Title: Beatrice and Virgil
Author: Yann Martel
First published April 13, 2010
213 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781400069262 (ISBN10: 1400069262)
Rating: 3.17
Overview
Meet Scraggly, a dog like no other. She may not look like the other dogs in the neighborhood, but she has a heart full of dreams and aspirations.
Despite facing harsh winters and countless obstacles, Scraggly never gives up on her quest for happiness. With the possibility of new friendships and motherhood just beyond the gates of her home, Scraggly must summon all her courage and determination to create the life she desires.
In The Dog Who Dared to Dream, Sun-mi Hwang explores the beautiful bond between human and canine, while reminding us that with a little bravery and perseverance, anything is possible.
About the Author
Meet Yann Martel, an accomplished author known for his bestselling novel, Life of Pi, which won the prestigious Man Booker Prize in 2002. Martel has also received recognition for his other works, including The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios, Self, Beatrice & Virgil, and 101 Letters to a Prime Minister.
Born in Spain in 1963, Martel pursued philosophy at Trent University and gained diverse work experiences as a tree planter, dishwasher, and security guard, among others, before finding his passion in writing. Today, he resides in Saskatoon, Canada, with his partner, the writer Alice Kuipers, and their four children.
Follow Yann and his literary journey on Facebook.
Editoral Review
In “Beatrice and Virgil,” Yann Martel returns to the literary scene with another remarkable work of fiction. The Canadian author, best known for his critically acclaimed “Life of Pi,” weaves an intricate tale that explores the complexities of human behavior and the power of storytelling.
The novel follows the journey of Henry, a successful writer who is struggling to move on from the trauma of his last work. He receives a peculiar package from a stranger that he soon realizes is a play about a donkey named Beatrice and a monkey named Virgil.
The play’s author, also named Henry, requests Henry’s help in bringing the play to life. As Henry delves deeper into the play, he begins to uncover its disturbing and haunting elements, challenging his own perceptions of life and humanity.
The book is set against the backdrop of the Holocaust, and Martel uses the allegory of the play to explore the atrocities of the past and their continued impact on the present. Martel’s writing style is exquisite, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader into the heart of the story.
The characters are well-developed and complex, each with their own unique motivations and struggles. The pacing is expertly managed, building to a haunting and powerful conclusion that leaves a lasting impact.
Though the book deals with heavy themes, Martel’s skilled storytelling manages to infuse moments of lightness and humor, allowing the reader to connect with the characters on a deeper level. The connection between the two Henrys adds a meta-fictional layer to the story, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
While “Beatrice and Virgil” may not be for readers looking for a light and breezy read, it is a thought-provoking and emotionally impactful work that will leave a lasting impression. The book is an excellent addition to the literary canon and is highly recommended for fans of literary fiction, specifically those interested in exploring the impact of the Holocaust on contemporary society.
Overall, “Beatrice and Virgil” is a complex and beautifully crafted work of fiction that will linger in the minds of readers long after the final page. It receives a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with the half a star deducted only for its occasionally heavy-handed treatment of its themes.
However, this is a minor quibble in an overall masterpiece of modern literature.
