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My Name is Gucci: A Dog’s Story
After living in a Singapore dog shelter for five years, Gucci – a vaguely Dalmatian-like crossbred – is losing hope of ever being rescued. One day to his surprise he is adopted by her, a writer, and moves to inner city Sydney. On arrival, however, an anti-dog war breaks out in their apartment block; Gucci’s owner receives a letter threatening the possibility of ‘euthanasia’. The incident triggers nightmares in her and brings back distressing childhood memories.
My Name Is Gucci is a charming novel about the relationships between pets and their owners and about how the past shapes the present. This bold ex-shelter dog narrated fable beautifully unravels Gucci’s and his adopter /guardian’s secrets, which have been intertwined for decades through their recurring reincarnations.
Sun Jung understands the deep connections that exist between animals and humans. You won’t need to be a dog lover to be entranced by this story; it is brimming with warmth, wit and wisdom.
‘A comic and moving Homeric odyssey about Gucci the dog, who must deal with, and outwit, the most problematic species of all – humans.’ – Louis Nowra, author of A Biography
'A magical novel that will capture your heart.' – Andrea Carter, author of A Body Falls
My Name Is Gucci is a charming novel about the relationships between pets and their owners and about how the past shapes the present. This bold ex-shelter dog narrated fable beautifully unravels Gucci’s and his adopter /guardian’s secrets, which have been intertwined for decades through their recurring reincarnations.
Sun Jung understands the deep connections that exist between animals and humans. You won’t need to be a dog lover to be entranced by this story; it is brimming with warmth, wit and wisdom.
‘A comic and moving Homeric odyssey about Gucci the dog, who must deal with, and outwit, the most problematic species of all – humans.’ – Louis Nowra, author of A Biography
'A magical novel that will capture your heart.' – Andrea Carter, author of A Body Falls
Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 7, 2025
My Name is Gucci is a poignant exploration of connection, past traumas, and the profound impact animals have on our lives.
Sun Jung's novel, narrated from the unique perspective of Gucci, a rescue dog, masterfully unravels the secrets that bind him and his owner together.
Gucci, a cross dalmatian bitzer, lives in a Singaporean animal shelter until he finds himself transported to Sydney, Australia after being adopted by an unnamed writer. The story delves into the interwoven destinies of Gucci and his adopter.
Gucci's owner's past traumas are revealed through Gucci's memories of past lives as Jung skillfully shows how lived experiences can haunt our present, shaping our fears and influencing our actions.
The recurring theme of reincarnation suggests an almost spiritual connection between dog and owner that transcends time.
Told with warmth and wit My Name is Gucci is a compelling read for anyone who has experienced the unconditional love of an animal.
I quickly fell in love with Gucci and became totally caught up in his story. He has an intuitive sense of how those around him feel. Gucci is timid and anxious, yet brave, and fully committed to helping his owner overcome her traumas.
My Name is Gucci: A Dog's Story is a beautifully written, poignant and heart-wrenching story. I found this lovable and quirky read hard to put down.
Content: dog fighting, allusion to suicide, puppy farms.
Sun Jung's novel, narrated from the unique perspective of Gucci, a rescue dog, masterfully unravels the secrets that bind him and his owner together.
Gucci, a cross dalmatian bitzer, lives in a Singaporean animal shelter until he finds himself transported to Sydney, Australia after being adopted by an unnamed writer. The story delves into the interwoven destinies of Gucci and his adopter.
Gucci's owner's past traumas are revealed through Gucci's memories of past lives as Jung skillfully shows how lived experiences can haunt our present, shaping our fears and influencing our actions.
The recurring theme of reincarnation suggests an almost spiritual connection between dog and owner that transcends time.
Told with warmth and wit My Name is Gucci is a compelling read for anyone who has experienced the unconditional love of an animal.
I quickly fell in love with Gucci and became totally caught up in his story. He has an intuitive sense of how those around him feel. Gucci is timid and anxious, yet brave, and fully committed to helping his owner overcome her traumas.
My Name is Gucci: A Dog's Story is a beautifully written, poignant and heart-wrenching story. I found this lovable and quirky read hard to put down.
