A Dog's Tale

Ratings6

Average rating3.7

My father was a St. Bernard, my mother was a collie, but I am a Presbyterian. This is what my mother told me, I do not know these nice distinctions myself. To me they are only fine large words meaning nothing. My mother had a fondness for such; she liked to say them, and see other dogs look surprised and envious, as wondering how she got so much education. But, indeed, it was not real education; it was only show: she got the words by listening in the dining-room and drawing-room when there was company, and by going with the children to Sunday-school and listening there; and whenever she heard a large word she said it over to herself many times, and so was able to keep it until there was a dogmatic gathering in the neighborhood, then she would get it off, and surprise and distress them all, from pocket-pup to mastiff, which rewarded her for all her trouble.

Want to edit this book?Become a Librarian

Popular Reviews

Reviews with the most likes.

Ketutar

It started very well... “My father was a St. Bernard, my mother was a collie, but I am a Presbyterian.”
But... then it started to go downhill, and finally crashed horribly.
This is one of the most horrible things I have ever read! :´(

November 14, 2019

Neeraj Chavan

“We went far down the garden to the farthest end, where the children and the nurse and the puppy and I used to play in the summer in the shade of a great elm, and there the footman dug a hole, and I saw he was going to plant the puppy, and I was glad, because it would grow and come up a fine handsome dog, like Robin Adair, and be a beautiful surprise for the family when they came home; so I tried to help him dig, but my lame leg was no good, being stiff, you know, and you have to have two, or it is no use. When the footman had finished and covered little Robin up, he patted my head, and there were tears in his eyes, and he said: “Poor little doggie, you saved HIS child!”

Oh Mark Twain, you genius! How do I fight back those tears and the lump in my throat! A brilliant short novel that is sure to move you. A tale of a loyal dog who discovers the dark and cruel side of humanity. Beautiful narration and immersive plotline. This is one of the most emotionally charged stories I've ever read. Will have to discover more of this legend's works now!

October 8, 2016