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“No Pulling Back” by Ruth Ann Hanley (http://hanleyra.com/) is a story well told about a Roman fighter dog who is bred to kill in the amphitheater. Told entirely from the viewpoint of the dog, whom we meet as Daemon, it follows him from vicious “hero” of fights with bears, dogs and humans through his time with an equally vicious Roman soldier far away from home.
While Daemon spends time with the conquered people, his Roman master dies and he escapes his bondage.
While free, he saves a man from a dangerous mountain cat and his life begins to change. The man rewards the starving dog by feeding him and allowing him to stay near him, and to meet his friends, to watch him as he urges people to repent at a river.
When another man arrives and allows himself to be submerged in the river, Daemon senses a power he has never felt before and begins his journey to conversion and real heroism.
In some respects, reading the book is similar to reading Jack London’s “White Fang,” another story of a dog born wild who is tamed and brought to civilization.
In each book, there are some frightening elements, including graphic descriptions of fighting and death. In “No Pulling Back,” there is also a scene of Roman soldiers abusing a woman, but it’s told more through implication than actual description.
A difference between the books is Hanley’s retelling of New Testament stories, easily recognized by readers who have heard the Gospels during Lent and Easter, from the viewpoint of the fighting dog.
Without doubt, Hanley has told a gritty story with the intention of showing a different path to Jesus. As do many authors, she said she wrote the story that came to her. She didn’t give much thought to its audience, but despite the canine main character, she doesn’t see it as a children’s book.
Young adult readers, especially given the popularity of dystopian novels these days, probably could deal with the story. And, unlike dystopian novels, the clear roots of the tale in the stories of the Bible, show Hanley’s intention to demonstrate the power of Jesus on those around Him in life, death and resurrection.
Parents may want to read the book before letting their children read it, since they will be the best judges of their children’s readiness for the subject matter.
Among its supporters is Msgr. Thomas Dzielak, who met the author at the National Council of Catholic Women convention last year.
“I believe animal lovers, especially those who have dogs in their households, would find it very appealing and very spiritually inspirational,” he said.
Hanley originally subtitled her book “Tale of a Fighter Dog,” but recently asked some of her readers for suggestions for a new subtitle. “The Easter Dog” might be worth considering because his story follows that of us humans. And, as St. Pope John Paul said, “We are an Easter people.”
Enter before May 15, 2015, to win a copy of "No Pulling Back" by clicking on the link at the top of The Observer Book Club home page.
