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Laika: Canine Sputnik Cosmonaut
The world’s most famous dog was launched into space aboard the Sputnik 2 rocket in November of 1957. Many are aware of Russia’s sanitized account of the mission, and the American perception of the events, but what was the dog’s experience? Share Laika’s point of view as we follow her through her capture, training, and fateful launch into space. Be warned though; it's going to be a rough ride.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2018
2 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Brian Dale Pope
8 books1 followerBrian Dale Pope grew up in California, lived for a time in the Midwest, and now resides again in California. He likes to think this has given him a well-rounded, rather than schizophrenic, life experience. He has also lived in the city, later in a small town, and now in a medium-sized municipality, giving him a rural-and-urban (rurban?) perspective. He enjoys reading and cooking, as well as writing, which makes him fancy himself to be an author. Brian enjoys making complicated things (whether ideas or instructions) understandable to anyone. When he is not working or writing, he enjoys traveling and going on dates with his wonderful wife.
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October 18, 2024
Laika’s Journey
Laika by Brian Dale Pope is a poignant exploration of the ethical dilemmas surrounding animal experimentation set against the backdrop of the cold-war era race to space. Through the fictional first-person narrative of Laika, the dog who was launched into orbit aboard Sputnik, Pope crafts a deeply empathetic portrayal of the canine’s plight.
From the very first page, the reader is drawn into Laika’s world, feeling the weight of her fear and confusion as she faces the unknown. Pope’s ability to evoke sympathy is remarkable, allowing us to connect with Laika not just as a dog, but as a sentient being facing unimaginable circumstances.
However, the narrative is undeniably raw and can be intentionally triggering at times. While this approach underscores the seriousness of the subject matter, some readers may find it overwhelming. The book is steeped in moralistic themes, heavily infused with Christian overtones, which serve to amplify the ethical questions raised by Laika’s story.
Overall, Laika is a thought-provoking read that challenges our understanding of sacrifice and the cost of progress. It’s a powerful reminder of the lives affected by the relentless pursuit of knowledge and the moral responsibilities we carry toward those who cannot speak for themselves.
Laika by Brian Dale Pope is a poignant exploration of the ethical dilemmas surrounding animal experimentation set against the backdrop of the cold-war era race to space. Through the fictional first-person narrative of Laika, the dog who was launched into orbit aboard Sputnik, Pope crafts a deeply empathetic portrayal of the canine’s plight.
From the very first page, the reader is drawn into Laika’s world, feeling the weight of her fear and confusion as she faces the unknown. Pope’s ability to evoke sympathy is remarkable, allowing us to connect with Laika not just as a dog, but as a sentient being facing unimaginable circumstances.
However, the narrative is undeniably raw and can be intentionally triggering at times. While this approach underscores the seriousness of the subject matter, some readers may find it overwhelming. The book is steeped in moralistic themes, heavily infused with Christian overtones, which serve to amplify the ethical questions raised by Laika’s story.
Overall, Laika is a thought-provoking read that challenges our understanding of sacrifice and the cost of progress. It’s a powerful reminder of the lives affected by the relentless pursuit of knowledge and the moral responsibilities we carry toward those who cannot speak for themselves.
Displaying 1 of 1 review