What do you think?
Rate this book
Greyfriars Bobby
Greyfriars Bobby is the poignant story of Scotland's most famous dog. Bobby, a Skye terrier, lived in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. He was devoted to his kind master and enjoyed his life. When the man died, the little dog's devotion continued unabated, as he kept a nighttime vigil at his master's unmarked grave in Greyfriars cemetery. For the rest of his life - all fourteen years of it - Bobby's routine remained the same. Nothing, not even the efforts of the highest city officials, could dissuade him from sleeping near the resting place of his best friend. With its lovable hero and engaging portrayal of nineteenth century Edinburgh, Eleanor Atkinson's fictionalized account of a real-life dog will entertain readers of all ages.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1912
246 people are currently reading
1942 people want to read
About the author
Eleanor Atkinson
93 books15 followersEleanor Stackhouse Atkinson (1863–1942) was a journalist, publisher, and author. Born in Indiana, she began her career as a schoolteacher in Indianapolis and Chicago. She wrote for the Chicago Tribune under the pen name “Nora Marks,” and worked as the publisher for the Little Chronicle Publishing Company. In 1912, she published her best-known work: the classic children’s story Greyfriars Bobby.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleanor...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
December 8, 2024
This is a lovely story from 1912, based on fact, about a Skye Terrier. Greyfriars Bobby is a famous little dog, who became known for his loyalty to John Gray, a night watchman for the Edinburgh City Police in the 19th century. After John Gray died, Greyfriars Bobby watched over his grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard, for the next 14 years, right until the day the dog himself died. I first saw the older film of this from 1961 on television, and enjoyed it so much that I tracked Eleanor Atkinson's book down. There is also a more recent film from 2006. The story continues to be well known in Scotland, and there is a prominent statue in Edinburgh to commemorate this very special Skye Terrier:
photo by Michael Reeve, on Wiki
Tourists also tend to visit the graves, as Greyfriars Bobby was buried near to his much-loved owner in 1872.
Although my Puffin book said it was “written for grown-ups but suitable for children between 8 and 12”, it is the sort of timeless story which can be enjoyed by all ages. A short glossary at the back, explains the occasional Gaelic words which pepper the text. I was delighted to find Greyfriars Bobby is now available on kindle, free of charge.
photo by Michael Reeve, on Wiki
Tourists also tend to visit the graves, as Greyfriars Bobby was buried near to his much-loved owner in 1872.
Although my Puffin book said it was “written for grown-ups but suitable for children between 8 and 12”, it is the sort of timeless story which can be enjoyed by all ages. A short glossary at the back, explains the occasional Gaelic words which pepper the text. I was delighted to find Greyfriars Bobby is now available on kindle, free of charge.
June 20, 2025
It's almost guaranteed that a dog lover who reads a dog book is going to turn the last page with tears coursing down her cheeks, and this was true to form. I can't imagine how I missed this one as a child. I know I read every book in my library's children's section. Maybe they didn't have a copy or maybe the Scottish brogue dialog turned me off, but better late than ever. I saw a copy of this MacMillan Classic at my library book sale a few weeks ago and swooped it up. Having read the book or not, most people have heard of Bobby, the little Skye Terrier who spent 14 years sleeping on his master's grave in Greyfriar churchyard. He was championed by the graveyard warden, a local pub owner, the children in the nearby tenements, and finally by the entire town of Edinburgh, because of his loyalty and bravery and devotion. There is a famous statue erected in his honor, which is a huge tourist attraction.
One of the reasons I love "real" books is to be able to say hello to old friends as I walk by my bookshelves, and Bobby will get an imaginary bone every time I do so. Now I need a tissue as I'm tearing up again.
One of the reasons I love "real" books is to be able to say hello to old friends as I walk by my bookshelves, and Bobby will get an imaginary bone every time I do so. Now I need a tissue as I'm tearing up again.
