Sunday, October 21, 2018

Kirsten Bakis, Lives of the Monster Dogs ***

Start with a riff on Frankenstein, with a nineteenth century mad scientist creating creatures who escape and ponder the meaning of their existence. Add Animal Farm-style social commentary, with a race of enhanced animals rising against their oppressors. Finish with a soupçon of satire about celebrity culture. Whip it into a frenzy that ends with a decadent three-week party, madness, and explosions.

Part One of Lives of the Monster Dogs sets up the bizarre scenario nicely with a touch of gothic atmosphere despite its 21st century urban setting. Part Two focuses on the monster dog revolution and hints at racial commentary. Part Three goes off the rails and fails to follow up on the promise of the first two parts. The book sets itself up as an allegory but doesn't have anything new to say.

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