Synopsis: Born to Run is the bittersweet tale of the many lives of a very special dog, from adored family pet to champion greyhound, and lasting companion.

Review: This is a deceptively simple novel: it is not so much the story of a dog, but of how that dog changes the lives of the three people he encounters. In each, interconnected, story the dog has a different name, reflecting what each person sees in him.

The dog’s first incarnation is as Best Mate, who is rescued as a puppy by a young boy, Patrick, who is transformed into a hero. Becky, whose stepfather keeps racing greyhounds, worries what will happen to Brighteyes when he can’t race anymore. Old Joe Mahoney stages a campaign to save an old people’s home and Paddywack becomes his companion. The narrative moves from a hopeful story of a boy who gains self-esteem to darker territory with dogs who mysteriously disappear when they can’t race anymore, to hope once more with the fight to keep an old people’s home open. Morpurgo’s narrative device is simple yet clever, and that’s where its strength lies. The characters are engaging and likeable and their lives change for the better because of a dog.

Born to Run is an easy and enjoyable read. The hesitant reader may need help with the occasional word, but the larger typeface and plenty of white space make this story accessible to all.

2007-09-13