July 17, 2016
I had previously enjoyed the charming 1961 Disney film adaptation of Greyfriars Bobby, and for some reason, I don't know why, I had the notion that the source novel would be a bit dry and dusty. I was entirely wrong! This is one of those happy instances where the movie is a faithful adaptation, but the book is even better, simply because there's more of it—a little more depth to the characters, more backstory, more incidents that just didn't fit into a screenplay. The story of Bobby, the faithful little Skye terrier who refuses to desert the grave of his chosen master in Greyfriars kirkyard, is sweetly told and beautifully written, peopled with the endearing characters of a miscellaneous group of people whose lives become entwined with the little dog's—sociable restaurant-keeper Mr. Traill, kirkyard caretaker Mr. Brown and his "gude wifie," the waif-like children of the tenements surrounding Greyfriars, the merry schoolboys of the nearby orphans' home, and more. The setting of Victorian-era Edinburgh is described in rich and loving detail, both its beautiful antiquities and dark slums, the nearby harbor, the Castle overhead and the farm countryside surrounding it; and the book's ending, even though the story is a happy one and wholly satisfying, had tears in my eyes. Lovely book, much recommended.
May 11, 2018
Utterly delightful. I knew I was going to love this little book because the film was a childhood favourite of mine. Indeed, the memories of that are very special because my Mum also adored it and i remember watching it with her. There were many moments throughout where I was close to tears, but when all those poor children gathered together the money for a dog licence that was it, I just broke down blubbing. A beautiful, beautiful story. One, I suspect, that I will reread often (which is very unusual for me). If you are fond of animals, you will be totally enchanted by this. Highly recommended.
June 8, 2018
Ah knew ah wid fin' this movin' story o' a devoted wee dug dowie (I'd seen th' film), sae 'twas na surprise that ah read th' lest chapter thro' a veil o' tears!
December 28, 2023
I have happy memories of watching the film on tv as a child, telling the poignant story of a little Skye terrier who spends years sleeping on his master’s grave. The novel, based on a true story, was published in 1912. It is one of those children’s books that makes you realize that at least a segment of children of generations past were more sternly literate than is usual today - it’s thick with description, labyrinthine sentences, and (the kicker) Scottish dialect. Though the telling of it is soporific as a result, the fundamental story is a sweet one, of a determined little dog who belongs to no one but is cared for by many. 2.5, but I'll bump it up to 3 for the sheer sweetness.
September 26, 2021
An enjoyable book.
The writing was really good, it keeps you reading until the very end.
I really like the characters.
And of course, I love the story so much.
To be honest I don’t have much to say, because it’s the kind of book that I love, and will always love, although it’s a sad story I enjoy it very much to read it again without being depressed.
The writing was really good, it keeps you reading until the very end.
I really like the characters.
And of course, I love the story so much.
To be honest I don’t have much to say, because it’s the kind of book that I love, and will always love, although it’s a sad story I enjoy it very much to read it again without being depressed.
November 1, 2021
Such a sweet book. Especially amazing considering the author never visited Edinburgh. Her use of the language for the Scotts was sweet and interesting, but at times a little hard to follow. Her descriptions of the dogs behavior and mannerisms were fantastic. If you are going to be well read on books about dogs, this classic is one that should be on your list.
Disney based it's film on this book, or rather, a good portion of this book. That part of the book is the best part and the telling of the story in this book is more rich than the movie. There is more room for the poor children to play and have some adventures with the dog.
After the court case part there is still a grand adventure left, and then a visit from a great lady. It didn't feel as cohesive to me, but it was nice to have more time to spend with Bobby and his world, so still enjoyed more in the book than what was in the movie. Some may rate the book less because of that part of the book after what was covered in the movie. Since their was so much good in this book, I would still rate it 5 stars and recommend the book. It is one I could read multiple times in the future for all the good parts in it.
Disney based it's film on this book, or rather, a good portion of this book. That part of the book is the best part and the telling of the story in this book is more rich than the movie. There is more room for the poor children to play and have some adventures with the dog.
After the court case part there is still a grand adventure left, and then a visit from a great lady. It didn't feel as cohesive to me, but it was nice to have more time to spend with Bobby and his world, so still enjoyed more in the book than what was in the movie. Some may rate the book less because of that part of the book after what was covered in the movie. Since their was so much good in this book, I would still rate it 5 stars and recommend the book. It is one I could read multiple times in the future for all the good parts in it.
