Good Dogs Don’t Make It to the South Pole by Hans Olav-Thyvold is a heart-warming and poignant novel that explores the themes of life, love, death, ownership, friendship, loyalty, and trust. The story is narrated from the viewpoint of Tassen, a dog who is left to the care of the widow of his much-loved owner, The Major, after his owner passes away. Tassen faces a future of uncertainty and confusion, but he learns to cultivate a new friendship with Mrs. Thorkildsen, the Major’s wife, based on respect, care, compassion, understanding, and unconditional support.
Review Good Dogs Dont Make It to the South Pole
The novel is a captivating and emotional read, filled with moments of pure love and devastating lows. The author has done an excellent job of capturing the grief and loss felt by a canine left behind once his owner passes on. The gentle development of the relationship between Tassen and Mrs. Thorkildsen is genuine, and the progression of the friendship feels authentic, with both characters supporting and comforting each other in their time of need.
What makes the novel unique is that it also includes a story involving the race to the South Pole, in which Tassen learns about a great dog journey involving a race between renowned explorers Roald Amundsen and Captain Robert F. Scott. Although this subplot adds an extra layer to the story, it did not have as much impact as the author may have intended, and the focus on the relationship between Tassen, the Major, and Mrs. Thorkildsen was more than enough for the novel.
The writing style of the novel is simple and easy to follow, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. The pacing is steady, and the plot flows smoothly, keeping the reader engaged and interested throughout the book. The author’s use of imagery and descriptions helps to create a vivid and realistic world that the reader can easily immerse themselves in.
In terms of character analysis, Tassen is the standout character of the novel. The author has done an excellent job of bringing Tassen to life, with his thoughts, feelings, and opinions. Tassen is an endearing and captivating narrator, and readers will feel a strong emotional connection to him. The Major and Mrs. Thorkildsen are also well-developed characters, with their own unique personalities and backstories.
The themes and symbolism in the novel are thought-provoking and engaging. The novel explores the themes of life, love, death, ownership, friendship, loyalty, and trust, with each theme adding an extra layer of depth to the story. The symbolism of the race to the South Pole and the dogs involved in the expedition adds an extra layer of meaning to the novel, highlighting the sacrifices that humans and animals make in pursuit of a greater goal.
In conclusion, Good Dogs Don’t Make It to the South Pole is an entertaining and emotional debut novel from Hans Olav-Thyvold. The novel is a must-read for anyone who loves dogs or is looking for a heart-warming and poignant story about life, love, and loss. The author’s writing style, pacing, and character development make the novel a captivating and engaging read, while the themes and symbolism add an extra layer of depth to the story. Overall, this is a must-read novel for anyone who loves a good story.
