This novel is about a dog named Enzo who can understand people but cannot speak. Through observing his master, a racecar driver named Denny Swift, Enzo gains tremendous insight into the human condition. He learns that in life, as in racing, it is not about going fast but using proper technique to navigate challenges. At the end of the book, Enzo recalls key events in Denny's life and career and helps preserve the Swift family, holding Denny's dream to become a champion. The story hints that Enzo is reincarnated as a human, which was his dream.
2. PLOT OF THE NOVEL
This novel about is about a dog named Enzo. Enzo is
different from other dogs. He can understand
people, but is unable to talk because his tongue is
too long and flat. Enzo’s soul is nearly human and he
is sort of a philosopher with his observant behavior
and intelligent mind. Enzo educated himself by
watching television and listening closely to the words
of his master, racecar driver, Denny Swift.
3. INSIGHT OF ENZO
Enzo gained tremendous insight into
the human condition. He makes the
connection that life itself, like
racing, is not about going “fast”. He
concludes that if one uses the
proper techniques, like on a
racetrack, one can successfully
navigate all of life’s ordeals.
4. ENDING OF THE NOVEL
As Enzo ages towards the end of the book, he takes
stock of his life and recalls all the events the book
mentions. He recalls the sacrifices Denny has made
to succeed in racing, the unexpected loss of his
Denny’s wife, Eve and Denny’s battle with his in-laws
over custody of his daughter, Zoe. The novel ends
with Enzo coming through heroically to preserve the
Swift family, holding in his heart the dream Denny
had to become a racing champion with Zoe at his
side. The ending of the story hints that Enzo is
reincarnated as a human, which was his dream all
along.
5. REVIEW OF THE NOVEL
The story, for me, is a heart-wrenching,
but deeply funny and uplifting story of
family, love, and hope. The novel is
crafted nicely and is a captivating look at
the wonders and absurdities of human
life.