A review by sunnysky
The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This is a decent book, but I read it after growing up watching the animated and live actions movies, which I ended up liking better. I will say the animated Disney movie is a pretty faithful adaptation though!
In fact, I liked the ending of this book very much, it was a fitting end for the Dearly’s and their Dalmatians, though I didn’t like that Cruella wasn’t arrested ☹️
And one more thing. I didn’t really like how they described Pongo’s wife. She doesn’t even have a name, she’s just referred to as Mrs. The nurse dog has more characterization then her! I was so sad, and it honestly irritated me every time it was described that she just ‘didn’t get something’ or ‘spaced out’ like she was slow especially in comparison to Pongo. I get that they are dogs, but it came across kinda condescending and also patronizing to me.
In fact, I liked the ending of this book very much, it was a fitting end for the Dearly’s and their Dalmatians, though I didn’t like that Cruella wasn’t arrested ☹️
And one more thing. I didn’t really like how they described Pongo’s wife. She doesn’t even have a name, she’s just referred to as Mrs. The nurse dog has more characterization then her! I was so sad, and it honestly irritated me every time it was described that she just ‘didn’t get something’ or ‘spaced out’ like she was slow especially in comparison to Pongo. I get that they are dogs, but it came across kinda condescending and also patronizing to me.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty