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From the "terrifyingly talented" (The Times, UK) author of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and The Porpoise, eight mesmerizingly imaginative, deeply-humane stories that use Greek myths and contemporary dystopian narratives to examine mortality, moral choices and the many variants of loveGreek myths have fascinated people for millennia, seeing in them lessons about fate and hubris and the contingency of existence. Mark Haddon digs into the heart of these ancient fables and sees them anew.In "The Quiet Limit of the World" Haddon imagines Tithonus' life as he slowly ages over thousands of years, turning the cautionary tale of tempting the gods into a spellbinding meditation on witnessing death from the outside, and ultimately, how carnal love evolves into something richer and more poignant with time. In "The Mother’s Story," Haddon takes the myth of the minotaur in his labyrinth, in which the beast is the spawn of the monstrous lust of the king's wife Pasiphae, and turns it into a wrenching parable of maternal love for a damaged child, and the more real monstrosities of patriarchy. In "D.O.G.Z." the story of Actaeon, who was turned into a stag after glimpsing the naked goddess Diana and torn to pieces by his hunting dogs, becomes a visceral metaphor about the continuum of human and animal behavior.Other stories play with contemporary mythic tropes—genetic engineering, trying to escape the future, the viciousness of adolescent ostracism—to showcase how modern humans are subject to the same capriciousness that obsessed the Greeks. Haddon's tales cover a vast range, from the mythic to the domestic, from ancient Greece to the present day, from stories about love to stories about cruelty, from battlefields to bed and breakfasts, from dogs in space to doors between worlds—all of them bound together by a profound sympathy and an understanding of how human beings act and think and feel when pushed to the very edge. Throughout Haddon's supple prose, he showcases his astonishing powers of observation, of both the physical world and the workings of the psyche. His vision is clear-eyed, but always resolutely empathetic.
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2024
203 people are currently reading
6683 people want to read
About the author
Mark Haddon
81 books3,999 followersMark Haddon is an English novelist, best known for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (2003). He won the Whitbread Award, the Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award, the Guardian Prize, and a Commonwealth Writers Prize for his work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
January 3, 2025
Haddon presents some imaginative retellings of classic myths and legends. Many are disturbing and violent, some are hard to read. All are beautifully written, and utterly involving. This is a fine and impressive collection.
Many thanks to Doubleday and NetGalley for the read.
Many thanks to Doubleday and NetGalley for the read.
January 26, 2025
I was a major fan of Mark Haddon's previously short story collection The Pier Falls: And Other Stories. This one didn't grab me quite as much. Some of the tales are a spin on Greek myths, others touch on science fiction. The characters are flawed in different ways and the stories don't contain neat resolutions.
The collection begins strongly with The Mother's Story, a retelling of the Minotaur myth and a powerful evocation of maternal love. The Bunker is a haunting account of parallel worlds with a sting in its tail - it would make a fine Twilight Zone episode. Strongest of all is My Old School, in which an elderly man looks back at his schooldays and finds that he might have a different memory of that fraught time to everybody else. I'm afraid to say the rest of the stories didn't make an impression on me and I found a couple of them a struggle to finish. But when Haddon excels, his imagination goes to some dark and unpredictable places, and the results are unforgettable.
The collection begins strongly with The Mother's Story, a retelling of the Minotaur myth and a powerful evocation of maternal love. The Bunker is a haunting account of parallel worlds with a sting in its tail - it would make a fine Twilight Zone episode. Strongest of all is My Old School, in which an elderly man looks back at his schooldays and finds that he might have a different memory of that fraught time to everybody else. I'm afraid to say the rest of the stories didn't make an impression on me and I found a couple of them a struggle to finish. But when Haddon excels, his imagination goes to some dark and unpredictable places, and the results are unforgettable.
March 5, 2025
In 2016 I read an ARC of THE PIER FALLS and was obviously impressed.
Multiple styles, points of view; literate quality.
The feeling is back.
Haddon freely uses the Hogarth premise for the majority of these “new” stories:
he retells old tales for a modern audience. He updates. He expands. Improves.
Haddon’s stories were inspired by Ovid’s METAMORPHOSIS, H.G.Wells’
ISLAND OF DR.MOREAU, a Virginia Woolf short story (The Mark on the Wall)
and the 18th century’s LIVES of the SAINTS.
Whether you’re horrified by the rawness ,moved by the plight of a character,
or depressed by the dystopian darkness, you will be touched in some way.
“Everything old is new again.”
Warning: INTENDED FOR MATURE AUDIENCES; THOUGHT REQUIRED.
.
Multiple styles, points of view; literate quality.
The feeling is back.
Haddon freely uses the Hogarth premise for the majority of these “new” stories:
he retells old tales for a modern audience. He updates. He expands. Improves.
Haddon’s stories were inspired by Ovid’s METAMORPHOSIS, H.G.Wells’
ISLAND OF DR.MOREAU, a Virginia Woolf short story (The Mark on the Wall)
and the 18th century’s LIVES of the SAINTS.
Whether you’re horrified by the rawness ,moved by the plight of a character,
or depressed by the dystopian darkness, you will be touched in some way.
“Everything old is new again.”
Warning: INTENDED FOR MATURE AUDIENCES; THOUGHT REQUIRED.
.
October 6, 2025
Dogs and Monsters is a collection of eight stories by prize-winning, bestselling British author, Mark Haddon.
