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A Dog's Head
Jean Dutourd's A Dog's Head is a wonderful piece of magical realism, reminiscent of Voltaire, Borges and Kafka. With biting wit, Dutourd presents the story of Edmund Du Chaillu, a boy born, to his bourgeois parents's horror, with the head of a spaniel. Edmund must endure his school-mates' teasing as well as an urge to carry a newspaper in his mouth. This is the story of his life, trials, and joys as he searches for a normal life of worth and love.
"Dutourd is a fine craftsman, whose work has the classic virtues of brevity, lucidity, and concentration. He has written a sardonic divertissement that concerns itself with fundamental problems of man's existence-a tale that is sad-eyed, witty, and often very funny."—Charles J. Rolo, New York Times Book Review
"A tiny masterpiece in the French classical tradition. . . . Stylish, elegant and witty, and told with an apparent lightheartedness that points to rather than obscures the hero's essential tragedy."—P. L. Travers, New York Herald Tribune
"Wit, a good deal of shrewd classical allusion, and a Voltarian satire are the book's assets."—Edmund Fuller, Chicago Tribune
"The work of an expert craftsman and of a careful writer of prose, ending with the rarest gift in modern letters: the comic spirit."—Henri Peyre, The Saturday Review
"Dutourd might well have dropped his story at this point, had it been his intention simply to excoriate the human race for its treatment of those who are physically afflicted. Instead, he presses on in his terse, deadpan prose to teach a lesson to the afflicted of the world as well."—Time
"A Dog's Head is one of the most curious, most beautifully conceived and written fantasies you've ever come across."—J. H. Jackson, San Francisco Chronicle
"A Dog's Head is an excellent joke in the worst possible taste, and its author, M. Jean Dutourd, is a satirist of the first rank."—New Yorker
"Dutourd is a fine craftsman, whose work has the classic virtues of brevity, lucidity, and concentration. He has written a sardonic divertissement that concerns itself with fundamental problems of man's existence-a tale that is sad-eyed, witty, and often very funny."—Charles J. Rolo, New York Times Book Review
"A tiny masterpiece in the French classical tradition. . . . Stylish, elegant and witty, and told with an apparent lightheartedness that points to rather than obscures the hero's essential tragedy."—P. L. Travers, New York Herald Tribune
"Wit, a good deal of shrewd classical allusion, and a Voltarian satire are the book's assets."—Edmund Fuller, Chicago Tribune
"The work of an expert craftsman and of a careful writer of prose, ending with the rarest gift in modern letters: the comic spirit."—Henri Peyre, The Saturday Review
"Dutourd might well have dropped his story at this point, had it been his intention simply to excoriate the human race for its treatment of those who are physically afflicted. Instead, he presses on in his terse, deadpan prose to teach a lesson to the afflicted of the world as well."—Time
"A Dog's Head is one of the most curious, most beautifully conceived and written fantasies you've ever come across."—J. H. Jackson, San Francisco Chronicle
"A Dog's Head is an excellent joke in the worst possible taste, and its author, M. Jean Dutourd, is a satirist of the first rank."—New Yorker
149 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1951
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 24, 2024
Köpek başlı adamın trajikomik hikayesi. 1950'lerde yazılmış. Biraz eski Mısır mitolojindeki köpek başlı kahraman göndermesi, toplumun farklılıklara olan önyargıları ve sonunda onu prense dönüştürmeye kararlı bir kadının ona olan aşkı...
October 23, 2013
A baby boy with a spaniel's head is born to Monsieur and Madame Du Chaillu in this 1951 novella. Wendy Doniger's foreword suggests some of the ways the book has been read and can be read: an ideological satire, along the lines of Animal Farm or Candide; as magical realism; or as a parable of the outcast. It's probably easiest to see it as the last. Edmond Du Chaillu is handicapped by his dog's head, yet also happy in life. He has a positive outlook even though many around him are moderately disgusted by his canine features. He has a difficult time getting a good job and keeping his parents' love and interest - until a real woman falls in love with him, just for him. Then things start to disintegrate.
February 5, 2017
For me, there was much to take away from this book. It's only 150 pages long, but "packs a punch" has never been truer. A book that would be especially interesting to discuss with other people I think.
Review: https://weneedhunny.wordpress.com/201...
Review: https://weneedhunny.wordpress.com/201...
August 8, 2023
A Dog’s Head is an interesting foray into human-animal interactions, othering, and even bestiality. An interesting read, that’s for sure. I picked this up in my local book store merely for the intriguing title and cover (and I suppose the blurb). I have never before heard of this book, nor of Jean Dutourd, but I would not be opposed to checking out some of his other works after having read and enjoyed this one. I wouldn’t say this was my favorite read ever, but certainly a funny, thought-provoking, and whimsical little book.
One of the things I really liked about this book was its rather obvious (at least to me) metaphors for homophobia and similar sorts of otherings which Edmond must endure. Dutourd, taken out of context, could totally be read as talking about the queer experience, as exemplified with this quote: “By dint of accompanying these amorous beings, with their yearning after shapes and substances utterly different from their own, Edmond ended by asking himself why he, too, should not become the object of someone’s love.” This part of the novel really resounded with me, a queer individual, especially for the times when I feel completely divided from my body and disconnected from others, yearning for that fairy tale love (or at least picket fence family) that we are all taught to cherish as children. It was a really whimsical and extreme way to present a very touching and real issue that many people experience. The religious symbolism/imagery coupled with this produces a fantastic and hard-hitting account of an individual torn between dual natures. Dutourd writes of Edmond as “overcome by a Christian’s recoil before the sins of the flesh” at one point. Again, this ties into shame of identity, specifically catalyzed by personal religious experiences that many, many queer and other marginalized groups experience.
Another aspect of this book that I really liked was the exploration of hierarchy between animals. Humans are often not included in the term ‘animal’ even though we are technically animals. We also tend to put ourselves on top of the pyramid, which I just think is a ridiculous way to look at all of creation lol. I really liked this quote, “Today men believe that an impassable wall separates them from animals. They have no concern for them except to subject them to idiotic experiments.” I think it largely rings true, even today! There is so often that distinction between animalistic and human behaviour, which in some cases, humans can be so much more cruel and savage – and this is exactly what I think Dutourd was hinting at throughout most of the book.
Overall, well written, pretty quick to get through, and amusing at times. Solid 3/5 stars.
One of the things I really liked about this book was its rather obvious (at least to me) metaphors for homophobia and similar sorts of otherings which Edmond must endure. Dutourd, taken out of context, could totally be read as talking about the queer experience, as exemplified with this quote: “By dint of accompanying these amorous beings, with their yearning after shapes and substances utterly different from their own, Edmond ended by asking himself why he, too, should not become the object of someone’s love.” This part of the novel really resounded with me, a queer individual, especially for the times when I feel completely divided from my body and disconnected from others, yearning for that fairy tale love (or at least picket fence family) that we are all taught to cherish as children. It was a really whimsical and extreme way to present a very touching and real issue that many people experience. The religious symbolism/imagery coupled with this produces a fantastic and hard-hitting account of an individual torn between dual natures. Dutourd writes of Edmond as “overcome by a Christian’s recoil before the sins of the flesh” at one point. Again, this ties into shame of identity, specifically catalyzed by personal religious experiences that many, many queer and other marginalized groups experience.
Another aspect of this book that I really liked was the exploration of hierarchy between animals. Humans are often not included in the term ‘animal’ even though we are technically animals. We also tend to put ourselves on top of the pyramid, which I just think is a ridiculous way to look at all of creation lol. I really liked this quote, “Today men believe that an impassable wall separates them from animals. They have no concern for them except to subject them to idiotic experiments.” I think it largely rings true, even today! There is so often that distinction between animalistic and human behaviour, which in some cases, humans can be so much more cruel and savage – and this is exactly what I think Dutourd was hinting at throughout most of the book.
Overall, well written, pretty quick to get through, and amusing at times. Solid 3/5 stars.
September 7, 2020
I liked this sweet, honest, sad portrait of a lonely man. I've heard certain sentiments of the protagonist echoed by real-life friends so I feel the roller coaster ride of his outlook on life is not exaggerated.
More reviews on my StoryGraph page!
More reviews on my StoryGraph page!
December 28, 2022
An entertaining, if ultimately depressing, parable about human versus animal nature, the hypocrisy of society towards difference, and a few other targets.
I was underwhelmed by the translation which came across as rather starchy and I often wondered if the French was similarly buttoned up. If time was unlimited, I would get hold of a copy of the French to check. Obsessive, moi?
I was underwhelmed by the translation which came across as rather starchy and I often wondered if the French was similarly buttoned up. If time was unlimited, I would get hold of a copy of the French to check. Obsessive, moi?
May 5, 2017
A rare, compelling book from an excellent French literary satirist.
March 26, 2019
I would have given it 3 stars but the ending was atrocious. This story follows a man born with a dogs head. It’s an interesting premise, but very sad and drawn out.
February 4, 2024
Keine Ahnung, worum es da ging und ob es eine Metapher war oder nicht, aber ich fand's gut.
July 15, 2015
Magical realism, like Sci Fi and crime tales, has the power to bring us quickly into an alternate reality. What would it be like to live and work on a ship floating through space? (Star Trek) What would I do if I were the head of a crime family? (The Godfather) How would I feel if I woke up in the body of a giant bug? (The Metamorphosis) This book travels down the what if path with both realism and heart. By turns funny and heartbreaking, this is a book for anyone who has ever felt different.
Recommended
Recommended
March 3, 2011
A Dog's Head doesn't have the same poetry that is attributed to most other works of "magical realism," an aspect of the genre that I particularly like. Although the metaphor is pretty straightforward and maybe even a little heavy handed, I did have a visceral reaction to the story by the end. Not my favorite but worth reading.
December 23, 2013
I had first read this book when I was around 12 years old but could not remember the title. The discussion group "What's The Name Of That Boo" on Goodreads helped me find the name of the book,and I appreciate that. It is a very imaginative book, although it is a sad story. I enjoyed re-reading it as an adult, as it is clearly a book for adults.
April 7, 2015
I read this for a university class and at first I wasn't really into it, but it was actually really profound. It's such a simple story, but the message is there and the author really knows how to incorporate it in the story through Edmond's personal journey - living with a dog's head and trying to be accepted by society.
March 22, 2016
Nothing like I expected when I first picked it up. It was painful to read, but so revealing of the nature of man. Brace yourself for a good ol howling after you're done!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews