Rating: 
Summary: Warning: NOT alt history
Review: Amazon recommended this book to me and having read the description of the content and the praise in some of the comments about it this seemed justified. Even if I had some doubts its basic idea, namely that the Boer War was an event that defined the beginning of the decline of the British Empire, is one I share. Being also a fan of alt history I ordered the book and started to read. I got as far as page 132 before I decided to quit.
Since I neither own a bulldog nor ever aspire to do so I guess I was disqualified from enjoying it. Because this book is NOT alt history but should rather be qualified as fantasy. God makes an appearance and tells us that a) the Jews are His chosen people and b) that bulldogs are his chosen dogs.
Sometimes amazon lures you into buying trash.
Rating: 
Summary: Gamekeeper's Night Dog
Review: As a young boy I read every single dog book I could find; Jack London's being the first several and the best. Later I became a history buff and loved Michener-type historical novels. Mr. Putnam to my great delight has managed to combine my two favorite subjects in a sweeping novel that interrelates the former might and soul of Britain with the decline of Britain's symbol of courage, the Bulldog, in an elegant and thoughtful way. There is more than enough information to suit history lovers, and the dogs are formidable and awe inspiring. What an enjoyable book!!
Rating:
Summary: sheds light on Iraq war
Review: Does any of this sound familiar? Britain, the world's only superpower invades the Boer Republics in South Africa, not because they pose a threat to the global hegemon, but rather under the banner of democratic reform. Most of the world's other great powers castigate Britain and claim that she is only interested in South Africa's mineral wealth. Only a few trusted allies stick by her side. Britain wins a conventional war only to be caught flat-footed by an unexpected and bloody guerilla war that lasts for years. This is what happened in the pages of history. In Night Dog the Boer War is very different. I won't give away plot lines, but suffice it to say that the differences are relevant to America's current quagmire in Iraq. Night Dog is a real page turner. I see in some of the other reviews that a couple militant atheists are offended by references to God. Out of 490 pages there are about two that are overtly religious. If this sort of thing offends you, simply skim through these two pages. The book is worth it.
Rating:
Summary: unexpected pleasure
Review: I am niether of fan of war or dogs, but throughly enjoyed this novel. Mr. Putnam develops his characters and revels their moral conflicts. I found this book to be more about courage, personel choices and questioning beliefs. The author does an excellent job of bringing his characters to life, and the era in which they are living. I can't wait for the next one!!!
Rating:
Summary: Black hole works for me
Review: I found the dream sequence where god is described as a black hole to be one of the best aspects of this book. Every other alternate history novel that I've ever read simply takes a path of divergence, with no explanation offered. History takes a different path, but why? It is refreshing to find a science fiction author not afraid to tackle the ghost in the machine. Let's face it, having the South win the Civil War in a Harry Turtledove novel, or Zulus fighting in the Boer War in the Gamekeeper, means that some kind of supernatural intervention has occurred.
Rating:
Summary: What a great book!
Review: I have been remiss in not getting a review of this book done sooner. The novel is extradorinaly well written and weaves a complex, yet engaging tale. Of special note is the use of dogs throuhout the book as both a symbol and metaphor. However, this is not a book just for dog lovers--I have had several friends read the book who are CAT LOVERS-- and they loved the book too! Fans of history will find special enjoyment in the novel. I knew nothing abot the Boer wars and felt both enlightend and entertained.
Rating:
Summary: What a great book!
Review: I have been remiss in not getting a review of this book done sooner. The novel is extradorinaly well written and weaves a complex, yet engaging tale. Of special note is the use of dogs throuhout the book as both a symbol and metaphor. However, this is not a book just for dog lovers--I have had several friends read the book who are CAT LOVERS-- and they loved the book too! Fans of history will find special enjoyment in the novel. I knew nothing abot the Boer wars and felt both enlightend and entertained.
Rating: 
Summary: My opinion of The Gamekeeper's Night Dog-
Review: I just finished reading my copy. I feel this is a very well written novel. It was entertaining, while still sticking closely to historical events of the time. The character development was very good, you really have a sense of being there while the events are unfolding. Mr. Putnam, keep up the good work.
Greg Souza
PS I hope there will be a sequel!
Rating:
Summary: Great New Book
Review: If you are an "alternate history" afficianado, don't miss this excellent new book. It is creative, but also very readable and credible. Marvelous use is made throughout of several canine species, but you don't need to be a dog enthusiast to enjoy it."Night Dog" is based on quite plausible shifts in the geopolitical, technological, and economic developments which characterized the seminal period between the late Victorian 1800s in England, the Boer War, and the outbreak of World War I. This was an era that in turn cast long shadows over the rest of the 20th Century. This novel features splendid adaptations of well-known historical figures and groups - including an aging Queen Victoria and a youthful Winston Churchill; industrial pioneers such as Hiram Maxim, Henry Ford, and Germany's Herr Daimler (founder of Mercedes/Benz); plus the famous Zulu nation of Africa - which is cast in a truly unique role. Comparatively, Putnam's writing style attractively combines Harry Turtledove's depth and Harry Harrison's pace, with an intriguing bit of religious mysticism blended in. This is the first book in a trilogy. I'm looking forward eagerly to reading the ensuing volumes.
Rating:
Summary: Great New Book
Review: If you are an "alternate history" afficianado, don't miss this excellent new book. It is creative, but also very readable and credible. Marvelous use is made throughout of several canine species, but you don't need to be a dog enthusiast to enjoy it. "Night Dog" is based on quite plausible shifts in the geopolitical, technological, and economic developments which characterized the seminal period between the late Victorian 1800s in England, the Boer War, and the outbreak of World War I. This was an era that in turn cast long shadows over the rest of the 20th Century. This novel features splendid adaptations of well-known historical figures and groups - including an aging Queen Victoria and a youthful Winston Churchill; industrial pioneers such as Hiram Maxim, Henry Ford, and Germany's Herr Daimler (founder of Mercedes/Benz); plus the famous Zulu nation of Africa - which is cast in a truly unique role. Comparatively, Putnam's writing style attractively combines Harry Turtledove's depth and Harry Harrison's pace, with an intriguing bit of religious mysticism blended in. This is the first book in a trilogy. I'm looking forward eagerly to reading the ensuing volumes.
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