The Mother’s Story: when a woman gives birth to a child that doesn’t look normal, her nobleman husband rejects the boy and summons her to witness his consultation with a clever engineer. He charges the man with devising a solution to the problem that doesn’t damage his noble reputation. The engineer’s guileless, well-meaning son disagrees with the cruel plan put forth by his weasely father, reminiscent of the mythological Minotaur’s situation, but is powerless to stop it. What suits the nobleman breaks his wife’s heart, but she never gives up, and the engineer’s son secretly aids her. Insightful and very moving. 5/5
The Bunker: nurse Nadine Pullman experiences a strange episode that might be due to contagious insanity, or an echo of the past, or a premonition of events to come: a transfer from this world to another where it seems war is being waged. This has taken others, including her uncle, but her husband says he has a solution. Will it work? Disturbing. 4/5
My Old School: from forty years on, a student of Frobisher House looks back on the time he was in boarding school when a new student arrived. A tale that demonstrates the almost limitless capacity of boarding school boys for breathtakingly vicious and inventive cruelty. Again, disturbing. 5/5
D.O.G.Z.: Ovid’s Actaeon tale is revisited, from the perspective of Actaeon himself – but Haddon then turns his attention to the hunting dogs – and includes famous dogs from fiction and history. 4/5
The Wilderness: after losing her brother to an aggressive cancer, Tegan is cycling the world when, on an isolated logging road, her wheel catches a rut and she vaults into the ravine. Broken, she lies with little chance of rescue until a dog and a potential monster come along. When she wakes in a remote compound bounded by razor wire, she wonders if it really is rescue. But Tegan is resourceful and determined. 4/5
The Temptation of Saint Anthony: the man lives in a ruin of a fort, clad in rags and depending on the charity of a nearby village for food. There are occasional oglers whom he discourages, and the Devil is relentless with his temptations – food, coin, women – he resists them all. But the Devil is getting quite inventive and, twice, he is almost fooled. It does cause him to reconsider this way of life. 5/5
The Quiet Limit of the World: when the goddess of dawn becomes enamoured with the young man, she asks her father to make him immortal – only she hasn’t really thought through the implications. Her gift is not appreciated, and there’s another catch. 4/5
St Brides Bay: at the wedding of her daughter, Carol thinks about life and friends and family. 4/5
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Random House UK.
The Mother’s Story: when a woman gives birth to a child that doesn’t look normal, her nobleman husband rejects the boy and summons her to witness his consultation with a clever engineer. He charges the man with devising a solution to the problem that doesn’t damage his noble reputation. The engineer’s guileless, well-meaning son disagrees with the cruel plan put forth by his weasely father, reminiscent of the mythological Minotaur’s situation, but is powerless to stop it. What suits the nobleman breaks his wife’s heart, but she never gives up, and the engineer’s son secretly aids her. Insightful and very moving. 5/5
The Bunker: nurse Nadine Pullman experiences a strange episode that might be due to contagious insanity, or an echo of the past, or a premonition of events to come: a transfer from this world to another where it seems war is being waged. This has taken others, including her uncle, but her husband says he has a solution. Will it work? Disturbing. 4/5
My Old School: from forty years on, a student of Frobisher House looks back on the time he was in boarding school when a new student arrived. A tale that demonstrates the almost limitless capacity of boarding school boys for breathtakingly vicious and inventive cruelty. Again, disturbing. 5/5
D.O.G.Z.: Ovid’s Actaeon tale is revisited, from the perspective of Actaeon himself – but Haddon then turns his attention to the hunting dogs – and includes famous dogs from fiction and history. 4/5
The Wilderness: after losing her brother to an aggressive cancer, Tegan is cycling the world when, on an isolated logging road, her wheel catches a rut and she vaults into the ravine. Broken, she lies with little chance of rescue until a dog and a potential monster come along. When she wakes in a remote compound bounded by razor wire, she wonders if it really is rescue. But Tegan is resourceful and determined. 4/5
The Temptation of Saint Anthony: the man lives in a ruin of a fort, clad in rags and depending on the charity of a nearby village for food. There are occasional oglers whom he discourages, and the Devil is relentless with his temptations – food, coin, women – he resists them all. But the Devil is getting quite inventive and, twice, he is almost fooled. It does cause him to reconsider this way of life. 5/5
The Quiet Limit of the World: when the goddess of dawn becomes enamoured with the young man, she asks her father to make him immortal – only she hasn’t really thought through the implications. Her gift is not appreciated, and there’s another catch. 4/5
St Brides Bay: at the wedding of her daughter, Carol thinks about life and friends and family. 4/5
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Random House UK.
October 16, 2024
In a world where the ancient and modern collide, where Greek myths whisper through the cracks of contemporary life, Mark Haddon's latest short story collection "Dogs and Monsters" emerges as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. Haddon, best known for his novel "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," proves once again that he's a master of the unexpected, weaving tales that are at once familiar and startlingly new.
A Tapestry of Time and Myth
From the very first page, Haddon pulls us into a world where the boundaries between reality and myth blur like watercolors on wet paper. Each story feels like stepping through a doorway into a different dimension, where ancient gods rub shoulders with modern-day misfits, and the struggles of humanity echo across millennia.