May 20, 2020
This was a novel that I read many years ago as a teenager but I had little memory of reading it. The story of wee Bobby the terrier is one that stayed with me so I felt the need to refresh my memory of the details by reading it again.
December 31, 2020
I've wanted to know the full story of this little dog ever since I heard about his story and visited Greyfriars Kirk myself (obviously also visiting his grave). It definitely isn't a unique story as there haven been similar stories all over the world, but it's still a heartwarming one about loyalty and kindness. I also enjoyed the language as it's one familiar to me due to multiple visits to various places in Scotland.
August 30, 2010
Peringatan buat calon pembaca buku ini, dan kebetulan sering memberi rating atas buku2 nyaris mirip dengan rating yang saya berikan atas buku yang sama: siapkan sapu tangan atau kertas tisu yang banyak.
Berapa kali saya dibuat menangis oleh sebuah buku, lumayan sering terjadi. Sebab saya termasuk cengeng, gampang nangis. Terakhir, selain buku The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, saat membaca bagian menjelang akhir hayat Ibu Sudalmiyah Rais dalam Menapak Jejak Amien Rais, saya begitu terharu dan berpikir alangkah kecil dan tidak berartinya hidup kita ini, bahkan bisa dibilang percuma, jika karunia hidup yang diberikan Allah SWT dijalani tanpa mengingat-Nya ataupun memberi kebaikan dan manfaat bagi banyak orang.
Dan... berapa kali saya dibuat menangis oleh buku tentang Bobby si anjing terrier kecil di pemakaman Greyfriars ini? Berkali-kali. 5? 6? 10? Entah. Padahal saat pertama kali tenggorokan saya terasa sesak, hidung mulai mampet, dan mata terasa panas, buku ini belum sampai pada seperempat bagian awalnya.
Bisa jadi cerita ini kalau dilihat dari keadaan masa sekarang begitu berlebihan. Nggak masuk akal. Seekor anjing muda begitu setia pada kakek tua yang sudah dikubur, selama empat belas tahun tiap malam hanya mau tidur di makam sang kakek? Lebay banget. Nggak percayaaa... Jangan2 di era komodifikasi hal2 aneh ini, si anjing bisa dianggap jejadian. Jelmaan makhluk dunia lain. Lalu disinetronkan dengan efek pembesaran badan, ekor tombak dan lidah api... hiii... amit2! Atau kalau pun si anjing dianggap mamalia biasa, dan memang menginap di kuburan majikannya, cerita ini hanya akan terdengar sesaat, lalu terlupakan di tengah kabar kebakaran, penyelundupan, pelanggaran batas laut oleh negeri jiran, atau perampokan bersenpi yang kian mengganas.
Untungnya, setting cerita ini adalah Edinburgh di Skotlandia, abad ke-19. Suatu zaman di mana nilai kebaikan dan martabat manusia kadang dikalahkan oleh norma sosial. Kalangan kelas atas punya aturan dan kedudukan yang tidak bisa dipandang sebelah mata oleh rakyat jelata. Maka ketika penggembala miskin Auld Jock yang sebatang kara meninggal dunia, pemakamannya di makam mewah Greyfriars sempat dianggap tak tahu diri. Namun Bobby, anjing kecil yang paling setia menemani tahun2 terakhir Auld Jock, tidak peduli. Dia hanya merasa mendianglah orang yang paling mencintainya, juga paling dicintainya. Karenanya, dengan segala cara dia bertahan untuk bisa mendampingi Auld Hock yang sudah berselimut tanah. Selama belasan tahun.
Apa lagi yang bisa saya ceritakan dari buku ini? Sebenarnya ceritanya biasa, dengan pesan moral yang biasa pula, yaitu jika binatang saja bisa mengerti kebaikan manusia terhadapnya, lalu kemudian membalasnya, harusnya sesama manusia pun bisa saling memahami dan menghormati. Gaya berceritanya menggunakan bahasa yang biasa juga, tidak berbunga2... dan sukses membuat saya terisak. Belum lagi deskripsi yang kuat tentang daerah dan penokohan, membuat saya seperti membaca karya Dickens dengan setting yang lebih modern. Ada gambaran tentang kaum miskin yang tinggal berdesak-desak di rumah susun kumuh, anak2 kelas bawah yang kemudian ditolong oleh kalangan menengah atas yang baik budi, juga agen polisi yang agak arogan lalu kena batunya.
