s novel
has two protagonists: a human, Denny, and his dog, Enzo, who is also the narrator. When the
novel begins, the frail, elderly Enzo is reflecting on his life with Denny, with whom he has
lived since he was a puppy, and on the concept of mortality. The mature Denny lives with his
daughter, Zoe, and works as a mechanic. The young Denny had been a gifted but reckless racecar
driver to whom Enzo became deeply devoted. Dennys special gift was for racing in the
rain.
Gradually Enzo had to adjust to Dennys new girlfriend, Eve, who soon
became his wife and not long after became pregnant. Enzo describes these events as he understood
them from a puppys perspective. Enzo and Eve also become close when Denny is driving in a race
when she goes into labor and delivers the baby at home, with Enzo nearby. She asks him to take
care of the baby, Zoe, and his devotion quickly encompasses her.
Tragically,
Eve develops a serious illness and the family struggles with her treatment and Dennys frequent
absences for races. Within a few years, she stops responding to or even seeking treatment.
Because Denny is gone so much, Eve and Zoe go to live with her parents. After her death, the
grandparents start a custody battle. Further plot complications ensue when Denny is accused of
sexual assault by a teenage girl.
Enzo is allowed to visit Zoe at her
grandparents along with Denny. Enzo develops arthritis and Denny goes broke paying legal fees.
Dennys parents, from whom he had been estranged, re-enter his life for moral and financial
support. After the girl admits she lied and the case is dismissed, Denny gets a fabulous job as
a race car driver in Italy. Before he can leave, however, Enzo dies. Denny and Zoe move to Italy
and meet a boy who is Denny's fan, named Enzo.
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