book the dogs of venice

the dogs of venice book by steven rowley

embark on a poignant and ultimately uplifting journey through the winding canals and ancient streets of venice with steven rowley\s captivating novella, \the dogs of venice\. this heartwarming story delicately explores themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and the unexpected connections that can heal a wounded soul. it is a tale that reminds us that even in the depths of loneliness, there is hope and the promise of renewal, often found in the most surprising of companions. rowley masterfully captures the essence of finding oneself in one of the world\s most romantic cities, even when romance feels like a distant memory.

after months of meticulously planning a romantic christmas getaway to venice, paul is left reeling when his five-year marriage abruptly ends. with a broken heart, he decides to embark on the journey alone, a solo trip that transforms into a quest for meaning and independence. amidst the enchanting backdrop of venetian architecture and the welcoming warmth of its people, paul encounters a small, scruffy dog. this self-assured canine, confidently navigating the city on its own, becomes a symbol of the resilience and self-reliance paul desperately seeks for himself. \the dogs of venice\ is more than just a story about a man and a dog; it\s a profound exploration of love, loss, and the courage to find connection again—to a place, to a pet, and most importantly, to oneself.

about the author steven rowley

steven rowley is a new york times bestselling author known for his witty, insightful, and emotionally resonant storytelling. his works, which include the acclaimed novels \lily and the octopus\, \the editor\, and \the guncle\, have been translated into twenty languages and have garnered numerous accolades. originally from portland, maine, rowley has also worked as alance writer, newspaper columnist, and screenwriter, currently residing in palm springs, california.

the dogs of venice summary

in \the dogs of venice\, the narrative follows paul, who, after being blindsided by the sudden unraveling of his marriage, proceeds with a planned holiday trip to venice by himself. fueled by heartbreak, his solitary vacation becomes a poignant journey of introspection. soon after his arrival in the magical city, he spots a small, independent dog trotting along a canal with a confidence that paul himself yearns for. this chance encounter sparks an obsession, as paul begins to seek out the dog, viewing it as a guide to navigating his newfound solitude. through his wanderings in the art-filled city, encounters with kind strangers, and a fleeting romantic connection, paul starts to piece his life back together. the story, which is a brisk 80 pages, packs a significant emotional punch, exploring how small steps forward are still progress in the journey of healing. ultimately, a magical encounter with the dog helps him find a genuine connection to the city, to the creature, and to the person he is becoming in the wake of his loss. the novella is a testament to finding love and independence in the most unexpected places, serving as a comforting tonic for the soul.

frequently asked questions about the dogs of venice

1. what is the main theme of \the dogs of venice\?

   the primary themes of the book are self-discovery, heartbreak, and renewal. it explores how a man, in the wake of a painful separation, learns to find himself and his independence again through an unexpected connection with a stray dog in venice.

2. is \the dogs of venice\ a full-length novel?

   no, \the dogs of venice\ is a novella, with a page count of around 80 pages. it was originally released as an audiobook exclusive before being reimagined and expanded for its print edition.

3. who is the protagonist of the story?

   the protagonist is a man named paul, who is heartbroken after his five-year marriage suddenly ends just before a planned romantic trip to venice.

4. what role do dogs play in the book?

   a particular stray dog that paul encounters in venice becomes a central symbol in the story. for paul, the dog representsdom, confidence, and the ability to thrive on one\s own, serving as an inspiration for his own journey of healing and self-discovery.

5. what is the writing style of \the dogs of venice\?

   steven rowley\s writing in this novella is described as having his signature wit, insight, and ability to create indelible characters. the tone is a mix of melancholy and sweetness, delivering an emotional and heartwarming story that is both poignant and humorous.