THE STARLIGHT BARKING

by Dodie Smith ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1968

Metaphysical"" maneuvers as One Hundred and One Dalmatians take over England and the world under the canny eye of Sirius. When none of the humans or other animals wake up, Pongo and Missis become suspicious, realize they can ""swoosh"" faster than they run (Metaphysical: ""a kind of magic that comes from our own minds""). Up to London and on to 10 Downing Street where the PM is napping but his dog Cadpig knows what's happening with help from George, the Foreign Secretary's dog, and Babs, the Transport Minister's dog. Everything points to the return of canine-thrope Cruella but she is asleep too (and has switched from Dalmatian Fur to plastic raincoats). Then Sirius appears atop Nelson's column-as all things to all dogs and gives instructions for a worldwide starlight barking at midnight. He returns at the appointed time for the howl, then fades away, and everyone knows the next day will find humans restored to their waking powers. A mild spoof of humanity (especially the English Cabinet with George Brown) that tends to overwork a casual construct of late summer madness.

Pub Date: April 1, 1968

ISBN: 0312156642

Page Count: -

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1968

Categories: FICTION