Greyfriars Bobby

Rating:
Summary: Och sonsie auld lang syne bit wee dog ainsel ye ken?
Review: And if you can understand that bit of Old Scottish then this book is definitely for you.

We all know the gist: a dog sits on his Master's grave for many years, becoming so well known that the Edinburgh authorities built a statue of the canny wee beastie.

What is most impressive is the author's magnificent depiction of Bobby's understanding. Eleanor Atkinson is a master of the plausible and has us believe Bobby can understand English (or rather Scottish) by the tone and the mentioning of names by the speaker. Bobby's actions are always totally in keeping with the actions of a very intelligent dog rather than the actions of a human. The reader is never left thinking "Are you sure?" with any of Bobby's antics but is more inclined to applaud.

Another amazing fact of the story is Atkinson's very evocative depiction of Edinburgh in the 1860's, especially considering she had never been there. I will however have to grumble slightly at the language she uses for the characters. Authentic as I am sure it is, it is still a real struggle to muddle through, and it is intensely annoying to have to skip to the mini dictionary at the back of the book all the time.

As I say, a slight grumble on what is otherwise an enchanting read on the devotion and initiative of a legendary little dog. I strongly recommend anyone with a dog, an interest in Auld Sotland or a need for a lift, to have a read. It's lovely.

Rating:
Summary: Greyfriars Bobby was great!
Review: I am in 7th grade and read this book for a project. A friend suggested it to me and I was not sure I was going to like it. I read the first few pages and it started to draw me in.

It shows a strong relationship between a man who dies and his old faithful companion.

Great! I highly reccomend it for any age!

Rating:
Summary: Bide a wee
Review: I don't know if it is possible to be too old to enjoy this book. It is written in the manner of Dickens' Christmas Carol with something of Oliver Twist thrown in. If you can read this story without shedding a tear or two, there must be something missing inside of you. The Scottish dialect is a wee bit of a struggle but the experience is more than worth the effort. Try not to read it too rapidly.

Rating:
Summary: Greyfriars Bobby was great!
Review: I recently read the book, and it is one of the best dog stories that I have read. It shows the value of relationships between a dog and its master, and what it means to be a friend to a dog and to your neighbors.

I would highly recommend it to anybody 8 years an up.