Tomorrow

April 23, 2018
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.

From his very first words, narrator George Blagden's melodic voice draws listeners into this tale of love and loyalty. A cultured, astute, knowledgeable, and self-aware dog named Tomorrow recounts the 270 years of his life with his master, Valentine, most particularly the 127 years he waited faithfully in Venice for Valentine, who was lost at that time, to return. Blagden delivers the dog's words in a soft voice at a stately pace, his master's in louder, deeper tones. Unhurried, Blagden recounts Tomorrow's adventures, which range across Europe from the 1600s through the Napoleonic Wars, from palaces and royal courts to battlefields, from London and Amsterdam to Venice and cities in between. As Blagden brings his thoughts and experiences to life, the listener becomes one with the dog. M.B.K. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine