Tomorrow

Courageous canine capers and evocative historical interludes anchor Dibben’s uplifting but often melancholy tale of an immortal dog and his centuries-spanning life with his equally everlasting master. Injected with an elixir as a puppy, the large brown dog, who narrates the novel, becomes companion to an itinerant physician and chemist who serves the royalty of Europe during the Age of Enlightenment. In 1688, the dog loses his beloved master in Venice, then spends the next 127 years waiting at the Venice cathedral for the physician to return. After befriending an abandoned pooch named Sporco, the dog recounts tales of traveling with his master through the battlefields of Europe, attending lavish balls, meeting composer Schubert and poet Byron, and taking a witty mate. Then, in 1815, the dog spots Vilder, an old and also immortal business associate of his master who is bent on revenge for a long-ago tragedy. Although Vilder once tried to kill the dog, he follows Vilder, believing the man will lead him to his lost companion. Despite some disjointed time jumps, Dibben’s tearjerker is a lyrical commentary on war, rivalry, sacrifice, and, above all else, loyalty. [em](Mar.) [/em]