My Name Is Gucci: A Dog’s Story (Sun Jung, Transit Lounge)
Inyeon is a Korean word and Buddhist term meaning ‘destiny’ or ‘karmic relation’, representing the concept that two beings are bound to interact with each other in one way or another through endless reincarnations. In Sun Jung’s novel My Name Is Gucci, a Dalmatian crossbreed takes readers on a journey through his relationship with his current owner across several lives. In this life, Gucci is an ex-shelter dog who has been brought to Sydney from Singapore after his owner (a human woman in this life) saw him in a dream, an act directly related to the perpetual inyeon that Gucci and his owner experience. Gucci is a self-professed sage with thousands of years of life and countless rebirths to his name. Sun Jung (Bukit Brown; The Letter, I Sent You) has done an excellent job of writing a narrative through an animal’s eyes—not an easy feat, but one that’s helped by Gucci’s sophisticated vocabulary (which makes sense considering his age). The author expertly takes the reader back and forth through time, and between Gucci’s other lives, and has crafted a strong voice and personality for Gucci—wise, charming, meditative. The book will appeal to readers who love The Friend by Sigrid Nunez, not just because of the canine content but because of the seamless writing and sophisticated storytelling. My Name Is Gucci is clever and wise and will make you consider your reason for being.
Books+Publishing reviewer: Danielle Bagnato is a book reviewer and marketing and communications professional. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.
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Category: Friday Unlocked reviews Reviews