Standout Stories: Where Past and Present Collide
The Mother's Story: A Minotaur's Lament
Oh boy, talk about a gut punch. Haddon takes the myth of the Minotaur and flips it on its head, telling it from the perspective of the beast's mother. It's a heart-wrenching tale of maternal love in the face of societal rejection. The way Haddon describes the mother's desperation to protect her son, even as he's locked away in a labyrinth, is enough to make you want to reach into the pages and give her a hug. It's a powerful commentary on how we treat those who are different, and the lengths a parent will go to for their child.
The Quiet Limit of the World: Love in the Long Run
This one's a doozy. Haddon reimagines the myth of Tithonus, granted eternal life but not eternal youth. It's like watching the entire history of human civilization through the eyes of one increasingly decrepit man. The way Haddon captures the bittersweet nature of undying love, as Tithonus watches the world change around him while he remains constant, is simply masterful. It's a meditation on time, love, and the human condition that'll stick with you long after you've turned the last page.
D.O.G.Z.: When the Hunter Becomes the Hunted
Whew, this one's not for the faint of heart. Haddon takes the myth of Actaeon and turns it into a visceral exploration of the line between human and animal. The transformation of Actaeon into a stag, hunted by his own dogs, is described with such vivid detail that you can almost feel the antlers sprouting from your own head. It's a brutal, beautiful story that forces us to confront our own animal nature.
Themes That Bite and Bark
Throughout the collection, Haddon gnaws on some meaty themes:
- The Fragility of Identity: Characters often find themselves transformed, literally or metaphorically, questioning who they really are.
- The Power of Love: Whether it's maternal love, romantic love, or self-love, Haddon explores how it can both save and destroy us.
- The Weight of Time: Many stories grapple with the passage of time and its effects on individuals and relationships.
- The Thin Line Between Human and Animal: Haddon repeatedly blurs the boundaries between the civilized and the wild.
Haddon's Howl: A Unique Voice in Contemporary Fiction
Haddon's prose is like a well-trained hunting dog - lean, muscular, and always on point. He has this uncanny ability to shift from the mythic to the mundane in the space of a sentence, grounding even the most fantastical elements in relatable human experiences.
His writing style is deceptively simple, but don't let that fool you. Each word is carefully chosen, each sentence crafted to pack maximum punch. He's not afraid to get weird, either. Some of the stories veer into surreal territory that might leave you scratching your head, but in a good way, you know?
Not Just Another Shaggy Dog Story
Look, I'm not gonna lie - this collection isn't always an easy read. Some of the stories are downright disturbing, and others might leave you feeling a bit lost. But that's kind of the point, isn't it? Haddon isn't here to spoon-feed us comfortable narratives. He's pushing boundaries, asking tough questions, and making us look at the world (and ourselves) in new ways.
The Verdict: A Howling Success
"Dogs and Monsters" is a collection that demands to be devoured, then chewed over slowly. It's the kind of book that'll have you up at night, staring at the ceiling, pondering the big questions of existence. Haddon has crafted a series of modern myths that feel both timeless and urgently relevant to our current moment.
If you're a fan of writers who blend the mythic with the modern, like Neil Gaiman or Angela Carter, you'll find a lot to love here. And if you're new to Haddon's work, well, buckle up - you're in for one hell of a ride.
A Tapestry of Time and Myth
From the very first page, Haddon pulls us into a world where the boundaries between reality and myth blur like watercolors on wet paper. Each story feels like stepping through a doorway into a different dimension, where ancient gods rub shoulders with modern-day misfits, and the struggles of humanity echo across millennia.
Standout Stories: Where Past and Present Collide
The Mother's Story: A Minotaur's Lament
Oh boy, talk about a gut punch. Haddon takes the myth of the Minotaur and flips it on its head, telling it from the perspective of the beast's mother. It's a heart-wrenching tale of maternal love in the face of societal rejection. The way Haddon describes the mother's desperation to protect her son, even as he's locked away in a labyrinth, is enough to make you want to reach into the pages and give her a hug. It's a powerful commentary on how we treat those who are different, and the lengths a parent will go to for their child.
The Quiet Limit of the World: Love in the Long Run
This one's a doozy. Haddon reimagines the myth of Tithonus, granted eternal life but not eternal youth. It's like watching the entire history of human civilization through the eyes of one increasingly decrepit man. The way Haddon captures the bittersweet nature of undying love, as Tithonus watches the world change around him while he remains constant, is simply masterful. It's a meditation on time, love, and the human condition that'll stick with you long after you've turned the last page.
D.O.G.Z.: When the Hunter Becomes the Hunted
Whew, this one's not for the faint of heart. Haddon takes the myth of Actaeon and turns it into a visceral exploration of the line between human and animal. The transformation of Actaeon into a stag, hunted by his own dogs, is described with such vivid detail that you can almost feel the antlers sprouting from your own head. It's a brutal, beautiful story that forces us to confront our own animal nature.
Themes That Bite and Bark
Throughout the collection, Haddon gnaws on some meaty themes:
- The Fragility of Identity: Characters often find themselves transformed, literally or metaphorically, questioning who they really are.
- The Power of Love: Whether it's maternal love, romantic love, or self-love, Haddon explores how it can both save and destroy us.
- The Weight of Time: Many stories grapple with the passage of time and its effects on individuals and relationships.
- The Thin Line Between Human and Animal: Haddon repeatedly blurs the boundaries between the civilized and the wild.
