He woke with a start, scraped ice from the wintry window, and saw the dog—fearful and sniffing the air—then running as if for a distant star. Bul lied and virtually friendless, Joel Gustafson escapes into his imagination by searching nightly for that dog in his insubstantial, northern Swedish village. He creates a secret society and invites Ture, new to town, to join. Their mid night reconnaissance forays take a cruel turn when Ture usurps power from Joel. Readers viscerally comprehend the constant loneliness and isolation that eleven-year-old Joel experiences. The translator uses strong language as emphasis in one angry scene. lmp

Originally published as Hunden Som Sprang Mot en Stjärna in Swedish by Rabén & Sjögren, in 1990. Translated by Laurie Thompson.

This poignant novel explores how a unilateral decision can change a life.

Two things are hard for Joel Gustafson to cope with: not knowing why, and not being able to do anything about it. Joel’s father was once a sailor who lived by the sea. Joel’s mother once lived with them. Joel’s father abandoned the sea. Joel’s mother abandoned Joel and his father.

While looking out his window one night, Joel sees a lonely dog on the street. Joel spots the animal again and begins sneaking out night after night, trying to find it. During these nocturnal outings, Joel discovers aspects of life he has never imagined. And then one night he discovers that his father’s bed, too, is empty.

As Joel investigates his father’s mysterious absences and continues to search for the dog, he discovers his own inner strength and learns about adult disappointments and needs.