond is formed, one that will leave you in tears. Don't worry it's the heartwarming take your breath away kind. It is one of the most beautiful and tragic graphic novels I've ever read since Maus.
The story is told from the POV of a young puppy/dog named Happaei. This is all you really need to know, the life of a dog as he is adopted by a family and the patriarch of a family who endures some breathtaking struggles and adversities that life seems to consistently throw at him. "Daddy" didn't choose to bring this dog into his family, yet he is the one that ultimately connects the most with Happaei. A strong familial bond is formed, one that will leave you in tears. Don't worry it's the heartwarming take your breath away kind. It is one of the most beautiful and tragic graphic novels I've ever read since Maus.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Frederic
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Originally published in Japan in 2008, Murakami notes that this is his first story. I won't rehash the story as that's already covered in the other review, but will likewise note that it's sad. Really sad. But also beautifully sad.
Fans of Takashi Murakami's art should be aware that this is from a different person with the same name. I didn't know that when I bought the book, but I'm really pleased to have found this little book. Even if it is sad.
Manga fans will note that this English translation has been reversed to read from left to right, front to back. There are helpful marginal translations of the various sounds and interjections left in the original Japanese in the artwork.
Fans of Takashi Murakami's art should be aware that this is from a different person with the same name. I didn't know that when I bought the book, but I'm really pleased to have found this little book. Even if it is sad.
Manga fans will note that this English translation has been reversed to read from left to right, front to back. There are helpful marginal translations of the various sounds and interjections left in the original Japanese in the artwork.
By sbrook201
Format:Paperback
This book was awful. Guess I don't apprreciate graphic novels, but this was hard to plow through. I felt nothing emotionally for the guy and could not wait until the end. Read it for the YALSA reading challenge and it was a challenge just getting through. Why not write it in a normal (to me) format? I might have gotten more out of it, but the end could not come soon enough.
By husky snooks
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is a beautiful story I really loved reading it. However, I would not recommend it for people who are quite sensitive to any animals death. If you have seen the films "Hachi" or "Marley and me" or "Turner and Hooch" you will know what I mean. That aside, I find myself quite sensitive to this topic as I have had 2 dogs of my own pass away, one not too long ago and I still loved this story. It is short, the art work is gorgeous and the characters are cute and sweet. I read it in about an hour or so and had a few tears in my eyes by the end but it is definitely worth reading.
By thompross
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Enjoyed the read, well done and the movie expands a lot on it, but the book itself is easily worth the read.
By Linda Miller
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Book was a bit hard to follow - jumped all over the place in telling the story. But it was a good story although I felt sad that the main character was unable to resolve his life issues in a more joyful manner. It highlights how often our pets are right there with us, supporting us daily and we frequently do not recognize their devotion and caring.
Format:Paperback
Unbelievable...truly amazing. It hurt sooooo good, I had to read it again. And yep, cried yet again. The artwork is sparse and just perfect. Remarkable how many expressions he can get out of a dog's face. I would say that I did notice the sound effects in the wrong place but kind of over looked it for just the beauty of the panel. I will say I will never understand why US publishers feel the need to switch the panels at all. Back to front, front to back, this is a little masterpiece!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
A great manga with some issues with the presentation
I enjoyed the story a lot, but the way the art was presented in this English language edition reminded me of translated manga circa 1990. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Ralph Jenkins
5.0 out of 5 stars
A story about a dog
It's great to write a review after several others have already explained the plot, now I don't have to ;) So far a agree with the other reviews. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Xandar
5.0 out of 5 stars
A MUST !!!
I WATCHED IT DURING AN INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT ON CONTINENTAL AIRLINES-THEY HAVE IT IN THEIR LIBRARY . IT WAS BEAUTIFUL!!!ALSO MADE THE FLIGHT GO BY REAL FAST. Read more
Published 18 months ago by nikita
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