Demikianlah. Ingat lagi, siapkan saputangan dekat2 saat membaca buku ini...
Berapa kali saya dibuat menangis oleh sebuah buku, lumayan sering terjadi. Sebab saya termasuk cengeng, gampang nangis. Terakhir, selain buku The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, saat membaca bagian menjelang akhir hayat Ibu Sudalmiyah Rais dalam Menapak Jejak Amien Rais, saya begitu terharu dan berpikir alangkah kecil dan tidak berartinya hidup kita ini, bahkan bisa dibilang percuma, jika karunia hidup yang diberikan Allah SWT dijalani tanpa mengingat-Nya ataupun memberi kebaikan dan manfaat bagi banyak orang.
Dan... berapa kali saya dibuat menangis oleh buku tentang Bobby si anjing terrier kecil di pemakaman Greyfriars ini? Berkali-kali. 5? 6? 10? Entah. Padahal saat pertama kali tenggorokan saya terasa sesak, hidung mulai mampet, dan mata terasa panas, buku ini belum sampai pada seperempat bagian awalnya.
Bisa jadi cerita ini kalau dilihat dari keadaan masa sekarang begitu berlebihan. Nggak masuk akal. Seekor anjing muda begitu setia pada kakek tua yang sudah dikubur, selama empat belas tahun tiap malam hanya mau tidur di makam sang kakek? Lebay banget. Nggak percayaaa... Jangan2 di era komodifikasi hal2 aneh ini, si anjing bisa dianggap jejadian. Jelmaan makhluk dunia lain. Lalu disinetronkan dengan efek pembesaran badan, ekor tombak dan lidah api... hiii... amit2! Atau kalau pun si anjing dianggap mamalia biasa, dan memang menginap di kuburan majikannya, cerita ini hanya akan terdengar sesaat, lalu terlupakan di tengah kabar kebakaran, penyelundupan, pelanggaran batas laut oleh negeri jiran, atau perampokan bersenpi yang kian mengganas.
Untungnya, setting cerita ini adalah Edinburgh di Skotlandia, abad ke-19. Suatu zaman di mana nilai kebaikan dan martabat manusia kadang dikalahkan oleh norma sosial. Kalangan kelas atas punya aturan dan kedudukan yang tidak bisa dipandang sebelah mata oleh rakyat jelata. Maka ketika penggembala miskin Auld Jock yang sebatang kara meninggal dunia, pemakamannya di makam mewah Greyfriars sempat dianggap tak tahu diri. Namun Bobby, anjing kecil yang paling setia menemani tahun2 terakhir Auld Jock, tidak peduli. Dia hanya merasa mendianglah orang yang paling mencintainya, juga paling dicintainya. Karenanya, dengan segala cara dia bertahan untuk bisa mendampingi Auld Hock yang sudah berselimut tanah. Selama belasan tahun.
Apa lagi yang bisa saya ceritakan dari buku ini? Sebenarnya ceritanya biasa, dengan pesan moral yang biasa pula, yaitu jika binatang saja bisa mengerti kebaikan manusia terhadapnya, lalu kemudian membalasnya, harusnya sesama manusia pun bisa saling memahami dan menghormati. Gaya berceritanya menggunakan bahasa yang biasa juga, tidak berbunga2... dan sukses membuat saya terisak. Belum lagi deskripsi yang kuat tentang daerah dan penokohan, membuat saya seperti membaca karya Dickens dengan setting yang lebih modern. Ada gambaran tentang kaum miskin yang tinggal berdesak-desak di rumah susun kumuh, anak2 kelas bawah yang kemudian ditolong oleh kalangan menengah atas yang baik budi, juga agen polisi yang agak arogan lalu kena batunya.
