Simpatia is a wonderfully strange ode to dogs, written in a style which, to me, almost resembles Haruki Murakami. Deep and painful issues are handled in a tender way. I would go so far as to say a bizarre way. People come and go, with little explanation as to where, or why, they have left. Suffering occurs in their wake, and it is the presence of a dog which brings comfort.
Three dogs, named after the sons of The Godfather: Sonny, Fredo and Michael…coffee grounds in the bottom of a mug resembling a volcano, or a dog’s head…a table with one leg, lifting to reveal a man standing up from a hole in the floor holding a box of Elizabeth Von Armin’s translated works. These are some of the odd images I’ve come across in the later half of the book. Rather than disturbing me, they brought a joyful quirkiness to this novel.
But, not so much as the dogs bring. The large home, owned by General Martin Ayala, is to be made into the Simpatia por el Perro Foundation, a “foundation dedicated to rescuing abandoned dogs. Ulises was tasked with coordinating…its proper set up and operations in the grounds of the house. Within 120 days after his (Martin’s) death.”
It is around this foundation that the novel revolves. But, it is so much more than a rescue center for dogs. It was the home where children caused great anguish for their parents and continue to carry it out in the present.
Of all the books I have read so far for the International Booker Prize longlist I’m 2024, this is my favorite.
Dolce Bellezza 