The Art of Racing in the Rain

Garth Stein

Enzo the dog is the eloquent storyteller of this moving novel, and his life philosophy is guided by his racing driver master, Denny. Enzo prefers Senna’s emotion and daring to Fittipaldi’s cool calculation, fails to connect to Schumacher and, above all, adores Denny. Enzo shares the ups and downs of Denny’s eventful home life, taking us on an emotional roller-coaster worthy of Laguna Seca. Only by following the racing driver’s mantra of thinking ahead, applying complete focus and never giving up can they hope to emerge. This is a delightful yet heart-rending relationship story that will bring a tear to your eye, and even allow you to forgive the rather fanciful ending. Ben Edwards

Published by Harper Collins, ISBN 978 0 00 728119 0, £6.99