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english_lady03's review against another edition
3.0
I was not sure about the idea of a story which covered the crucifixion and ministry of Christ through the eyes of a dog, but the story was well done, with plenty of sweet and endearing details which would appeal to dog lovers the world over. The author clearly understands our canine friends, the little Barley’s view of the world comes over as very plausible (smells and emotions- vitally important to animals with such a keen nose).
The reader can also really identify with the canine main character, moved with the emotion at the little dog’s sorrows, loss and struggle to find love and safety in the world, and feeling joy with this joy. However, the writing style did not entirely appeal to me. I believe this book was classified as general Historical Fiction, but it read like a story written for young adults, although there was more violence than some people would be comfortable with in that genre. Much of the characterisation (especially with the Roman soldiers) seemed very poor, almost cartoonish.
The depiction of the work and ministry of Christ in people’s lives, as well as the importance of forgiveness was great, but the who story seemed very simplistic, and the account of the crucifixion seemed to miss out parts (the Roman soldier saying ‘surely this was the Son of God) for instance. This would, as other reviewers suggested, be a nice book to share with young people and older children, and the animal protagonist might really appeal to them.
I requested an eBook of this title from the publisher from Netgelley for review, and purchased the audiobook of my own volition. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.
The reader can also really identify with the canine main character, moved with the emotion at the little dog’s sorrows, loss and struggle to find love and safety in the world, and feeling joy with this joy. However, the writing style did not entirely appeal to me. I believe this book was classified as general Historical Fiction, but it read like a story written for young adults, although there was more violence than some people would be comfortable with in that genre. Much of the characterisation (especially with the Roman soldiers) seemed very poor, almost cartoonish.
The depiction of the work and ministry of Christ in people’s lives, as well as the importance of forgiveness was great, but the who story seemed very simplistic, and the account of the crucifixion seemed to miss out parts (the Roman soldier saying ‘surely this was the Son of God) for instance. This would, as other reviewers suggested, be a nice book to share with young people and older children, and the animal protagonist might really appeal to them.
I requested an eBook of this title from the publisher from Netgelley for review, and purchased the audiobook of my own volition. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.
hopepunkmonk's review
3.0
It was fine. A Hallmark Movie of a book. It had a good message and was mostly enjoyable, especially as a dog lover. There are parts where people are mean to dogs, which I can only imagine is a rhetorical device of the author’s to demonstrate how lost and broken the world is in the setting. As a pastor, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this book, but I also wouldn’t warn people off it.
There is a strong message of forgiveness and redemption. The narrative is strongly in favor of the poor and marginalized members of society and strongly against the authoritarian power structure of Rome and its agents. And it’s from the perspective of a dog. Overall, if you want to read it, you should.
There is a strong message of forgiveness and redemption. The narrative is strongly in favor of the poor and marginalized members of society and strongly against the authoritarian power structure of Rome and its agents. And it’s from the perspective of a dog. Overall, if you want to read it, you should.
dannb's review
3.0
Too “cute” for such an important story.... if you are unfamiliar with Jesus, it may go over your head
michellef's review
5.0
`The Dog Who Was There` is a Christian historical fiction book written by author Ron Marasco. Ron Marasco is known for his published books as well as a famous t.v. and movie star. He played in the t.v. shows Lost and West Wing and starred in the movie Illusion alongside actor Kirk Douglas.
The reader is introduced to Barley the dog at the beginning of chapter one. His owners Adah and Duv lived in a one-room home in Judea. Duv was a woodcarver and his wife helped him by making little pots of paint using things like blackberries and crushed lily pollen.
Barley was the runt of his litter and small enough to get underfoot. However, he usually stayed out of the way, especially when Adah went to collect water in jars. At other times he was allowed to come close enough to be petted.
There are sub-plots as we weave through the story. One is how a little boy, Micah, befriended Barley, another is how Barley came to be Adah and Duv's dog and yet another is the Teacher. However, the plot is not emphasized over character and setting. The setting is intended to be first-century Judea.
Although there are glimpses of Jesus, Kind Man, throughout the early part of the book, our first real sighting was on Palm Sunday and on the road to Golgotha. This story is told through dramatized narration and I give the book 5 stars for a story well told.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
The reader is introduced to Barley the dog at the beginning of chapter one. His owners Adah and Duv lived in a one-room home in Judea. Duv was a woodcarver and his wife helped him by making little pots of paint using things like blackberries and crushed lily pollen.
Barley was the runt of his litter and small enough to get underfoot. However, he usually stayed out of the way, especially when Adah went to collect water in jars. At other times he was allowed to come close enough to be petted.
There are sub-plots as we weave through the story. One is how a little boy, Micah, befriended Barley, another is how Barley came to be Adah and Duv's dog and yet another is the Teacher. However, the plot is not emphasized over character and setting. The setting is intended to be first-century Judea.
Although there are glimpses of Jesus, Kind Man, throughout the early part of the book, our first real sighting was on Palm Sunday and on the road to Golgotha. This story is told through dramatized narration and I give the book 5 stars for a story well told.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
angelwolf45's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book.
This follows a dog named Barley as he finds a new master named Samid after a tragedy happens to his first master. Barley and Samid hear about Jesus and sees the death of Jesus.
I really liked that in this book the dog is the main character. I liked that he ends up meeting Jesus and then is there at His death.
I liked seeing all that Barley went through to see Jesus. I liked that Barley was a very lovable dog and very loyal to his masters.
I liked that Samid started to want to change the way his life was going. It started with meeting Barley and hearing about Jesus through his friend Prisca.
It was an interesting book to see the death of Jesus through the eyes of a dog.
I really enjoyed this book.
This follows a dog named Barley as he finds a new master named Samid after a tragedy happens to his first master. Barley and Samid hear about Jesus and sees the death of Jesus.
I really liked that in this book the dog is the main character. I liked that he ends up meeting Jesus and then is there at His death.
I liked seeing all that Barley went through to see Jesus. I liked that Barley was a very lovable dog and very loyal to his masters.
I liked that Samid started to want to change the way his life was going. It started with meeting Barley and hearing about Jesus through his friend Prisca.
It was an interesting book to see the death of Jesus through the eyes of a dog.
I really enjoyed this book.
kritgirl04's review
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
frostatmidnite's review
4.0
Given the language of the book, I guess the author wanted everyone to read it, even children. It is very simply written and is a rather short read. Somehow reading things from a dog’s perspective is a change. As Barley moves from one stage of life to another, different people enter his life. And these characters could have been a bit better crafted. The author has definitely managed to convey the conflicts that happen in the human mind as we encounter life’s various hurdles.
Overall I enjoyed The Dog Who Was There, primarily because it was about a dog, and then because it was a short read. The book may not be for everyone. It does belong to the genre of biblical fiction and those who don’t like dogs really won’t appreciate it.
For the full review, visit Frost At Midnite
Overall I enjoyed The Dog Who Was There, primarily because it was about a dog, and then because it was a short read. The book may not be for everyone. It does belong to the genre of biblical fiction and those who don’t like dogs really won’t appreciate it.
For the full review, visit Frost At Midnite