Haddon's Howl: A Unique Voice in Contemporary Fiction
Haddon's prose is like a well-trained hunting dog - lean, muscular, and always on point. He has this uncanny ability to shift from the mythic to the mundane in the space of a sentence, grounding even the most fantastical elements in relatable human experiences.
His writing style is deceptively simple, but don't let that fool you. Each word is carefully chosen, each sentence crafted to pack maximum punch. He's not afraid to get weird, either. Some of the stories veer into surreal territory that might leave you scratching your head, but in a good way, you know?
Not Just Another Shaggy Dog Story
Look, I'm not gonna lie - this collection isn't always an easy read. Some of the stories are downright disturbing, and others might leave you feeling a bit lost. But that's kind of the point, isn't it? Haddon isn't here to spoon-feed us comfortable narratives. He's pushing boundaries, asking tough questions, and making us look at the world (and ourselves) in new ways.
The Verdict: A Howling Success
"Dogs and Monsters" is a collection that demands to be devoured, then chewed over slowly. It's the kind of book that'll have you up at night, staring at the ceiling, pondering the big questions of existence. Haddon has crafted a series of modern myths that feel both timeless and urgently relevant to our current moment.
If you're a fan of writers who blend the mythic with the modern, like Neil Gaiman or Angela Carter, you'll find a lot to love here. And if you're new to Haddon's work, well, buckle up - you're in for one hell of a ride.
May 23, 2025
Boooo, lame, dumb, pretentious. Just title the book ‘Men Who Suck’ and be done with it. Plus there weren’t even that many dogs. 2.5 stars
October 20, 2024
Mark Haddon's Dogs and Monsters is an outstanding story collection that breathes fresh life into both ancient myths and modern dystopias. Each story is a powerful blend of humanity and mythology, from the haunting portrayal of Tithonus' eternal aging in "The Quiet Limit of the World" to the deeply emotional reimagining of the Minotaur myth in "The Mother's Story" (which I found parallels in the story found in Netflix's Greek god show KAOS). Haddon masterfully explores themes of love, mortality, and moral choices with his sharp, evocative prose, making these stories both thought-provoking and profoundly empathetic. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys literary fiction that challenges the boundaries of genre and storytelling.
June 27, 2024
nsters
A selection of short stories
Mother - a retelling of the Minotaur with a bit of Icarus thrown in. 4/5
The Bunker - post apocalypse 4/5
My Old school - a quote “ it was he who wanted to go to boarding school he who had wanted an entree to a world from which he felt excluded and he would’ve fitted in perfectly true there were lessons and boys with double barrelled names but it was not otherwise greatly different from national service tepid showers open dormitories rugby on muddy pitches in driving November rain the relentless banter if you join the cadets, you could even fire a gun”..An excellent short story about the brutality of an English boarding school in the late 70s. 5/5
DOGZ - short and somewhat depressing dog lovers. Might want to skip this one. 4/5
The Wilderness - someone is doing extreme cycling through the wilderness and crashes then the stories start linking into each other. 4/5
The Temptation of St Anthony- this one was a slow burn a hermit living in a ruthless house, who has dedicated his life to God then he picks up some followers. 5/5
The Quiet limit of the World - more lovely writing in this one. “ he cannot remember the young man’s name. It’s not so much the weakness of his memory as its capacity new details are so hard to pick out against the mountain range of years which lies beneath them.” Tithonus
St Brides Day - the mother of the bride talks about her daughter’s wedding to another woman and reflects on her own life. “ Her own mother was conveniently deceased. That was one blessing. ‘ if women didn’t go out to work, they wouldn’t be any unemployment.’ a life spent polishing the boot that stood on her own neck, Christ alone knew what she would’ve made it today. That constant bitterness, watching your daughter enjoy the freedoms you had denied yourself in defence of principles which had become antique.. unwilling to admit that the key to the shackles had a lean in the bottom of your pocket all along” 5/5
Perhaps I should stop thinking I am not a short story person. These were wonderful with some superb writing.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
Am posting as spoilers as some feel a comment on each short story is a spoiler!
A selection of short stories
Mother - a retelling of the Minotaur with a bit of Icarus thrown in. 4/5
The Bunker - post apocalypse 4/5
My Old school - a quote “ it was he who wanted to go to boarding school he who had wanted an entree to a world from which he felt excluded and he would’ve fitted in perfectly true there were lessons and boys with double barrelled names but it was not otherwise greatly different from national service tepid showers open dormitories rugby on muddy pitches in driving November rain the relentless banter if you join the cadets, you could even fire a gun”..An excellent short story about the brutality of an English boarding school in the late 70s. 5/5
DOGZ - short and somewhat depressing dog lovers. Might want to skip this one. 4/5
The Wilderness - someone is doing extreme cycling through the wilderness and crashes then the stories start linking into each other. 4/5
The Temptation of St Anthony- this one was a slow burn a hermit living in a ruthless house, who has dedicated his life to God then he picks up some followers. 5/5
The Quiet limit of the World - more lovely writing in this one. “ he cannot remember the young man’s name. It’s not so much the weakness of his memory as its capacity new details are so hard to pick out against the mountain range of years which lies beneath them.” Tithonus
St Brides Day - the mother of the bride talks about her daughter’s wedding to another woman and reflects on her own life. “ Her own mother was conveniently deceased. That was one blessing. ‘ if women didn’t go out to work, they wouldn’t be any unemployment.’ a life spent polishing the boot that stood on her own neck, Christ alone knew what she would’ve made it today. That constant bitterness, watching your daughter enjoy the freedoms you had denied yourself in defence of principles which had become antique.. unwilling to admit that the key to the shackles had a lean in the bottom of your pocket all along” 5/5
Perhaps I should stop thinking I am not a short story person. These were wonderful with some superb writing.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
Am posting as spoilers as some feel a comment on each short story is a spoiler!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2024
'Dogs and Monsters' by Mark Haddon offers a compelling journey through a collection of short stories that intertwine Greek mythology with contemporary themes. Haddon’s adept storytelling skillfully merges ancient fables with modern sensibilities, creating narratives that resonate with readers.
