Black Gate, September 8, 2013

“The Dowry” by Peadar Ó Guilín

Reviewed by Louis West

Peadar Ó Guilín’s “The Dowry” is a quirky fantasy tale about an artist caught with a wizard’s daughter and transferred into a dog as punishment. Fiachra wakes, horrified to find everything different: Vision dulled, smells enhanced, and animal urges constantly striving to dominate his actions. At first he decides to kill himself. Then he learns that his body still lives and, if he finds this one magical pendent for his new master, he would be rewarded by being transferred back. Sadly, Fiachra’s naiveté is predictable. When he disposes of the pendant as ordered, the castle’s defenses against wizard attack fails. Everyone dies, and he’s left with a simple choice. Kill the weakling royal boy that’s befriended him or remain a dog.

I felt pity for Fiachra, not sympathy. By the end, I really didn’t care what choice he made. The royal boy, Conor, seemed underdeveloped since Fiachra basically ignored him throughout much of the story until the very end. Consequently, I didn’t believe that Fiachra was vested enough in the boy’s safety to give up his own freedom.

An intriguing story idea, but the execution fell flat for me.