The Art of Racing in the Rain Book Review

 *spoiler alert* The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is a drama from the unique perspective of the introspective dog, Enzo. Enzo belongs to the aspiring young racer Dennis (Denny) Smith who adopted Enzo from a farm when he was just a puppy and they have been best friends ever since. Enzo is a special dog who interprets the world around him; he believes that when he is ready after he dies, he will return as a human. However, Enzo cannot tell anyone and is limited to what a dog can do, for example, he cannot watch Denny's races in person, however, he watches recordings of Denny's races and learns a lot. As the two get older, Denny meets a girl named Eve, and the two fall in love, get married, and have a daughter named Zoë. Eve and Zoë enrich the lives of Denny and Enzo they all become a real family. However, Denny's racing pursuits often get in the way of his family life, he is often away from home and unable to take care of everyone. Eve is starting to become sick and one day vomits profusely and this is something that Enzo smelled earlier. Eve has always been afraid of the doctor, but after a hiking accident, she is sent to the doctor, and is eventually revealed that Eve has brain cancer. As Denny is absent for extended periods of time, Enzo acts as Denny's surrogate and the two get closer. Now it is up in the air if Eve will get better and what will become of the family if she dies? It is up to Denny and Enzo to find out how to brave these hard times.

    One of the best qualities of The Art of Racing in the Rain is the unique use of Enzo as the narrator. Enzo is a comedic, insightful, and very caring dog who really loves his family. He is Denny's best friend, his surrogate for Eve, and a big brother for Zoë. He also has a unique perspective, especially at the end of the book where Enzo says, “Here is why I will be a good person. Because I listen. I cannot speak so I listen very well. I never interrupt, I never deflect the course of the conversation with a comment of my own" (Stein 101). The quote is a perfect example of Enzo's limited abilities as it's all that he can do which makes him very good at it. This is seen in his relationship with Denny, constantly being there to hear what Denny has to say. It also reinforces his desire to be human; it is a necessary part of being a good human.  Enzo's unique position also makes the reader try to fill in the blanks to make sense of everything that is happening which can make the drama of the story more poignant when the reader figures out how the story is progressing. Enzo is a great narrator because of the unique position a dog has in real life, this allows for entertaining moments, tense scenes, and incredibly interactive reading. 

    Another great quality of The Art of Racing in the Rain is the seamless use of racing metaphors throughout the narrative. They are lessons that can be applied to the everyday life of the characters in the novel and to the reader. They are also easily understandable and help readers relate to the characters.  For example, Denny says, "That which you manifest is before you"(Stein 41). This theme of patience and control is prevalent throughout the book; it's seen in Denny's custody battle for Zoë, he fought for three long years to win her back all while having to do drastic things to keep paying for the process, however, his determination helped him keep the only person he control in check, himself. The incorporation of racing metaphors such as this was a great method for character development and creating a bond between the reader and the characters. 

    I can wholeheartedly recommend The Art of Racing in the Rain to anyone looking for a unique drama. The use of a canine narrator who offers a different perspective and the use of racing metaphors which add to the story's depth and message make this a brilliant subversive read. If you are someone who is a fan of subversive dramas or an animal lover, this book is perfect for you. It offers a heartfelt, entertaining, and subversive plot you will not soon forget. 


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