Throughout the book, Haddon deftly reimagines classic myths, infusing them with fresh perspectives and poignant insights. The retelling of the Minotaur myth, particularly in 'The Mother’s Story', resonates as a powerful parable of maternal love amidst the oppressive forces of patriarchy and prejudice.
One of the standout aspects of this book is its exploration of the human condition through various lenses. From the eternal struggles of immortality in 'The Quiet Limit of the World' to the psychological ramifications of genetic engineering, Haddon skillfully delves into the depths of human experience. The stories offer a thought-provoking examination of themes such as motherhood, community, mental health, and queerness, presenting a nuanced portrayal of the complexities of life.
Haddon’s storytelling prowess shines through in his ability to create distinct and compelling characters within the confines of short narratives. Each story is meticulously crafted, with rich detail and vivid imagery that captivate the reader’s imagination. While some may find certain stories drawn out in pacing, the overall impact of the collection remains powerful and thought-provoking.
As a reader who appreciates classical references, I found particular enjoyment in the stories of Asterion the Minotaur and Actaeon. Haddon’s reinterpretation of these myths offers fresh insights into timeless tales, enriching the reading experience with layers of depth and meaning.
Like any anthology, this volume presents a mixed bag of stories, with some resonating more strongly than others. However, even the darkest and most disturbing narratives are rendered with Haddon’s trademark clarity and readability. While not a book for the faint of heart, it offers a compelling choice for readers seeking a bit of darkness and depth in their literary exploration.
Throughout the book, Haddon deftly reimagines classic myths, infusing them with fresh perspectives and poignant insights. The retelling of the Minotaur myth, particularly in 'The Mother’s Story', resonates as a powerful parable of maternal love amidst the oppressive forces of patriarchy and prejudice.
One of the standout aspects of this book is its exploration of the human condition through various lenses. From the eternal struggles of immortality in 'The Quiet Limit of the World' to the psychological ramifications of genetic engineering, Haddon skillfully delves into the depths of human experience. The stories offer a thought-provoking examination of themes such as motherhood, community, mental health, and queerness, presenting a nuanced portrayal of the complexities of life.
Haddon’s storytelling prowess shines through in his ability to create distinct and compelling characters within the confines of short narratives. Each story is meticulously crafted, with rich detail and vivid imagery that captivate the reader’s imagination. While some may find certain stories drawn out in pacing, the overall impact of the collection remains powerful and thought-provoking.
As a reader who appreciates classical references, I found particular enjoyment in the stories of Asterion the Minotaur and Actaeon. Haddon’s reinterpretation of these myths offers fresh insights into timeless tales, enriching the reading experience with layers of depth and meaning.
Like any anthology, this volume presents a mixed bag of stories, with some resonating more strongly than others. However, even the darkest and most disturbing narratives are rendered with Haddon’s trademark clarity and readability. While not a book for the faint of heart, it offers a compelling choice for readers seeking a bit of darkness and depth in their literary exploration.
August 25, 2024
Thank you vintage for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is made up of eight short stories. The story blend mythology into Haddon's own. I found some stories easier and more engaging than others, but all are wrote very well. I liked how they followed on different perspectives to what we usually see.
"The Mother's Story" is a story about the Minotaur told from the mother's POV. Which I felt was well done, there are a lot of story out there about the creation of the Minotaur, I felt this was done in a different way, but it worked!
I did struggle to follow and fully understand the Bunker myself and I'm not sure how to put my thought into words on that one.
"D.O.G.Z" is the story of Actaeon. I felt this was a "it's what he deserved" story, and it was a little grotesque and very detailed. I did find it interesting how Haddon concludes the story with questions that makes you question WHY people do the things they do.
"The wilderness" , seemed like something that could actually happen to people! It felt quite realistic and it was chilling. It left you with wonder and you wanted the MC to escape.
"The Temptation of St Anthony" is a story that I've heard of but never read any content of.
"The Quiet Limit Of The World" is quite a sad one and it follows the story of Eos and Tithonus, Haddon did an interesting twists on both the stories.
Overall I feel Haddon did well writing these short stories, the mixture of older times and modern day was interesting I don't often see that. I can tell he is a very talented author that I feel a lot of people can appreciate. Some do the writing is quite poetic and eye opening.
This book is made up of eight short stories. The story blend mythology into Haddon's own. I found some stories easier and more engaging than others, but all are wrote very well. I liked how they followed on different perspectives to what we usually see.
"The Mother's Story" is a story about the Minotaur told from the mother's POV. Which I felt was well done, there are a lot of story out there about the creation of the Minotaur, I felt this was done in a different way, but it worked!
I did struggle to follow and fully understand the Bunker myself and I'm not sure how to put my thought into words on that one.