Demikianlah. Ingat lagi, siapkan saputangan dekat2 saat membaca buku ini...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2015
Bobby is a Skye Terrier who makes his abode in Greyfriars, Scotland. (When you say his name, make sure to pronounce it in a British/Scottish accent. Sounds better like that, of course.) This happy "little ruffian of a terrier" lived during Queen Victoria's reign--his true story begins in 1858 and takes the course of many years thereafter. Bobby has a very courageous story...
"It was a notable feat for a small creature whose tufted legs were not more than six inches in length, whose thatch of long hair almost swept the roadway and caught at every burr and bramble, and who was still so young that his nose could not be said to be educated."
The most important factor in Bobby's little life is Auld Jock, his constant companion and master. However, in the words of Auld Jock, "Bobby isna ma ain dog."--'Tis a sad fact, but true. Bobby is really a stray, although he knows with all his heart where his loyalties reside. Auld Jock and Bobby only have each other to rely on--no one else is let into their close-knit friendship.
"A hap, an' a stap, an' a loup, an' in ye gang. Loup in, laddie."
The Scottish accent and words grow on you as the book progresses. The glossary in the back is the only thing that guided me through some of the complicated conversations.
Bobby's merry life comes to an abrupt halt when the unthinkable happens. The very thing that made and completed his life is taken away. To other people, Auld Jock was just a shepherd, who nobody really remembers... except for one important friend. This is loyalty of a dog at its finest.
Greyfriars Bobby was written by Eleanor Atkinson in 1912. She lived in Indiana and was an author, journalist, and teacher. It is known that she at least visited Edinburgh once, giving her a starting place to write an account of this true story. Her version of Greyfriars Bobby was originally written for adults, but any age would enjoy the precious story. I think it is wonderful and delightful. Quite possibly it is my absolute favorite book.
"It was a notable feat for a small creature whose tufted legs were not more than six inches in length, whose thatch of long hair almost swept the roadway and caught at every burr and bramble, and who was still so young that his nose could not be said to be educated."
The most important factor in Bobby's little life is Auld Jock, his constant companion and master. However, in the words of Auld Jock, "Bobby isna ma ain dog."--'Tis a sad fact, but true. Bobby is really a stray, although he knows with all his heart where his loyalties reside. Auld Jock and Bobby only have each other to rely on--no one else is let into their close-knit friendship.
"A hap, an' a stap, an' a loup, an' in ye gang. Loup in, laddie."
The Scottish accent and words grow on you as the book progresses. The glossary in the back is the only thing that guided me through some of the complicated conversations.
Bobby's merry life comes to an abrupt halt when the unthinkable happens. The very thing that made and completed his life is taken away. To other people, Auld Jock was just a shepherd, who nobody really remembers... except for one important friend. This is loyalty of a dog at its finest.
Greyfriars Bobby was written by Eleanor Atkinson in 1912. She lived in Indiana and was an author, journalist, and teacher. It is known that she at least visited Edinburgh once, giving her a starting place to write an account of this true story. Her version of Greyfriars Bobby was originally written for adults, but any age would enjoy the precious story. I think it is wonderful and delightful. Quite possibly it is my absolute favorite book.
December 13, 2019
Bobby ini memang anjing terrier luar biasa bagi saya!!!
Dan sepanjang baca novel klasik ini saya mewek, terharu krn ada seekor anjing begitu dalam kesetiaannya, loyalitasnya sepanjang hidup pada tuan yg memberinya makan, bahkan setelah tuannya telah lama berpulang. Bobby ini mengingatkan saya pada Hachiko. OMG, anjing-anjing ini benar-benar menghancurleburkan sisi lemah diri saya.
Jadi cerita diawali dgn Bobby kecil menemani Auld Jock, gembala tua miskin menjelang ajalnya yg sedang sakit berat. Ketika Master Traill, tuan tanah pemilik kedai langganan Auld Jock mau mencari dokter utk mengobati Jock yg malah kabur ketakutan, Bobby setia menemani majikannya ini sampai Jock dikuburkan di Greyfriar, makam mewah pada abad 19. Bahkan Bobby semakin bikin saya trenyuh krn dia memilih kelaparan dan tidur di atas makam Jock drpd tidur di tempat yg jauh lebih nyaman (di peternakan Bobby kabur utk kedua kalinya). Walaupun Bobby selalu meminta makan pada Mr. Traill, Bobby tetap akan selalu kembali tidur dan menjaga makam Jock.
Bobby yg nyaris dilenyapkan krn sbg anjing tak bertuan, mendapatkan banyak anak-anak di sekitar Greyfriar yg menyayanginya bersusah payah mengumpulkan uang 7 shilling demi Bobby yg mereka sayangi. Petualangan Bobby ke Benteng Castle yg nyaris membuat kakinya cacat, membuat saya makin tergugah akan kesetiaannya. Tak peduli hujan kabut dan aral melintang, Bobby terus bertekad utk pulang ke pemakaman tsb, ke tempat tidur majikannya yg sudah lama berpulang.
Dan Bobby walaupun hanya seekor anjing, dia mendapatkan kehormatan, dia dijadikan monumen di Greyfriar. Sudah pantas dan selayaknya Bobby menerimanya utk kesetiaannya sampai akhir hayatnya.
Dan sepanjang baca novel klasik ini saya mewek, terharu krn ada seekor anjing begitu dalam kesetiaannya, loyalitasnya sepanjang hidup pada tuan yg memberinya makan, bahkan setelah tuannya telah lama berpulang. Bobby ini mengingatkan saya pada Hachiko. OMG, anjing-anjing ini benar-benar menghancurleburkan sisi lemah diri saya.
Jadi cerita diawali dgn Bobby kecil menemani Auld Jock, gembala tua miskin menjelang ajalnya yg sedang sakit berat. Ketika Master Traill, tuan tanah pemilik kedai langganan Auld Jock mau mencari dokter utk mengobati Jock yg malah kabur ketakutan, Bobby setia menemani majikannya ini sampai Jock dikuburkan di Greyfriar, makam mewah pada abad 19. Bahkan Bobby semakin bikin saya trenyuh krn dia memilih kelaparan dan tidur di atas makam Jock drpd tidur di tempat yg jauh lebih nyaman (di peternakan Bobby kabur utk kedua kalinya). Walaupun Bobby selalu meminta makan pada Mr. Traill, Bobby tetap akan selalu kembali tidur dan menjaga makam Jock.
Bobby yg nyaris dilenyapkan krn sbg anjing tak bertuan, mendapatkan banyak anak-anak di sekitar Greyfriar yg menyayanginya bersusah payah mengumpulkan uang 7 shilling demi Bobby yg mereka sayangi. Petualangan Bobby ke Benteng Castle yg nyaris membuat kakinya cacat, membuat saya makin tergugah akan kesetiaannya. Tak peduli hujan kabut dan aral melintang, Bobby terus bertekad utk pulang ke pemakaman tsb, ke tempat tidur majikannya yg sudah lama berpulang.
Dan Bobby walaupun hanya seekor anjing, dia mendapatkan kehormatan, dia dijadikan monumen di Greyfriar. Sudah pantas dan selayaknya Bobby menerimanya utk kesetiaannya sampai akhir hayatnya.
August 8, 2024
Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye terrier who so loved his master, he guarded his master's grave for 22 years after his master's death. This is a lovely story and it is a true story.
I am not sure that all of the Skye's adventures portrayed in this book are true, but they are endearing none-the-less.
The story takes place in the mid 1800's in Scotland. Greyfriars is the name of the cemetery. Bobby is named after the Scottish poet Robert Burns who the Scots affectionately call Bobby. Eleanor Atkinson has each character speak in the Scottish dialogue. This was initially quite a challenge to understand, but eventually it became like a game to determine what was said and I learned a few Scottish words along the way too.
Example: "In juist ane meenit, Tammy," she whispered, "no' to wauken the grandmither."
Loved the book and the story.
5 stars
I am not sure that all of the Skye's adventures portrayed in this book are true, but they are endearing none-the-less.
