The Plague Dogs

December 1, 2011

Adams's third novel, published in 1977, is a rewarding but long and difficult listen. Two tortured dogs, Snitter and Rowf, manage to escape from Animal Research, Scientific and Experimental (ARSE), and cause mayhem throughout England's Lake District, surviving in the rugged and hostile yet human-controlled environment. The work is excellently read by Ralph Cosham, who adds several British local dialects--some difficult to understand--to his interpretations of human and animal characters. Overall, this is a witty tale of adventure and longing that suffers somewhat from viscerally brutal descriptions of torture and the lingering effects of vivisection (brain surgery). Along with showing disdain for animal research, Adams also heaps scorn on British politics, governmental obstructionism, bureaucracy, the tabloid press, and at least some British women. Strange poetry and animal "songs" also show up. Recommended with reservations; strictly for adults!--Cliff Glaviano, formerly with Bowling Green State Univ. Libs., OH

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