"D.O.G.Z" is the story of Actaeon. I felt this was a "it's what he deserved" story, and it was a little grotesque and very detailed. I did find it interesting how Haddon concludes the story with questions that makes you question WHY people do the things they do.
"The wilderness" , seemed like something that could actually happen to people! It felt quite realistic and it was chilling. It left you with wonder and you wanted the MC to escape.
"The Temptation of St Anthony" is a story that I've heard of but never read any content of.
"The Quiet Limit Of The World" is quite a sad one and it follows the story of Eos and Tithonus, Haddon did an interesting twists on both the stories.
Overall I feel Haddon did well writing these short stories, the mixture of older times and modern day was interesting I don't often see that. I can tell he is a very talented author that I feel a lot of people can appreciate. Some do the writing is quite poetic and eye opening.
February 12, 2025
thought there would be more dogs. and i love reading retellings because now it will just be incorporated into every other time ive read these myths.
December 10, 2024
Haddon is probably best known for the iconic, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, but it is his short stories I look forward to most. His collection, The Pier Falls is one of my favourite books of all time. This matches it, in my opinion. Not a word, wasted, all thoughts concise and beautiful and every story a jewel. It's wonderful.
October 23, 2024
Mark Haddon can write. He's demonstrated it in his novels like 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time', but he's just as good at short lengths. Not every author can say that.
While the marketing for this book makes it sound like the stories are reworkings of Greek myth, there's only three of the seven stories that are direct relations, a fourth is a variation of the story of St. Anthony. Another is his take on The Island of Dr. Moreau, while another is an homage to a Virginia Woolf story.
Haddon's pacing is superb, his metaphors are clear and sharp. His characters feel fully fleshed out even in the shortest stories. He's clearly thought out thoroughly all aspects of the stories and it shows.
There is some harshness to the stories. 'The Mother's Story' is a variation of the minotaur legend where a small child is imprisoned underground and psychologically damaged thereby, while the mother works tirelessly to free him. 'The Wilderness' is the Moreau variation, updated to reflect today's knowledge of genetic manipulation and featuring a sort of reverse-Moreau theme. Chilling.
I can see where this book would be hard to classify in genre. Some stories, like the above-mentioned might be called horror or horror-adjacent. Others are fantasy. Two have no fantastical element at all and would be at home in The New Yorker. Still, Haddon's confident writing makes every story feel real.
While the marketing for this book makes it sound like the stories are reworkings of Greek myth, there's only three of the seven stories that are direct relations, a fourth is a variation of the story of St. Anthony. Another is his take on The Island of Dr. Moreau, while another is an homage to a Virginia Woolf story.
Haddon's pacing is superb, his metaphors are clear and sharp. His characters feel fully fleshed out even in the shortest stories. He's clearly thought out thoroughly all aspects of the stories and it shows.
There is some harshness to the stories. 'The Mother's Story' is a variation of the minotaur legend where a small child is imprisoned underground and psychologically damaged thereby, while the mother works tirelessly to free him. 'The Wilderness' is the Moreau variation, updated to reflect today's knowledge of genetic manipulation and featuring a sort of reverse-Moreau theme. Chilling.
I can see where this book would be hard to classify in genre. Some stories, like the above-mentioned might be called horror or horror-adjacent. Others are fantasy. Two have no fantastical element at all and would be at home in The New Yorker. Still, Haddon's confident writing makes every story feel real.
September 26, 2025
82nd book read in 2025
This is a short story collection, so it has sat on my shelves since last October. In my usual fashion I read one story per day. I must say, each one was excellent in its own way.
Mark Haddon is the author of one of my all-time favorite novels: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. In fact, I loved that book so much I was reluctant to read any other of his.
Because Dogs and Monsters was an Otherppl Book Club selection, Haddon was interviewed on the Otherppl podcast. Not surprising that he is a very cool human being.
The stories range from mythological to psychological to horror to boarding school life to philosophical. Each one held my attention like a magnet. My favorite was “The Quiet Limit of the World,” which filled me with just about every emotion a person can have.
This is a short story collection, so it has sat on my shelves since last October. In my usual fashion I read one story per day. I must say, each one was excellent in its own way.
Mark Haddon is the author of one of my all-time favorite novels: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. In fact, I loved that book so much I was reluctant to read any other of his.
Because Dogs and Monsters was an Otherppl Book Club selection, Haddon was interviewed on the Otherppl podcast. Not surprising that he is a very cool human being.
The stories range from mythological to psychological to horror to boarding school life to philosophical. Each one held my attention like a magnet. My favorite was “The Quiet Limit of the World,” which filled me with just about every emotion a person can have.
December 1, 2024
I normally like Haddon’s writing better than this, but I found that it was a bit too down for me. I think it may have been the short story format, which I felt weren’t quite the pearls in a necklace, to quote Mavis Gallant, that I expected. I wasn’t sure of the motivation for the stories or levels that I could think about. I had several flashbacks to The Red House by comparison, which stayed with me for years, yet these tales left me cold. Still Haddon can spin a tale.
Read
November 7, 2024A DNF and no rating. Certainly not the book for me.
First story, a take on the Minotaur in the Maze myth, but with a twist - one I couldn't take. Turns out in this new version the Minotaur is a baby, then a child, who's born either with handicaps, unusual features, or possibly is Down Syndrome.
(Yes, you can tell me I read too much into things, but it's me reading.)
And that child is treated rather brutally and so...