The story takes place in the mid 1800's in Scotland. Greyfriars is the name of the cemetery. Bobby is named after the Scottish poet Robert Burns who the Scots affectionately call Bobby. Eleanor Atkinson has each character speak in the Scottish dialogue. This was initially quite a challenge to understand, but eventually it became like a game to determine what was said and I learned a few Scottish words along the way too.
Example: "In juist ane meenit, Tammy," she whispered, "no' to wauken the grandmither."
Loved the book and the story.
5 stars
January 19, 2012
My reading of Stevenson has reminded me how much I loved this as a child. I was such a sucker for sentimental animal stories: sobbed my heart out at the film version of The Incredible Journey and one of my earliest memories is how the lions at the Zoo did not share out their food in a comradely sort of way and I cried all the way home because one lioness went hungry. Aaaaaaaaw. Molesworth would have called me a wet and a weed, and my older brother called me worse than that. But that's what older brothers are for.
June 27, 2019
3.75 stars
This story follow Bobby and his life after the loss of his master Auld Jock. This was an endearing tale following his life after. Bobby is a fiery little character that everyone seemed to want, but Bobby is a free spirit and loyalty to one.
We get to see the inner dialogue of various characters, including snippets from Bobby, that pulled at your heart strings.
The Scottish dialect was difficult to discern at times and, I admit, I had to reread a few times. That was the main thing that hindered my enjoyment.
I'll happily see the statue erected in Edinburgh. There is one; I looked on Google.
This story follow Bobby and his life after the loss of his master Auld Jock. This was an endearing tale following his life after. Bobby is a fiery little character that everyone seemed to want, but Bobby is a free spirit and loyalty to one.
We get to see the inner dialogue of various characters, including snippets from Bobby, that pulled at your heart strings.
The Scottish dialect was difficult to discern at times and, I admit, I had to reread a few times. That was the main thing that hindered my enjoyment.
I'll happily see the statue erected in Edinburgh. There is one; I looked on Google.
June 9, 2010
I tried, I really tried. But I just coudn't take any more deciphering of sentences such as, "Sic a fulish bairn! Wi' fower wa's arooned 'im, an' a roof to 'is heid, an' a floor to 'is fut, hoo could a sma' dog mak' a way oot?" after dozens and dozens of sentences in this vein I just couldn't be bothered trying to figure them out any more. I found myself glossing over them, and having therefore lost the plot (so to speak) I gave up two-thirds through. I know there's a great story in there somewhere, but after giving it a go, it just became too much work for me.
November 11, 2016
** Books 293 - 2016 **
3 dari 5 bintang!
Kalau di Jepang ada yang namanya Hachiko kalau di Inggris ada yang namanya Bobby. Pada awalnya membaca buku ini terasa menjemukan.Tampaknya saya selalu bermasalah dengan novel Inggris Klasik (Masih mendingan membaca novel Russia Klasik). Tetapi adegan demi adegan muncul apalagi ketika kesetiaan si Bobby menunggu makam tuannya selama 14 tahun membuat hati ini rasanya tercekat :'(
Terimakasih Mbak Anne atas bukunya!
3 dari 5 bintang!
Kalau di Jepang ada yang namanya Hachiko kalau di Inggris ada yang namanya Bobby. Pada awalnya membaca buku ini terasa menjemukan.
Terimakasih Mbak Anne atas bukunya!
May 8, 2020
A very sweet book set in Edinburgh detailing the tale of Greyfariars Bobby. It shows the amazing connection between dog and human. It was however quite slow and at times the Scottish phonetic speech was difficult to understand.
August 15, 2021
This was the book my grandad read to me when I was little. I absolutely loved it. Its a forgotten classic that everyone should read.
December 26, 2025
I've done the tourist thing whilst in Edinburgh; I've visited the grave and the wee statue. This is a fictional account of the tale of a Skye terrier who wouldn't leave his master's grave. I think there was a bit of poetic licence here and it did feel somewhat Disneyfied but it was an okay read for a cold winter's day.
