It’s been a very long time since I wept so at the end of a book. And I mean wept. Even I didn’t see that coming. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is an outstanding novel, told in the first person by Enzo, a dog. But don’t think that this is just some dog story – it’s not; it is skillfully told through the keen observation, devotion, and insightful outlook of a narrator who just happens to walk on four legs.
The main character, Denny, to whom Enzo has been deeply bonded since a small pup, is a race car driver, so periodically, there is background and information about racing. But don’t think this is a story about racing either – it’s not. Racing is a metaphor for life and how to live it, particularly racing in the rain, of which Denny is a master.
The first chapter begins at the end of Enzo’s life, where he wishes to be released with dignity. From watching “too much television” (according to Denny), Enzo has learned of a Mongolian belief whereby a dog who’s lived a good life will become human in his next incarnation. This is what Enzo aspires to, and despite his periodic dismay at not having speech and being unable to communicate what he knows, or to have been denied opposable thumbs, Enzo does his best to live a model life.
The second chapter begins the story of Denny, his love, Eve, their child Zoë, and the journey of their lives together. From Denny and Enzo watching race tapes on the TV, with Denny explaining all the details to Enzo, to Eve’s illness, to the in-laws overbearing attitude and ultimately cruel shattering of Denny’s life, we are drawn into a story – sometimes funny, sometimes tragic – of a life that could be anybody’s. It’s always set against the backdrop of Denny’s aspirations to be an accomplished driver, and his teaching Enzo the subtleties of mastering the track. Enzo gets it. “Your car goes where your eyes go. Simply another way of saying that which you manifest is before you.”
You do not need to have ever had a dog to appreciate Enzo or his telling of Denny’s story. But if you have ever loved a dog at any time in your life, you will be greatly enriched – and moved – by Enzo, and all that he is. Likewise, those familiar with racing will have the extra bonus of understanding the racing world references. But you don’t have to know anything about racing – as I do not – to understand the story, for again, in the end it’s not about racing, but life.
While we knew from Chapter One where this book would end, the impact is unexpectedly profound; the epilogue, deeply touching. If nothing else, Enzo is a remarkably skilled writer. I had not realized how invested I was in this story … and in Enzo … until the end. The Art of Racing in the Rain is a keeper.
Still A Dreamer 
Thanks! Putting it on my Kindle now. I foster dogs for a rescue…a sweet girl named Marley is sitting at my feet right now, and I have 3 of my own, so, yeah, know and love many dogs. Looking forward to this, although I’m not a fan of racing, but get the metaphor. 🙂
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At first the racing parts seemed intrusive, then integrated, then they were pretty cool and so much a part of the story that I liked them. I won’t remember the name of one driver mentioned, but it doesn’t matter. Let me know how you like this. And … thanks for being a foster Mom. I ran my own dog rescue from 1989 to about 2002, and it wouldn’t have been possible without my wonderful foster homes. Huzzah! to you, Kitty.
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This sounds an extraordinary book Jeanne, and one I will consider reading and reviewing.
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It’s made it onto my “permanent” bookshelf – which means I would read it again. 🙂
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This sounds like an unusual and moving book Jeanne – though I’m not sure Enzo should be aspiring to be human, given how much our dogs teach us just as they are 🙂
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It really is, and I couldn’t agree more with you about how much our dogs teach us. Enzo is an outstanding teacher, too, but he is frustrated by all he knows and is unable to communicate in his dog-being state. He struggles with how much more he could do if just he could tell the people around him what he sees and perceives. He admits he doesn’t know if he can carry these traits into his human life, so he is trying to commit them to memory. Enzo made me really want a dog again.
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A beautiful, heartfelt review, dear Jeanne. It sounds like an unusual book.
It takes skill and imagination to write in the voice of a child or even someone of a different gender or generation. How much more so to write in the voice of an animal narrator.
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Thank you, Cynthia. You know, it wasn’t Enzo dying at the end – it was how it was written that was so unexpectedly moving. I think anyone who has ever held a beloved animal in their arms while they pass away would be equally moved. I should probably see what else Garth Stein has written …
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I read this book a while ago. It made me think throughout every page. Good review!
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Hi, and thanks so much! I’m glad that my review was a good one for someone who has already read the book. 🙂
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This is a beautiful, heartfelt review, Jeanne. I know I would like this book very much.
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This was such a wonderful book, Lavinia. It’s made it into my “permanent” bookcase of books that I would most definitely read again. It was quite popular; I suspect your local library would have it. Go look. And be sure to get out the tissues for the end.
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