Michael, Brother of Jerry

"Michael, Brother of Jerry" by Jack London is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. This story follows the adventures of Michael, an Irish terrier, as he navigates the human world after being separated from his former companion, Jerry. Through Michael's eyes, readers will explore themes of companionship, loyalty, and the brutal realities of human nature, particularly the treatment of animals. The opening of the novel sets the stage with a foreword that reflects on the author's disdain for the cruelty involved in training animals for entertainment, a sentiment that affects his characters and their interactions. Michael is introduced on the shores of Tulagi, where he forms an immediate bond with Dag Daughtry, a ship's steward on the steamer Makambo. As Michael is mistaken for a lost dog and subsequently follows Daughtry on board, a series of events unfolds that involves Michael meeting new characters and confronting the complexities of loyalty and identity in a world where he is caught between the innocence of doghood and the harsh realities of mankind. This opening passage draws the reader into a narrative that promises to explore deeper issues surrounding humanity's relationship with animals while showcasing Michael's spirited personality.

Michael, Brother of Jerry, by Jack London. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #1730.