Greyfriars Bobby

Oh, I loved this book. I never read it as a child and to be honest it probably would have been lost on me through the language. Not the dialect, though even as a Scot some of it was too thick for me to translate, but as a child I was more into Point Horror and The Babysitters Club.

Enough about me though, and let's talk about the wee sonsie doggie. I've never read something where the character was so well crafted and who attached themselves so deeply to the reader without a single word spoken or thought shared. I could practically hear his little feet padding about and the slap of his ears as he shook himself. I fell in love with Bobby, and his heartbreaking story.

And the story is so richly told, it's no wonder it has lasted the show more generations. Such a simple tale, but one that will never get old. I've got picture books and abridged versions of this story to share with my children, as I don't think they should wait until adulthood like I did to discover this book. show less

Such a sweet book. Especially amazing considering the author never visited Edinburgh. Her use of the language for the Scotts was sweet and interesting, but at times a little hard to follow. Her descriptions of the dogs behavior and mannerisms were fantastic. If you are going to be well read on books about dogs, this classic is one that should be on your list.

Disney based it's film on this book, or rather, a good portion of this book. That part of the book is the best part and the telling of the story in this book is more rich than the movie. There is more room for the poor children to play and have some adventures with the dog.

After the court case part there is still a grand adventure left, and then a visit from a great lady. It didn't show more feel as cohesive to me, but it was nice to have more time to spend with Bobby and his world, so still enjoyed more in the book than what was in the movie. Some may rate the book less because of that part of the book after what was covered in the movie. Since their was so much good in this book, I would still rate it 5 stars and recommend the book. It is one I could read multiple times in the future for all the good parts in it. show less

Such a sweet book. Especially amazing considering the author never visited Edinburgh. Her use of the language for the Scotts was sweet and interesting, but at times a little hard to follow. Her descriptions of the dogs behavior and mannerisms were fantastic. If you are going to be well read on books about dogs, this classic is one that should be on your list.

Disney based it's film on this book, or rather, a good portion of this book. That part of the book is the best part and the telling of the story in this book is more rich than the movie. There is more room for the poor children to play and have some adventures with the dog.

After the court case part there is still a grand adventure left, and then a visit from a great lady. It didn't show more feel as cohesive to me, but it was nice to have more time to spend with Bobby and his world, so still enjoyed more in the book than what was in the movie. Some may rate the book less because of that part of the book after what was covered in the movie. Since their was so much good in this book, I would still rate it 5 stars and recommend the book. It is one I could read multiple times in the future for all the good parts in it. show less

A wonderful book about a loyal dog, who keeps watch over his dead master's grave.

I didn't hear about Bobby before, but I enjoyed the story about this lovable little Syke Terrier. How Bobby, although still young when his beloved master dies, keeps watch over his grave all the time, how he captures the hearts of everyone around the kirkyard and then is awarded one of the highest prices,never to be separated from his master again.

I did have some problems with the Scottish language in the book, but was able to work my way through it. But then the closeness to the real language just adds to the touching style of the book, so it's something I can happily live with, even if I needed some time to get through it.

Bobby is a cute little silver haired Skye terrier. He “adopts” Auld Jock, an elderly shepherd, as his master. Eventually the shepherd loses his job and dies in poverty. The farmer tries to reclaim Bobby as a pet for his daughter but Bobby continues to guard Jock's grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard for fourteen more years. His devotion changed the lives of those around him and ultimately the conditions of the poor in Edinburgh. Bobby's incredible loyalty is eventually rewarded and he becomes revered by people all over the world.

What an inspiring story of love and loyalty. I absolutely loved learning about Bobby and his life in Scotland. This story is a true classic. If I had any complaints it would be that the verbiage is very Scottish. I show more felt like that added to the charming story, but be prepared if you don't care for that style of writing. I'm so happy I had an opportunity to meet Bobby. show less

Bobby, an active Skye Terrier, adores his master Auld Jock, and when the old man dies, Bobby refuses to leave his grave. By day, he plays with the local orphans and eats at a nearby tavern, but, in spite of anything even the Lord Provost himself can do, every night for fourteen years Bobby returns faithfully to sleep by his master.

Much better than I expected, to be honest. The story's told without excess sentimentality, and I enjoyed the style of the writing. Even better, there was a strong streak of Scots and of Scottish dialect in the book, varied convincingly with the character's background and standing. A good job.