Content: dog fighting, allusion to suicide, puppy farms.
January 4, 2025
3.5 ⭐
January 4, 2025
3.5 ⭐
January 24, 2025
3.25 🌟
January 16, 2025
This is a story told through the eyes of Gucci, a Dalmatian-type spotted crossbreed who is living in a highrise apartment in Sydney, Australia, having been rescued from a shelter in Singapore. As Gucci learns to navigate life in his new home with his new owner we learn about what is of importance in a dog's life and view the world through his eyes.
Gucci's life and responses to those he meets along the way are shaped in part by his experiences in his previous dog lives - reincarnation being a belief held by many Buddhists in Singapore, and he has been connected with his owner previously in these lives.
There are some lovely and amusing descriptions, in Gucci's words, of the people he meets - they don't have names but are referred to by what he notices about them..eg - 'pink hat', and the relationship he has with his old Labrador friend, Noodles, is one of the most poignant and moving parts of this story.
Almost philosophical in nature I guess, there were aspects of this story I really enjoyed, but overall, just 2 stars for this one.
Gucci's life and responses to those he meets along the way are shaped in part by his experiences in his previous dog lives - reincarnation being a belief held by many Buddhists in Singapore, and he has been connected with his owner previously in these lives.
There are some lovely and amusing descriptions, in Gucci's words, of the people he meets - they don't have names but are referred to by what he notices about them..eg - 'pink hat', and the relationship he has with his old Labrador friend, Noodles, is one of the most poignant and moving parts of this story.
Almost philosophical in nature I guess, there were aspects of this story I really enjoyed, but overall, just 2 stars for this one.
April 4, 2025
this book is so much more than a dog's story. it was a moving and beautiful journey.
January 21, 2025
3.5 - 4, I just adore this tale, having strong ties to my rescue dogs and inyeon. It may be a little slow in parts but I soaking in the story as it warmed my heart.
December 23, 2024
Only read a couple of chapters - not my style of book at all.
September 22, 2024
LOL I am in the doghouse with Amber. I should have celebrated International Dog Day on 26th August with celebratory posts about dogs in fiction, and she is only partially mollified because I am writing this review of a book featuring a canine narrator...
I am usually not keen on animal or non-human narrators. As a device to render a third person limited perspective, it's often just a gimmick, confining the perspective to the short life span of an animal and/or the capacity of the device to move about and 'see' what's going on. However, when it's done well, it can be clever, amusing and insightful.
Exceptions that have worked for me include
Night Blue (2021) by Angela O'Keeffe, narrated by a painting (see here)
Watership Down (1972) by Richard Adams, narrated by rabbits, see here,
Virginia Woolf's Flush (1933), a biography of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's dog, seen through the eyes of the dog (see here), and
Family Skeleton (2016)by Carmel Bird, narrated by the 'skeleton in the cupboard), see here.
My Name Is Gucci by Sun Jung solves the problem of a companion animal's limited life span with reincarnation. Gucci is a rescue dog, who narrates the back story of his companion owner through his past lives which have connected with hers.
Gucci's past lives take place in Korea, and these aspects of the novel were especially interesting because I've read only a few books from that part of the world. (The Spouse has been there on business, but I haven't.) Sun Jung deftly solves the problem of needing to educate readers like me about Korean life, with the (unnamed) girl's Irish boyfriend. She inverts the stereotypical Irish reputation for superstitions and beliefs about fey folklore, by portraying him as often amused and gently sceptical about the girl's explanations of Korean superstitions and spiritual beliefs.
Through Gucci's memories of those past lives, Sun Jung unpacks the sorry story of the girl's family relationships in Korea, but also recounts heroic adventures they have had together. They don't always turn out as hoped, but these adventures expose the cruelty of animal exploitation in Korea and in Australia: puppy farms, greyhound racing and dog fights.
Generally, the mood is not sombre, and sometimes, is laugh-out-loud funny. In a Korean monastery is search of a ritual to banish the girl's distressing dreams, Gucci also shares his opinion of cats...
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2024/09/22/m...
