A Boy and His Dog [short fiction]

This is one hell of a divisive short story. The fact it's written very well, that it evokes so many positive and negative emotions, although, MOST of them are negative, speaks very well of the author even I hate what's going on inside the story.

I've only read a few of Ellison's works and I guess I've been avoiding it for a long time. Mostly because he's a known jerk and iconoclast and while he's also doing most of it for the shock value almost as if he's the Marylin Manson of the 60's. I can respect a man who knows his own mind and writes stories that are shocking and repulsive and funny at the same time

This definitely falls into that category. Rape. Rapey stuff. Brutal dystopian world that not only condones but explicitly encourages show more the objectification of women. But wait! Isn't that most of the dystopian literature, these days!?

Yeah, I guess it is. But back in '69 when this little gem came out, it threw all the optimistic post-nuke claptrap out the window and dived deep into the truly ugly side of men vs. women.

Come on. He uses his telepathic dog (who is much smarter than him) to serial-rape women. Just because he finds one that just likes sex and talks about love doesn't excuse his past behavior (or anyone else's).

But damn! Ellison writes this so damn well and with a lot of dark humor. The twist at the end was nasty and gorgeous and rather fitting, too. I can't fault this. It's too dark. Too funny.

So in one respect, I just want to give this a one star. In another, I can't help but be impressed by the writing and the controversy and the way it sparks a LOT of huge emotions in every reader. This is what art is meant to do, no? Well, this succeeds. show less

Award winning post-apocalypse novella about a young scavenger rapist, his telepathic dog, and some girl. Was also turned into a passable but forgettable film starring Don Johnson. Not exactly safe reading for the #MeToo crowd, but if that bothers you then I don't know what you expect from the apocalypse. A sci-fi story that poses the concept of morality in an immoral world, it may not offer any answers, but it doesn't fail to entertain.

{novella}

I found it revolting and good. It is set in a post-apocalyptic world. The revolting: rape, food sources. The good: The apocalyptic setting, the twists.

I wouldn't recommend it for everyone and I wouldn't add it to my favorites list but I enjoyed it much more the second time around. And as usual I can't say anything because it would be spoilers. Wait... I will say a boy and his dog (as the title suggests) are in neutral territory when they realize ... no nvmd why would I spoil any of it?

I can't wait to read it again in 4-5 years when I forget everything.

I dunno when I read this (not this edition, just the story) but of course I remember the intensity of it. And I was sure hella reminded of it when trying to appreciate [b:The Dog Stars|13330761|The Dog Stars|Peter Heller|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388122817s/13330761.jpg|18538203], which imo should definitely admit to being inspired/ influenced by Ellison's classic.

Eh....