Reviews - The Heart of a Dog

1.33k reviews for:

The Heart of a Dog

Mikhail Bulgakov

3.91 AVERAGE

alenka_ballhausen's review against another edition

3.75

dark reflective fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

escapinginpaper's review against another edition

4.0

challenging dark funny reflective tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

upsidedown10's review against another edition

4.5

fast-paced

Woah, this was great. I was recommended this short story as a fan of Frankenstein and I would say it definitely scratched that itch. The structure actually reminded me the most of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The perspectives were weird and fun. The horror of the ideas got under my skin and the satire was uniquely Russian. I had a great time with this perfect story for the spooky season.

maelirose's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous challenging dark funny reflective tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Not very bolshevik of Bulgakov to write this. tsk tsk.

dariamoga's review against another edition

4.5

adventurous funny inspiring reflective medium-paced

gabbuz's review against another edition

4.0

“Nobody should be whipped. Remember that, once and for all. Neither man nor animal can be influenced by anything but suggestion.”

Philip Philipovich, the successful doctor, runs an experiment. He finds a stray dog who is dying for having nothing to eat. He names him Sharik and brings him to his luxurious home. There, the doctor pampers him. Sharik gains a belly and a sense of entitlement. Soon, he finds himself under the scalpel. And Sharik becomes Sharikov.

Russians know what happens when you go against the laws of nature. Turning a dog into human ends tragically for Philip Philipovich. Turning individuals into equals ends the same for the Soviet Union.

It’s a clever, witty and entertaining novel that criticises the early years of the USSR. The author illustrates the everyday corruption in a significant detail. It’s unsurprising the authorities banned this book until 47 years after his death. I only wish I was smart enough to catch all the hidden messages. Recommend!