Cold Dog Soup

Cold Dog Soup by Stephen Dobyns, published by Penguin Books in 1991, is a literary fiction work that follows the misadventures of Latchmer, an innocent navigating the complexities of New York City. With a job at Xerox and a date with the intriguing Sarah Hughes, Latchmer’s life takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself burdened with the task of disposing of a dead dog. This narrative sets the stage for a unique journey filled with both humor and existential reflection.

As Latchmer traverses the city streets, accompanied by Jean-Claude, a philosophically inclined Haitian cab driver, he grapples with his past and the absurdities of life. The story unfolds as a blend of dark comedy and introspection, exploring themes of guilt and the unexpected connections that arise in times of crisis. Readers will encounter a vivid portrayal of Latchmer’s odyssey, where the simple act of dealing with a dead dog becomes a catalyst for deeper self-discovery and confrontation with his own history. This edition spans 231 pages and is presented in English.