Rating: 
Summary: Fantastical and Poetic
Review: Wangerin has written a book that begs to be read aloud, but is a joy to read to yourself as well. His use of language is breathtaking -- evoking both a classic fairy tale and stylized character study. Do NOT let the fact that the main characters are talking animals throw you.TBODC is fable about Chauntacleer the Rooster, his Coop (and the surrounding lands), and their battle against a monstrous, mythic evil. Both intimate and epic, the story of the animals' battle are filled with heartrending sadness and soulcleansing joy. I would hard-pressed to label or categorize this book. Many have called it an allegory, and there ARE allegorical elements to it, but it is much more (or much different) from straight allegory. I consider myself a reasonably intelligent person, and a skilled reader, but Wangerin layers his story with meanings and submeanings, many of which I am sure escaped me. I didn't care, though. The wonderful language and emotion of the story immersed me into Chauntacleer's world, and I could marvel at the depth without knowing exactly HOW deep it went. If you're searching for a new fable that feels familiar but not predictable, one you can treaure and read aloud to friends and family, The Book of the Dun Cow is for you.
Rating:
Summary: Very Readable Account of Good and Evil
Review: While I admit I loved this book mostly because of Mundo Cani (probably one of the most wondrous characters in American Literature,) it was also a genuinely compelling read. The combat between Wyrm and Chauntecleer is only the first level of the story...but it seems to go deeper than that. There are elements of biblical allusion scattered throughout, and animalistic ritual that add to the epic tone of this novel. Wangerin's beautiful language make it understandable, and while it's a formidable tale, it's a very quick read. I highly recommend it.
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