Chlapec a pes – Hase Seišú (2024)

The novel Boy and Dog (Shonen to Inu), published in 2020, is a deeply moving story about a dog named Tamon, who lost his owner during the devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami on the northeastern coast of Japan in 2011, and travels for several years across Japan in search of his new family. It actually consists of six separate but interconnected stories in which Tamon significantly influences and changes the lives of the people he meets on his long journey. The author masterfully describes the harsh details and difficult circumstances that shape the lives of the people who take the dog in during his travels. Despite its romantic title, the book is intended for adult readers. It wouldn't be Seišú Hase if this book, which stands out significantly from his other works, lacked his favorite themes such as death, murder, or organized crime. The author does not judge anyone. He is an experienced observer who simply presents people, places, time, and animals, showing how they influence each other and ultimately connect meaningfully. The novel is emotional and full of various interesting ideas, appealing to anyone who loves dogs and enjoys touching and thrilling stories from life. This bestseller won the prestigious Naoki Prize in 2020 and has been translated into many languages.