I can’t remember ever reading a book quite like The Book of the Dun Cow. Granted, I read ten times more non-fiction than fiction, but I think even fiction aficionados find this story hard to categorize. Walter Wangerin is a gifted writer, but also unique. His style takes some getting used to. But once you read a few chapters on Dun Cow you’ll be so curious about where all this is going and what this all means that you’ll keep reading.
The Book of the Dun Cow is about Lord Chauntecleer, the proud and noble leader of the Community of the Meek that lives in and around the rooster’s coop. Opposite Chauntecleer (but perhaps similar to him in other ways) is the evil Cockatrice whose wickedness is animated by a supernatural underground monster called Wyrm. Wangerin’s story borrows from elements of Chaucer, ancient mythology, and medieval folklore. I don’t want to say too much more about the plot because you should experience it fresh for yourself. All I’ll say is that you’ll be surprised how moved you can be by strange characters like John Wesley Weasel, Mundo Cani Dog, Pertolote the beautiful hen, and the mysterious Dun Cow (dun refers to a brownish-gray color).
This book, which Wangerin is careful to say is not an allegory, did in me what all great stories are meant to accomplish. As I read through the book I found myself wanting to talk to my wife about it. I wanted to dissect it and tell her what I just read (she promises to read it soon). I wanted to experience the book with someone else. More than that, I found myself stirred with compassion for the meek. Alternately, I found myself roused to fight more courageously against evil. I was also provoked to see pride in my own life. And in a curious way I found myself almost moved to tears by the love, gentleness, loyalty, and pain of a chicken, a dog, and a cow.
You’ll just have to read the book for yourself to see what I mean.
