The Amazing Adventures of Archibald Esq.

Literary Hound: Red Dog by Louis de Bernières

Louis de Bernières’ Red Dog (2001) is – I am happy to say – an absolute delight. It had me laughing out loud in some places, and misty-eyed at others.

Though different in many respects, the book made me think of John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row. I suppose the connection is that both present light-hearted sketches of life amongst those who live through tough times in a harsh environment. Nor does either shy away from telling things as they are - life is hard and bad things do sometimes happen. (I don’t want to say more or I’ll give away the stories!)

Louis de Bernières first encountered the story of Red Dog in 1998 when he saw a statue of him while attending a literary dinner in Karratha, an Australian mining town north of Perth.

Red Dog was a tough and rugged red-haired Australian Kelpie sheepdog (1971-1979) who became a legend in Western Australia in his lifetime. Loved by all and owned by no one, Red Dog was unique in many different ways, not least because he was a fully-paid-up member of two unions (the Salt Mines as well as the Ironworks Union). Those who loved him - always on Red Dog’s terms - even went so far as to set up a bank account in his name at the New Wales Bank. In addition to the statue, Red Dog had two biographies written about him. It was these that Louis de Bernières used as his research ’source’ material, from which these semi-fictionalised tales are derived.

Red Dog’s life history is recorded in ‘Red Dog - The Pilbara Wanderer’ by Beverley Duckett. This book is available from the Karratha Tourist Bureau (08 9144 4600) or the Karratha Library (08 9159 6852) for about $5.00 (Australian dollars).

According to Kathryn Flett (review in the Observer 30 September 2001), Red Dog was an ‘intrepid adventurer - a kind of ‘canine Crocodile Dundee who made Lassie look like a wuss, or worse - like a big, fat, smug puss.’

She also notes that “Though patently besotted with his subject, de Bernières doesn’t shy from revealing Red Dog’s less savoury personality traits.” His faults include a tendency to have very stinky farts, and the inclination and skills to alleviate humans of their steaks and sausages without getting caught.

I can say I had the pleasure of knowing Red Dog, when I worked at Dampier Salt in the Late seventies. He used to visit the camp every month, and would stay for a couple of days before he moved on. He was the only dog allowed on the mine site being that he was a fully paid up union member, which was paid annually by Dampier Salt. One night myself and a couple of mates were going into town, well Red Dog decided he was going too. When I opened the car door he jumped into the back seat, and off we went to town. After a few hours in town we arrived back at the car park, and there was Red Dog sitting beside my car. He knew which car brought him into town, and which car was going to take him back home. It was a sad day when we heard that he had died, but I can say I have some fond memories of him. (http://geocaching.com.au/cache/gce254)

All in all I agree with Flett’s review, but it’s just a bit surprising that she makes no mention of the production values of the work - which are exceptional and whimsical all at the same time. The copy I have is illustrated by Alan Baker (Vintage 2002). Each chapter is illustrated with an image at the start and/or end of the chapter.

In addition, at the top right hand corner of each page (including title page) there is a small ink cartoon of a red dog. If you flip quickly through the book the dog looks like he’s running and leaping. Wonderful!

Thoroughly delightful and highly recommended. If you can’t wait a single second longer to order a copy for yourself, click here to link to Amazon.

Awoof! Archie

Posted 10 Feb 06

One Response to “Literary Hound: Red Dog by Louis de Bernières”

[…] Louis de Berniere’s Red Dog is based on fact. A truly poignant tale, that made little feet go misty-eyed in places. Red dog was truly an individual. Unforgettable stuff. Highly recommended by yours truly, Archibald Esquire. […]

Archie - Dog tales - Red Dog @ 9:55 pm, 06 May 2007