Ode to a rescued Hurricane Katrina dog, Peggy Race’s DESIREE, THE MUSIC OF MY SOUL is a sweet yet practical memoir for dog lovers everywhere in that it not only explores the joys of rescue-dog stewardship, but also the challenges. Though the author bonds with Desiree upon first sight, this Australian shepherd mix that managed to survive one of America’s worst natural disasters and its confusing aftermath has already gone through a lot in life. In previous times with other owners–along with stays at various shelters–Desiree has been known by many other names: Pup, Donut, Magic, Dog 1909. Events lead up to an eventual trip to the Best Friends shelter in Michigan after surviving Hurricane Katrina with a belly full of puppies ready to be born. This is where author and dog meet. However Race lives in another state and already has several dogs, at least one of whom also has emotional issues, as does the author herself, having recently lost her husband. So is it meant to be? Can this connection possibly be a match made in heaven when so many complications abound?
The fact that Race does adopt Desiree–and after significant transitionary bumps, her collection of dogs do eventually acclimate to one another, becoming family–is sure to give beleaguered dog owners hope. Of note is the sensitivity with which the author attempts to acknowledge the complexities of race relations in New Orleans, as well as the nation at large. Opening as a love letter full of tender reminiscences of Desiree upon her passing, the book tugs at the heart strings, yet its most significant weakness is that it could have done more. While there are scenes of Race playing detective as she endeavors to find out about Desiree’s past intrigue, most events are summarized rather than shown via active conversations or tangible dealings as they unfold. And most emotional content is stated rather than shown in ways likely to genuinely touch readers’ hearts, thus breaking cardinal writing rule #1: show don’t tell.
Peggy Race’s DESIREE, THE MUSIC OF MY SOUL is a sprawling memoir encapsulating much of the author’s life as it relates to dogs she has known, especially Desiree, an Aussie shepherd mix rescued from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Rich in patterns of synchronicities, tales spiral and swirl as a loving tribute to this special canine.
~C.S. Holmes for IndieReader