Road-side Dog

This is a small and beautiful book from the Polish poet and essayist Czeslaw Milosz, translated from Polish by the author and Robert Haas. By small I mean size. By beautiful I mean that it's physically lovely but also that it's filled with short, poetic musings by Milosz, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1980. Here's an example from page 76: "When I was, as they say, in harmony with God and the world, I felt I was false, as if pretending to be someone else. I recovered my identity when I found myself again in the skin of a sinner and nonbeliever." And there's much more to enjoy....

A friend recommended "Road-side Dog". I bought a used copy (cheaper & without marks). The previous owner left post-it notes on the pages she found "significant". It was interesting to read the pages she thought helpful and inspirational. Quite a different selection than I would make. I'm not looking for help with life or a devotional guide. The previous owner was apparently looking for spiritual/life help. While the book has insights, I don't find it a devotional/life help book. Maybe it can be a catalyst for that type of thought. It seemed that the previous owner didn't find what she was looking for.I just wanted something to read that shows the mind of this author and his poetic prose style. He is always entertaining and thought provoking at times. He gives his insights and displays his character freely. He writes delightfully (as many professional writers can do). It is a joy to read these pages (one idea/thought/situation per page--not a continuous story).

Milosz writes so sparingly, so effortlessly and with such whimsicality (one cover reviewer refers to Milosz' essential "elusiveness") that one is simply not aware of technique. I am reminded of the way that the notes of a Mozart symphony or Bach cantata seem to spring forth in perfect order yet with absolute spontaneity. Having recently read the novel "The Issa Valley" I was not disappointed in "The Road-side Dog" although the form is completely different. The latter consists of a collection of one paragraph to several page prose vignettes and similarly sparing poems. If a great short story writer takes the reader on a journey and communicates insights in in several pages, Milosz in this book does the same in no more than several paragraphs. Discovering Milosz in the last 12 months has made a wonderful impact on my literary life.Philip Pogson

I first bought this book when it came out years ago and have traveled with it ever since. Milosz's keen, witty observations are always thought-provoking and, to me, deeply inspirational. After years of reading in this book, I am most impressed with its emotional honesty about craft, aging, the cynical world situation, and the dubious rewards of fame. He is a literary giant, and this is my favorite of all his works.

Wonderful book, thoughtful, wise, read it

Didn't really get it but then again stuff like this was never my strong suit so I'm sure it's good for someone. Just not me.

It was a blessing to have this book fall upon my lap. So much beauty in his charming poems. They speak of loss and love and the ongoing search to find a purpose. Can't recommend this book enough!

Milosz has given us another wonderful book - one firmly planted in memories but not obcessed with the past. A wonderful section is devoted to poetic ideas that he has never written which he offers as potential ideas for those who are younger. Unlike many who espouse religion, he is very open regarding sexual desires and as such he appears to be a whole and genuine person not a literary front. As for the quality of his poetry and prose, there is a reason he was awarded a Nobel Prize for Literature - this book confirms the appropriateness of that award.

Gave the first copy away to a good friend, needed to get another copy. It is a good read and re-read