As I said, this is not the book for me.
No rating.
First story, a take on the Minotaur in the Maze myth, but with a twist - one I couldn't take. Turns out in this new version the Minotaur is a baby, then a child, who's born either with handicaps, unusual features, or possibly is Down Syndrome.
(Yes, you can tell me I read too much into things, but it's me reading.)
And that child is treated rather brutally and so...
As I said, this is not the book for me.
No rating.
January 30, 2025
“The story will spread far and wide,” he protests to the mother, “and people will be terrified and they will love being terrified and your husband will be in possession of a weapon that has cost him no more than two holes in the ground.” From Mother
August 13, 2025
If I’m completely honest, this just wasn’t the book for me. I liked the idea of it when I bought it, a collection of retellings of myths and stories but I just didn’t really get it. Some of the stories were quite sad, especially the one about Laika the space dog. I know it’s meant to reimagine old tales in new ways, but a lot of it left me feeling more down than inspired. I can see how other readers might appreciate the creativity, but it wasn’t for me.
September 6, 2024
Mark Haddon is an incredibly talented storyteller. Throughout this collection there were several stories that completely engrossed me. I particularly enjoyed “The Mother’s Story,” “D.O.G.Z.” and “The Wilderness.” While “D.O.G.Z.” was on the shorter end, I found the bent interesting and creatively refreshing. Haddon has a gift for creating sympathetic characters – both human and animal.
This being said, there were several stories that I found lackluster and believe could have been omitted from the collection. I would personally not recommend this book without significant trigger warnings for child abuse, suicide, and animal abuse. The amount of dark content honestly took me for surprise.
My biggest issue with this collection is the marketing. I found myself confused repeatedly trying to understand which Greek myths were being represented, only to learn that the majority of tales are actually inspired by popular texts like The Island of Dr. Moreau, or purely from the author’s imagination. Where only three stories reference Greek mythology, I feel like the description of the book is misrepresentative. I likely would not have picked it up if I had done more research. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed many aspects of Dogs and Monsters, and could have easily enjoyed some of the stories therewithin if they had been standalone novels.
A big thank you to Doubleday Books and Netgally for providing me with an advanced reader copy. This collection will be widely available on October 15, 2024,
This being said, there were several stories that I found lackluster and believe could have been omitted from the collection. I would personally not recommend this book without significant trigger warnings for child abuse, suicide, and animal abuse. The amount of dark content honestly took me for surprise.
My biggest issue with this collection is the marketing. I found myself confused repeatedly trying to understand which Greek myths were being represented, only to learn that the majority of tales are actually inspired by popular texts like The Island of Dr. Moreau, or purely from the author’s imagination. Where only three stories reference Greek mythology, I feel like the description of the book is misrepresentative. I likely would not have picked it up if I had done more research. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed many aspects of Dogs and Monsters, and could have easily enjoyed some of the stories therewithin if they had been standalone novels.
A big thank you to Doubleday Books and Netgally for providing me with an advanced reader copy. This collection will be widely available on October 15, 2024,
October 31, 2024
Worth a read, well written stories, pretty miserable.
November 16, 2025
I only read this as i love Greek mythology and because i thought the author's debut, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night, was so great. I haven't read anything Mark Haddon has written since and now i know why.
This was terribly written, somehow butchering all time classic source material, making it an absolute chore to read. I cannot recommend strongly enough that you avoid this book. I genuinely did not enjoy a single page of it.
This was terribly written, somehow butchering all time classic source material, making it an absolute chore to read. I cannot recommend strongly enough that you avoid this book. I genuinely did not enjoy a single page of it.
August 28, 2024
How did I not know about this author? This collection of short stories has everything I love and more, all wrapped up in an elaborate but easy to read prose.
There isn’t one story I didn’t like or that didn’t impact me one way or another. I loved the Greek myths retellings which were not just simply adjusted to more modern times, but compelling original stories built around the myth theme. I must say that these are some of the best Greek myths retellings I’ve read.
All the stories focus on human traits and how we humans behave and navigate the world and the strange events the protagonists find themselves in, which are just elaborations of reality really.
With every story I felt some connection with the protagonists, be it a negative or positive one. All the stories left a piece of them in me, but I feel that at the same time a piece of me was taken with each story, and especially D.O.G.Z, The Mother’s Story and The Quiet Limit of The World haven’t left my brain since I read them. I keep having philosophical conversations with myself and my neurons ever since and I don’t think it’ll stop.
If you want to be entertained and mentally challenged at the same time, this collection is the perfect choice! I’d be reading more from this author for sure.
Thanks to Vintage Books, Penguin Random House and NetGalley for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
There isn’t one story I didn’t like or that didn’t impact me one way or another. I loved the Greek myths retellings which were not just simply adjusted to more modern times, but compelling original stories built around the myth theme. I must say that these are some of the best Greek myths retellings I’ve read.
All the stories focus on human traits and how we humans behave and navigate the world and the strange events the protagonists find themselves in, which are just elaborations of reality really.
With every story I felt some connection with the protagonists, be it a negative or positive one. All the stories left a piece of them in me, but I feel that at the same time a piece of me was taken with each story, and especially D.O.G.Z, The Mother’s Story and The Quiet Limit of The World haven’t left my brain since I read them. I keep having philosophical conversations with myself and my neurons ever since and I don’t think it’ll stop.
If you want to be entertained and mentally challenged at the same time, this collection is the perfect choice! I’d be reading more from this author for sure.
Thanks to Vintage Books, Penguin Random House and NetGalley for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
January 20, 2025
"Dogs and Monsters" by Mark Haddon is a captivating collection of short stories that showcases his remarkable talent for exploring complex emotional and psychological landscapes through unexpected narratives.
The first story, “The Mother’s Story,” reimagines the myth of Pasiphae and her son, the Minotaur, offering a unique and thought-provoking take on a classic myth.
The collection also includes “The Bunker,” a dystopian sci-fi story with a World War II edge, which immerses readers in a dark, speculative world filled with tension and mystery.
“DOGZ” evokes deep emotions, though its cruel ending left me unsettled, while “My Old School” offers a heart-wrenching perspective on bullying and the desire to avoid being bullied.
“The Quiet Limit of the World” takes an abstract approach to themes of aging, loss, and love, using the myth of Eos and her lover to explore the emotional complexity of eternal life and the gradual disconnection from one’s past.
Haddon’s diverse storytelling, from the surreal to the emotionally raw, kept me engaged throughout the collection.
The unique retellings from unexpected perspectives make this a standout read, one that might not have been chosen otherwise but proves highly rewarding.
While the endings can sometimes feel unsettling, the stories leave lasting impressions, exploring the human condition with depth and nuance. 4 out of 5 stars, overall This was an excellent, though occasionally intense, collection of thought-provoking stories.
The first story, “The Mother’s Story,” reimagines the myth of Pasiphae and her son, the Minotaur, offering a unique and thought-provoking take on a classic myth.
The collection also includes “The Bunker,” a dystopian sci-fi story with a World War II edge, which immerses readers in a dark, speculative world filled with tension and mystery.
“DOGZ” evokes deep emotions, though its cruel ending left me unsettled, while “My Old School” offers a heart-wrenching perspective on bullying and the desire to avoid being bullied.
“The Quiet Limit of the World” takes an abstract approach to themes of aging, loss, and love, using the myth of Eos and her lover to explore the emotional complexity of eternal life and the gradual disconnection from one’s past.
Haddon’s diverse storytelling, from the surreal to the emotionally raw, kept me engaged throughout the collection.
The unique retellings from unexpected perspectives make this a standout read, one that might not have been chosen otherwise but proves highly rewarding.
While the endings can sometimes feel unsettling, the stories leave lasting impressions, exploring the human condition with depth and nuance. 4 out of 5 stars, overall This was an excellent, though occasionally intense, collection of thought-provoking stories.
June 28, 2025
I had high hopes for this one because I loved curious incident so much when I read it 10+ years ago. But I found these stories really difficult to follow. Like I’d literally have to be 50% of the way through one before it even started to make any sense at all, and then I’d say only a couple of them ever got to be actually interesting to me at all (Paul the dungeon boy, cycling accident, boys school). Plus I don’t think I can forgive having to read about the experience of Laika the dog astronaut. Trigger warning: animal cruelty, and torture.
November 8, 2024
I think I preferred the first story as it deals with motherhood which I will literally always cry over (i luv my momma <3). I would probably go back to this every once in a while for a particular story just because they are so short and easy to get through in a sitting or two.
September 7, 2024
Interesting concept but I’m unsure if the short stories elaborated on the pre-existing Greek myths nor did they provide any unique, new analysis regarding the human condition.
March 25, 2025
After having read a number of prize-winning books lately that I found very disappointing--either using florid language, having little in the way of punctuation, having no satisfying ending, or having ridiculous plots--it was a huge relief to read Mark Haddon's brilliant set of short stories. I have not enjoyed such reading in a long time. I had read Mark's "Curious Incident" novel many years ago and had somehow forgotten about him since and not read any of his later works. (I will soon rectify that.) Not only were these stories amazingly inventive, the writing was superb, a perfect mixture of pacy descriptions and decorative embellishments. I particularly liked "The Quiet Limit of the World" with its delicate ending. Who else would have come up with this storyline? And then there was "My Old School" which resonated with me so well. The turnaround ending was again just right. Thanks, Mark, for righting the ship and reminding me what good literature is supposed to be.
February 18, 2025
I can confirm that there were both dogs and monsters in this book. When classic Greek myths are given a modern lens, you realize how incredibly depressing they really are. Some dry humor at points, but for the most part some very powerful, very dark modern day parables on how our actions have consequences. “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime” is one of my all-time favorite books, so definitely wanted to give his short stories a try. An incredible writer, and I really enjoyed his takes on both the absurdities and universal truths found in myths.
February 26, 2025
A collection of short stories, all exploring different subjects but (not all) loosely connected by a recurring theme: the contrast between human cruelty and animal innocence. The most "animal-like" people are often the least cruel—while so-called civilised humans are capable of the worst. Also seen often from a feminine standpoint: if I didn’t know I would have assumed these stories had been written by a woman.
Some stories take an interesting, alternative look at classical mythology, reimagining familiar tales in unexpected ways.
Overall, a thought-provoking collection.
Some stories take an interesting, alternative look at classical mythology, reimagining familiar tales in unexpected ways.
Overall, a thought-provoking collection.
May 24, 2025
I love “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” so I had to read Haddon’s new book. This one was interesting, albeit a bit dark. A modern take on Greek Myths: the writing was well-crafted and descriptive. Will definitely check out his future books!
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