I am usually not keen on animal or non-human narrators. As a device to render a third person limited perspective, it's often just a gimmick, confining the perspective to the short life span of an animal and/or the capacity of the device to move about and 'see' what's going on. However, when it's done well, it can be clever, amusing and insightful.
Exceptions that have worked for me include
Night Blue (2021) by Angela O'Keeffe, narrated by a painting (see here)
Watership Down (1972) by Richard Adams, narrated by rabbits, see here,
Virginia Woolf's Flush (1933), a biography of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's dog, seen through the eyes of the dog (see here), and
Family Skeleton (2016)by Carmel Bird, narrated by the 'skeleton in the cupboard), see here.
My Name Is Gucci by Sun Jung solves the problem of a companion animal's limited life span with reincarnation. Gucci is a rescue dog, who narrates the back story of his companion owner through his past lives which have connected with hers.
Gucci's past lives take place in Korea, and these aspects of the novel were especially interesting because I've read only a few books from that part of the world. (The Spouse has been there on business, but I haven't.) Sun Jung deftly solves the problem of needing to educate readers like me about Korean life, with the (unnamed) girl's Irish boyfriend. She inverts the stereotypical Irish reputation for superstitions and beliefs about fey folklore, by portraying him as often amused and gently sceptical about the girl's explanations of Korean superstitions and spiritual beliefs.
Through Gucci's memories of those past lives, Sun Jung unpacks the sorry story of the girl's family relationships in Korea, but also recounts heroic adventures they have had together. They don't always turn out as hoped, but these adventures expose the cruelty of animal exploitation in Korea and in Australia: puppy farms, greyhound racing and dog fights.
Generally, the mood is not sombre, and sometimes, is laugh-out-loud funny. In a Korean monastery is search of a ritual to banish the girl's distressing dreams, Gucci also shares his opinion of cats...
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2024/09/22/m...
November 20, 2024
If one was to buy a book by its cover, it’s this one. Like the Mona Lisa, the dog’s image (© Holly Frean) is charmingly enigmatic, leading us to project all sorts of human emotions and motivations into those questioning heterochromatic eyes. But as this everyman/dog apologue gets going, the eponymous Gucci emerges as an engaging, three-dimensional four-legged character possessed not only with an acute sense of smell as might be expected, but also with an enlightened, dare I say Buddhist insight into life, suffering, death and rebirth.
A once-abandoned shelter dog, Gucci shares his quirky and perceptive view of the world and touches on the unspoken emotional undercurrents that flow between pets and their owners – a subcutaneous connection that runs deeper than ordinary friendship, and in Gucci’s case includes a spiritual continuity that reaches across multiple reincarnations. Adopted and whisked away from his birthplace in Singapore, Gucci settles into his new home in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs with her, and begins to sense that the pair share more than just the present moment. He recounts snippets of their former lives, exposing instances of brutal treatment and rupturing familial discord.
Gucci’s narration possesses such a likeable and cheery, doggy insouciance that it is only on reflection that the more serious concerns underpinning the novel begin to emerge. Themes of trauma and abandonment – both canine and human – resonate throughout but are deftly handled by Jung who lets Gucci suggest that pets and their humans find one another across lifetimes to help each other heal and grow. While the character her has rescued Gucci, the reader senses that Gucci is the life raft that has indeed been her salvation. She struggles with memories from her own difficult past that begin to resurface in the midst of anti-dog hostility in the apartment block where they live. Advocating and caring for Gucci allows her to work through her own pain and eventually secure a forever home for them both with an amused/ing Irish musician in the once tawdry brothel strip formerly presided over by the infamous madam, Tilly Devine.
Sun Jung’s My Name Is Gucci is a profound and moving novel that honours the intricate and treasured bonds that link dogs with their human companions. The narrative’s rich tapestry, woven with themes of reincarnation, trauma, and redemption, highlights the notion that our bonds with animals may be destined, and interconnected in ways that transcend time and space. Through its warmth, wit, and wisdom, My Name Is Gucci reminds us that the animals we welcome into our lives may be there for a greater purpose – to walk alongside us as we face life’s most challenging journeys.
