MARLEY & ME: Life and love with the world’s worst dog
John Grogan
They say, dog is man’s best friend. However, if the dog is maniacal, looney, thick skulled, and is clueless about obedience, does he still enjoy the same status? Well, as far as Marley and his master are concerned, the answer is an emphatic YES.
John Grogan’s debut bestseller ‘Marley & Me’ is an emotional tale of the relationship between man and beast interwoven with humorous anecdotes from their life. His journey through the professional and personal life gains a new meaning with the presence of his ebullient mate Marley, whom he bought as a pup and matures into a full-grown 97-pound Labrador retriever. For the Grogan family, there never is a dull moment after the entry of boisterous Marley into their household.
A journalist at the Philadelphia Inquirer, Grogan’s narrative as a harried owner of a dysfunctional dog is engaging and entertaining. Told in the first person, with large doses of slapstick comedy, Grogan takes us along some of the craziest adventures of Marley.
Chewing furniture, emptying trashcans, drinking out of the faucet and gulping down almost anything including jewellery are some of Marley’s routine indulgences. Marley’s misadventures at the obedience school are sure to bring about bouts of laughter. His unimaginable antics and effervescent behaviour at the film audition are hilarious.
Quirky Marley emerges the show stealer at the end. Ultimately, one begins to experience feelings of empathy for the owner of this neurotic dog. At the same time, with an explanation for the way he is, you would not miss to sympathise with Marley for all his outrageousness. The sober moments of Marley’s life towards the end will leave you teary eyed.
Despite being called ‘the worst dog’, Marley epitomizes unconditional love and unwavering devotion towards his master. ‘Living life to the fullest’ seems to be the message that Marley sends out to everyone.
No comments:
Post a Comment