October 11, 2021
Me ha costado un cojín leérmelo en inglés pero es una historia bonita ❤️
June 11, 2022
Brilliant story, beautiful writing, cried at the end. Highly recommend. Also the Waterstones edition is gorgeous
December 14, 2014
Being the son of Edinburgh folk, I was force-fed the legend of Greyfriars Bobby by my parents and grandparents. It's one of the great stories of animal loyalty. For those of you who don't know it, he was a Skye terrier who sat by his master's grave for 14 years in the grounds of the eponymous church (which wasn't called Bobby).
My mother was fond of this story as a child, so a paperback copy of this classic version of the story was thrust upon me at an early age. It remains on my shelves, its cover Sellotaped on upside-down.
My mother was fond of this story as a child, so a paperback copy of this classic version of the story was thrust upon me at an early age. It remains on my shelves, its cover Sellotaped on upside-down.
May 8, 2017
I loved this little book about the loyalty of a little Skye terrier. The best parts of the book I felt were the descriptions of the different people whose lives were touched by this little dog. A beautiful story
Read
July 6, 2016I will finish this one day, when I have enough energy to muddle through the accents.
March 26, 2024
It’s a remarkable story; and he’s a beautiful little dog, and a leal one.
December 27, 2022
Bacaan akhir tahun yang menghangatkan di tengah hujan yang akhir-akhir ini sering turun. Manis, dramatis, dan semi-tragis.
Kayaknya ini pertama kalinya aku kasih rating 5 buat novel klasik yang emang bener-bener klasik, karena aku suka banget dengan bagaimana cerita ini bergulir. Memang sih dari awal kita bisa merasakan nuansa suram dari novel ini bahkan sampai lembar terakhirnya.
Lewat novel ini pula aku jadi banyak mendapatkan "pelajaran sejarah" mengenai kondisi yang ada di Skotlandia khususnya Edinburgh, karena di sini bener-bener dijelasin super detail mengenai apa-apa saja yang ada di saja. Seolah kita bener-bener melihat peta sebelum trip menuju Edinburgh.
Tidak menyesal membaca novel ini di akhir tahun, dan aku pengen cari tahu lagi kisah-kisah klasik seperti ini yang melibatkan hewan di dalamnya.
Awalnya aku mau kasih 4,5 bintang karena masih ada cukup banyak typo di sana-sini, tapi setelah dipikir-pikir, ceritanya cukup menenangkan dan menghangatkan.
Kayaknya ini pertama kalinya aku kasih rating 5 buat novel klasik yang emang bener-bener klasik, karena aku suka banget dengan bagaimana cerita ini bergulir. Memang sih dari awal kita bisa merasakan nuansa suram dari novel ini bahkan sampai lembar terakhirnya.
Lewat novel ini pula aku jadi banyak mendapatkan "pelajaran sejarah" mengenai kondisi yang ada di Skotlandia khususnya Edinburgh, karena di sini bener-bener dijelasin super detail mengenai apa-apa saja yang ada di saja. Seolah kita bener-bener melihat peta sebelum trip menuju Edinburgh.
Tidak menyesal membaca novel ini di akhir tahun, dan aku pengen cari tahu lagi kisah-kisah klasik seperti ini yang melibatkan hewan di dalamnya.
Awalnya aku mau kasih 4,5 bintang karena masih ada cukup banyak typo di sana-sini, tapi setelah dipikir-pikir, ceritanya cukup menenangkan dan menghangatkan.
December 18, 2021
A beautiful rendering of a (mostly) true story of canine love and devotion, set in Edinburgh during the nineteenth century. It is described as a children’s book, but children must have been very different in 1912, when this was first published. There are extensive descriptions of the Scottish hills around Edinburgh, and the city itself which I, as a child, would have found tedious, but now I love. Bobby himself was delightfully portrayed, but the overall story is based on death and sadness - not really ideal for kids. It reduced me to tears, but what dog story doesn’t? Hug your dogs tightly, they are wonderful animals.
September 10, 2023
Rounding up from 3.5 stars. This is a delightful story. I loved the Edinburgh setting and the cast of eccentric locals who make up Bobby’s community. It dragged a little at times, and the heavy Scottish dialect used by most of the characters was a challenge to interpret (I didn’t realize till I finished that there was a glossary of terms in the back). But it was very enjoyable nonetheless.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews