Dogs Don't Cry: Novels of the Great War

Novels of the Great War #2

by John F. Andrews

June 1918.
The tidal wave of WWI engulfs the rural French village of Bouresches, forcing two teens to embark on a harrowing journey to an uncertain future and a destination known only to their border collie, Abby.

Abby is the Durand family dog. Her job is to be a companion for fifteen-year-old Marcel and his thirteen-year-old sister, Geneviève. She considers it herding. Marcel is plagued by doubts about his courage as he approaches military age. His sister has severe pneumonia. As their neighbors flee, the doctor warns their mother that the rigors of evacuation will kill Geneviève.

A disastrous escape leaves them orphaned and alone.

Marcel and Geneviève must find a distant relative, Cousin Henri, who lives near Paris. However, they have never met him, are not sure of his last name, and don’t know his address. Abby is the key—Henri is her former owner, though she begs to differ on the “owner” concept. If anyone can find him, she can. The teens confront their worst fears while seeking refuge amid the chaos of war, armed only with their faith in Abby.

Genres: Historical Fiction

296 pages, Paperback

Published January 13, 2024

About the author

John F. Andrews is the award-winning author of the Novels of the Great War Series, including OUR DESPERATE HOUR, AN AMERICAN NURSE IN PARIS, and DOGS DON’T CRY. He writes from the perspective of a service family father and critical care physician to craft unique stories based on real events. His characters struggle shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the real heroes of WWI as well as showing the plight of civilians caught in one of the most horrible conflicts in human history. His novels are stories of courage, struggle, survival, PTSD, hope, resilience, and love.

Reviews

[sniksnak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set against the backdrop of June 1918, during the climactic German offensive of World War I, this poignant historical novel unfolds in the French village of Bouresches. Here, 15 year old Marcel and his delicate 13 year old sister Geneviève find themselves orphaned amidst the turmoil of war. With their loyal border collie Abby by their side, the siblings embark on a treacherous journey across a war torn landscape, seeking refuge with a distant cousin near Paris, guided solely by Abby’s instincts.
Narrated through the alternating perspectives of Marcel, Geneviève, and Abby, the story delves into profound courage, loyalty, resilience, and hope amidst profound loss. Mr Andrews weaves vivid historical detail with emotional depth, crafting a compelling story of survival and the enduring human-animal bond. This coming of age novel is a testament to quiet heroism in the face of war’s brutality.

[Christie Bane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly enjoyable book — a little lacking in depth, but well-written and steady action. And, of course, the best character of all, Abby the border collie. Chapters written from a border collie’s perspective could’ve not worked very easily. But they did work, and were so thoroughly charming. I admit I was completely in love with Abby’s devotion and sense of duty with regard to keeping her family together. I won’t read the author’s other war novels, but I would certainly read any dog books he writes in the future.

[Laura Flavin]

“Dogs Don’t Cry is a deeply emotional and beautifully crafted historical novel set against the devastating backdrop of World War I in rural France. John F. Andrews tells a powerful story of survival, loss, and resilience through the eyes of two young siblings forced to navigate unimaginable danger after their world is torn apart by war. The narrative combines historical authenticity with heartfelt storytelling, creating a reading experience that is both harrowing and deeply humane.”

“What stood out most was the emotional bond between Marcel, Geneviève, and their border collie Abby, who becomes the guiding force in their desperate journey toward safety. Abby is not just a companion but a symbol of loyalty, instinct, and hope amid chaos. The children’s vulnerability is portrayed with great sensitivity Marcel’s internal struggle with courage and responsibility, and Geneviève’s fragile health, both heighten the stakes of every decision they make. The journey toward Paris, and the uncertainty of finding a distant relative they’ve never met, creates constant tension while highlighting the brutality and confusion of wartime displacement. I also appreciated how the novel captures the emotional cost of war not only on soldiers, but on families, animals, and civilians caught in its path. The blend of historical detail, emotional depth, and animal perspective gives the story a unique and touching resonance. Heartbreaking, suspenseful, and profoundly moving, Dogs Don’t Cry is the kind of historical fiction that lingers long after the final page.”

[David Carriere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dogs Don’t Cry is a heartfelt, war torn odyssey that blends historical tension with the deep emotional bond between humans and their loyal companions. Set in June 1918, as WWI sweeps across rural France, the story follows teens Marcel and Geneviève each facing their own fragile crossroads on a desperate journey guided only by their border collie, Abby. Andrews masterfully balances the brutality of war with moments of tenderness, faith, and quiet courage, crafting a narrative that feels both intimate and epic.

Abby’s perspective adds warmth, surprising humor, and a unique emotional lens to the chaos of displacement and survival. The siblings’ search for Cousin Henri is less a quest for a person and more a search for hope, belonging, and the belief that loyalty can bridge even the darkest circumstances. With vivid historical detail and characters who stay with you long after the final page, this is a moving, beautifully told story that will resonate with fans of War Horse, White Fang, and historical fiction centered on the resilience of youth.

[Micheal Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dogs Don’t Cry by John F. Andrews is a compelling historical novel set during the final months of World War I, blending human resilience with the loyalty of a beloved family dog.

Set in June 1918 in rural France, the story follows siblings Marcel and Geneviève as they face evacuation, illness, and loss amid the chaos of war. The emotional stakes are high, and the narrative effectively captures both the external dangers of wartime displacement and the internal struggles of fear, doubt, and responsibility.

A central strength of the novel is the character of Abby, the border collie, whose instincts and loyalty become essential to the siblings’ survival. Her presence adds warmth and determination to an otherwise harsh and uncertain journey, reinforcing themes of faith, companionship, and perseverance.

Overall, Dogs Don’t Cry delivers a heartfelt and engaging Great War story that combines historical tension with emotional depth, making it a meaningful read for fans of war fiction and family-centered narratives.

[John Bradford · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful and engaging book on World War I, "Dogs Don't Cry" chronicles the adventures of two young people — Marcel, 15, and Sophie, 13 — as they traverse the war-riddled French countryside with their border collie, Abby, in search of a distant cousin who lives in Paris. The kids lost their parents to the Germans, who also destroyed their village. Their only hope for care is this cousin they've never met. As they flee the advancing German front, Marcel must care for his sister, who suffers from pneumonia. The publisher advertises the book as an adult-young adult crossover, and that is fair. The author paints vivid descriptions of the horrors of war, but does so in a way that younger audiences can read. Adults will find it engrossing. The young-adult elements are well-integrated into the story. A great read!

[Rex Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant and innocent, DOGS DON'T CRY is a captivating story told through the eyes of two children and a dog caught up in the violent chaos of the (unfortunately misnamed) War to End All Wars. With a father gone to war and their mother killed in front of them, Marcel, the older brother, has to take care of his sickly sister, Genevieve, as they escape the oncoming German offensive. Abby, their dog, can only understand through the love of the loyal. Told in those three viewpoints by a master storyteller, the heartfelt, heart-breaking--and redeeming--innocence comes through with every line. This is a great story that will have you suffering and cheering with every page, and will leave you drenched in emotion long after you finish reading. I cannot recommend this one any higher.

[Mary Kay Wooten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dogs Rule

This was undoubtedly the most heart warming book I have read in The Great War/World War 2 genre. It was overall an uplifting book written with sensitivity. Oh, there was sadness which brought the tears & giggles/laughter throughout the book. I will not spill any beans, but trust me, once you read it, you'll thank me. If you are a dog lover, this is a must read book. At this time this was a perfect read for me.

[norma baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

This book provides the perspective of two children and a dog during the first world war in France. The chapters are short and told in the voice of each of those characters. It is light and easy to read. I think it is a good introduction to this period for middle and high school readers as well as adults.

[Margaret]

Written in a simple and factual style (although it is fiction), I found this story believable and compelling. I liked the chapters being different characters thoughts/actions and being short chapters, it was easy to tie everything together and see the whole picture. I also appreciated that this was a story about an almost-forgotten war and told from the children’s and dog’s point of view.

[Kathy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not often you have a storyline told through a dog, so for that reason alone I truly enjoyed the book. It is very obviously that a great deal of research went into this book(in a good way), and it enhances the book. Very well written. Can’t wait to recommend to my book club.

[C.J. Frederick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a DNF for me (finished about 1/3). Just not my style of story where animals talk to the reader like humans. (Not my favorite storytelling technique.) I love the book cover and the premise of the story, but it wasn't enough to push me over the finish line.

[Sreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable light read.

[Jane Downey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read about a dog & her 2 children in France in World War 1.

[Kellie Bolger · Rating 4 out of 5]

easy read

[Jennelle Denoyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story.