Sirius

August 15, 2016
Sirius, a fox terrier owned by a Jewish family living in 1930s Berlin, is no ordinary pooch. In Crown’s heartwarming debut novel, this little dog escapes Nazi Germany, becomes a golden age Hollywood star, a circus performer, and an informant spying on the führer himself. The result of a zoologist breeding program to make a hyperintelligent dog, Sirius is born in a Germany in upheaval. He’s adopted by the Liliencron family and shares in their trials as they escape persecution in the quickly radicalizing Nazi state. Luckily, Mrs. Liliencron just happens to know famous Hollywood heartthrob Peter Lorre, and the Liliencrons escape with their children to California. There, Mr. Liliencron takes up a job as chauffeur for a Hollywood big shot. Little Sirius, ever the curious pup, wanders onto a film set and finds himself with an acting career as the majestic dog actor Hercules. From there, he becomes the headliner for Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus, but through a mix-up and ever more unbelievable circumstances, he is sent back to Berlin. There, Sirius finds himself with a high-ranking Nazi owner, rising through the ranks until he’s right next to the head of the Third Reich. Crown’s novel is a fluffy alternate history tale filled to the brim with historical figures and unbelievable coincidences. Simply written and charming, this is a light read for history buffs and dog lovers alike.