Author(s): Gavriil Troyepovsky

Middle Reader | New Arrivals

Ivan Ivanovich, an older man who is fond of reading and nature, buys a puppy; despite the dog's improper coloration and black ear, which are considered faults in its breeding. The man names his dog Bim, or Bimka; and often takes him in the country to enable the dog to track birds, as is his nature.

Ivan Ivanovich begins to develop heart problems, and when the disease becomes worse, is taken to a hospital. His dog cannot bear waiting for the only person that ever cared for him, and sets out to find his master. Thus begins the story of a stray dog and his adventures and encounters with many people, both kind and cruel. Ultimately, he is unable to find a permanent home. His owner returns home only to discover that Bim has been tricked by a perfidious neighbor and died.

Written by Gavriil Troyepolsky, the book was translated into 52 languages and made its author a living classic. According to Troyepolsky, this book “is a message to all the little ones, who will grow up one day, and to all adults who have not forgotten they once were children.” Apart from the obvious “love nature” moral, the book raises many existential questions, as the writer masterly shows the world through the eyes of a dog. While pondering the complexity of human nature, the book encourages readers to look into their hearts to find out how much compassion is left there and invites us to learn love and loyalty from children and dogs.