This is the perfect Christmas gift for anyone who has ever owned a dog or stopped to pat one on the street. For those who live around Kings Cross or Darlinghurst, then the ‘dog-walks’ past familiar landmarks, parks and pubs is an added bonus.
A once-abandoned shelter dog, Gucci shares his quirky and perceptive view of the world and touches on the unspoken emotional undercurrents that flow between pets and their owners – a subcutaneous connection that runs deeper than ordinary friendship, and in Gucci’s case includes a spiritual continuity that reaches across multiple reincarnations. Adopted and whisked away from his birthplace in Singapore, Gucci settles into his new home in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs with her, and begins to sense that the pair share more than just the present moment. He recounts snippets of their former lives, exposing instances of brutal treatment and rupturing familial discord.
Gucci’s narration possesses such a likeable and cheery, doggy insouciance that it is only on reflection that the more serious concerns underpinning the novel begin to emerge. Themes of trauma and abandonment – both canine and human – resonate throughout but are deftly handled by Jung who lets Gucci suggest that pets and their humans find one another across lifetimes to help each other heal and grow. While the character her has rescued Gucci, the reader senses that Gucci is the life raft that has indeed been her salvation. She struggles with memories from her own difficult past that begin to resurface in the midst of anti-dog hostility in the apartment block where they live. Advocating and caring for Gucci allows her to work through her own pain and eventually secure a forever home for them both with an amused/ing Irish musician in the once tawdry brothel strip formerly presided over by the infamous madam, Tilly Devine.
Sun Jung’s My Name Is Gucci is a profound and moving novel that honours the intricate and treasured bonds that link dogs with their human companions. The narrative’s rich tapestry, woven with themes of reincarnation, trauma, and redemption, highlights the notion that our bonds with animals may be destined, and interconnected in ways that transcend time and space. Through its warmth, wit, and wisdom, My Name Is Gucci reminds us that the animals we welcome into our lives may be there for a greater purpose – to walk alongside us as we face life’s most challenging journeys.
This is the perfect Christmas gift for anyone who has ever owned a dog or stopped to pat one on the street. For those who live around Kings Cross or Darlinghurst, then the ‘dog-walks’ past familiar landmarks, parks and pubs is an added bonus.
December 31, 2024
Sometimes, a book speaks straight to your soul. Sun Jung’s My Name Is Gucci: A Dog's Story is one of those rare treasures—a heartfelt, funny, and deeply moving tale that lingers long after the last page.
Told through the eyes of Gucci, a rescue dog with an indomitable spirit, this story isn’t just about a dog’s journey but about the bonds that tie us together, human and animal alike. At its core is the Korean concept of "Inyeon," the idea that some connections are written in the stars—destined and unbreakable. Sun Jung’s rich storytelling weaves this philosophy beautifully, making the book as meaningful as it is entertaining.
But what sets My Name Is Gucci apart is its cultural depth and earnest exploration of life’s unseen connections. It’s a reminder that love, in all its forms, transcends time, distance, and even species.
My Name Is Gucci is more than just a book—it’s a gift to the heart. Don’t miss this remarkable tale of love, destiny, and the profound bond between a dog and his human. It’s a story you’ll cherish forever.
Told through the eyes of Gucci, a rescue dog with an indomitable spirit, this story isn’t just about a dog’s journey but about the bonds that tie us together, human and animal alike. At its core is the Korean concept of "Inyeon," the idea that some connections are written in the stars—destined and unbreakable. Sun Jung’s rich storytelling weaves this philosophy beautifully, making the book as meaningful as it is entertaining.
But what sets My Name Is Gucci apart is its cultural depth and earnest exploration of life’s unseen connections. It’s a reminder that love, in all its forms, transcends time, distance, and even species.
My Name Is Gucci is more than just a book—it’s a gift to the heart. Don’t miss this remarkable tale of love, destiny, and the profound bond between a dog and his human. It’s a story you’ll cherish forever.
December 31, 2024
I very much enjoyed this book narrated by a mongrel from Singapore who is enjoying his latest life in Sydney with a Korean woman owner who owned the dog in a previous incarnation. This is a Buddhist dog moving from one life and body to another. I especially liked the setting in Itaewon as I lived there myself for three years. The book has a bit to say about puppy farms and fighting dogs in Korea and only touches on the dog meat trade. Wishing the author and her dogs all the best in this and all future lives!
January 20, 2025
I picked up this book on a whim because being a dog lover the cover appealed to me and I've lived in the neighbourhood in Sydney where part of the action is set. I'm so glad I did because I found it a very entertaining story, charmingly written and full of interesting details about Korean people and culture that I knew very little about. I'm actually going to re-read it because i gulped it down very quickly and I think I'll enjoy it even more on a second read. If you like dogs and are interested in other cultures then I highly recommend this one.
May 12, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
I absolutely loved the way this story unraveled and found it to be paced really well. It made me feel as though I would watch these two souls ride off into the sunset together and they continue their interconnected journeys. Was then a bit disappointed that everything was wrapped up with a bow in the ending, it weirdly felt too clean for the sprawling, continuous cycle established throughout the rest of the book. That being said, the energy and relationships presented were really heartwarming and it was great to see them unfold in many different settings.
I absolutely loved the way this story unraveled and found it to be paced really well. It made me feel as though I would watch these two souls ride off into the sunset together and they continue their interconnected journeys. Was then a bit disappointed that everything was wrapped up with a bow in the ending, it weirdly felt too clean for the sprawling, continuous cycle established throughout the rest of the book. That being said, the energy and relationships presented were really heartwarming and it was great to see them unfold in many different settings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2024
Sun Jung has done a truly excellent job in getting in to the mind and creating the voice of Gucci the mongrel from Singapore. In his observations of human (and other animal life), Gucci is sharp, witty, compassionate and occasionally cranky. There are many LOL moments and a very interesting (and useful) glossary of Korean words used throughout the book. Recommended.
January 6, 2025
Started well but petered out. Wonderfully written. The voice of the dog narrator is superb. I love the concept of recurring connections through multiple incarnations. And I loved finding out more about Korean cultural beliefs. But the story line just drifted, and I found it difficult to stay engaged.
December 31, 2024
This was very sweet and I think any dog lover would enjoy it. I also liked the way it combined Korean culture and beliefs with a modern Aussie setting. It definitely has me dreaming about Frankie and my past lives and how we met in them - what a beautiful concept 😍
January 4, 2025
Gucci is an adorable and fascinating narrator - quirky, funny, wise and a wonderful observer of humanity. I loved this book and have recommended it to all my dog-loving friends and animal justice advocates. You will fall in love with Gucci and like me you will be hoping for a sequel.
July 4, 2025
3.5 stars. An interesting story, but confusing at times (only using “her” and “she” rather than a main character name). The story jumps between time zones, so it can take a while to understand the given context.
November 17, 2024
Such a lovely read!
November 23, 2024
Wonderful story. I highly recommend. Sun Jung has written a masterful work of literary fiction with superb narrators throughout. I laughed and I cried.
December 27, 2024
This book was beautiful and heart-wrenching. I feel like it will be a book I think about for a long time.
March 16, 2025
3.8 ⭐️
Captivated me at the start, and at the end. The middle was neither here nor there but still quite an enjoyable little story.
Captivated me at the start, and at the end. The middle was neither here nor there but still quite an enjoyable little story.
March 19, 2025
Eccentric but sweet
November 18, 2025
Nicely written but reincarnation and translated dialogue isn't my thing. Loved the dog.
December 20, 2024
Blah.
Didn't enjoy this much at all.
I am a dog lover, and have read others written from dog perspective (like The Boy and The Dog - Seishu Hase) but this one just didn’t work for me.
Thought it was fairly boring. Did learn a little about Korean culture.
Clumsy even at times....often not believable....
Didn't enjoy this much at all.
I am a dog lover, and have read others written from dog perspective (like The Boy and The Dog - Seishu Hase) but this one just didn’t work for me.
Thought it was fairly boring. Did learn a little about Korean culture.
Clumsy even at times....often not believable....
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews