Barley, the main character of this novel, is a sweet and loyal companion who readers love. His story is interesting, however Marasco could have fleshed out his encounter with Jesus a bit more, and pushed the story along somewhat quicker. While this story is written from a dogs perspective and therefore simple, it seemed to drag in some places that left readers wondering when the next thing would happen. Despite this, it is a good story with a twist at the end that readers may not see coming. It is worth the read to anyone looking for a new take on the common life during the time of Christ.

Loved this story...Have shared it w/ all of my reading friends.

As a dog lover, I was intrigued to read a story about a dog who experienced first hand the life of Jesus. I didn't really know what to expect and now having read it I have a mix of thoughts as regards reviewing it.

I appreciated the grittiness of the story. We see the times of Jesus from the ground level so we get a taste of the dirt and squalor of certain areas of Jerusalem and other nearby locales. We get a view of the violence of the period, in particular, the ruthless and callous disregard the Romans had for life, both human and canine. For some readers this may be a bit confronting.

Barley is a rescue dog in the true sense of the description (we have 2 at home) and has a delightful spirit even though for much of his life he is poorly treated. But we do get to see him being loved by a married couple and later by a petty criminal, Samid, which Barley responds well too.

Jesus, or the Kind Man as Barley describes Him, doesn't really enter the story until about halfway and then it's not until the last 30% of the book when Barley gets up close to Him in His last days. And the crucifixion scene is tremendously portrayed from the eyes of Barley.

What I found challenging about the novel is that not a lot happens in the first half and I struggled to get through to it. I kept wondering when Jesus was going to become more prominent as that's what the title alluded to. I was confused by the POV quite a lot. The author jumped between Barley and 3rd person narrator frequently to the extent they almost meshed. I felt Barley often saw things through a human and not, a dog perspective.

The last third of the novel was very good to read with a couple of very clever twists which amped up the emotional connection I had to the story. However, there is so much quality reading material available I'm not sure I'm able to recommend this one.

I received a complimentary Netgalley advanced readers' copy of "The Dog who was There" via Litfuse. This is an independent and honest review of the book.

A Dog Witnesses the Last Days of the Messiah

Barley lived with a woodcarver and his wife. He dearly loved the old couple who had rescued him as a pup, but he could also remember a young boy who played with him before he was rescued. When Duv and Adah, his owners, are murdered, Barley finds himself on the streets again. Ultimately he arrives in Jerusalem during the last days of Jesus.

The story is told through Barley’s eyes. He’s a wonderful character, loving, wanting to have a family and help his people. The first chapters are slow. We meet Adah and Duv. Barley dreams of his young boy and the tenor of the book is comfortable. However, when Barley gets to Jerusalem, the tenor changes. Some of the scenes he witnesses are quite violent.

The setting is well done and believable as are the characters Barley interacts with. Although the pace is slow in the first half of the book, it picks up at the end as Barley witnesses the violent end of the Messiah.

I enjoyed the book and recommend it. Although it’s an adult book, the writing is clear and simple as befits the story told by the dog. Unless there is an objection to the violent scenes, this book could also be enjoyed by young adult readers.

I received this book from the Lifuse Publicity Group for this review.

If you’ve read my blog at all, looked at my photos, or know me then you know that I am a dog lover. I believe this is why this book intrigued me. First, I was drawn in by the cover. Yes, I am one of those people. Second, the blurb or book description was just the bait needed to hook me. I am a sucker for dogs and Jesus!

Marasco has put such love into this simply written yet powerful novel. He was able to send me back to the days of Jesus Christ. I felt the love Barley felt for his friends and masters, the dust on my feet from him walking down the road, the fear he felt when he was left all alone, and the hope he felt when he found Samid and the Kind Man. Witnessing Christ’s last days through Barley’s eyes struck me in a completely different way. Seeing the crucifixion had to be the worst thing anyone could see, and being the visual person that I am, I felt like I could see what Barley saw.

I feel like I would not give an honest review if I didn’t tell you that there are parts of this book that are difficult to read for both dog lovers, and Jesus lovers alike. I was so glad I pushed through and finished this book. It has stuck with me for months, and I expect it to stay with me for much longer. I recommend this book for everyone!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I was drawn to this book because I found it fascinating to read about Jesus through the eyes of a dog. I instantly liked Barley and enjoyed his journey. The author really captured my attention from the beginning. Barley , along with his siblings and mother were having fun playing in the grass when someone decided to end their adventure. I felt myself holding my breath at the dramatic escape Barley made. The author really brings the story to realism with words that grasp your attention.

Barley is sweet, loveable and curious. He wanted to be accepted and loved and I thought that was a great addition to the story. We all go through life wanting to be loved and along the way we learn what unconditional love is through the teachings of Jesus. The book is well written and easy to follow. I loved the description of the time period and felt as if I were there walking along side Barley. I especially liked the many lessons Barley learned liked forgiveness, love, family and struggles throughout his journey.

Barley and people he meets along the way will encounter danger, compassion and a familiar story told in a way that leaves you weeping. I loved every moment of the story and found it hard to put down. It's a great book and relates to our own struggles with forgiveness . What would it be like to meet the Messiah? I highly recommend this book to everyone.

I received a copy of this book from LitFuse Blogger Group. The review is my honest opinion.

This book got off to a bit of a slow start for me but by the time I reached the end, it was very good.

The main character is Barley, a dog trying to survive near Jerusalem at the time of Jesus. He's mistreated and nearly drowned but finds a home with a woodcarver. When Barley loses that master, he travels dangerous roads until he meets a robber. The two have exciting experiences in Jerusalem. Barley's life takes another twist as he sees the greatest event in all of history.

This novel is one about the time of Christ from a very different viewpoint. A very familiar story was portrayed in a way that is new and interesting. Readers are given a view of the society of the day, including how many felt toward stray dogs. It was a violent time and people mistreated animals and humans, so be prepared.

For this reader, the violence was a little hard to take. Some of the actions toward Barley brought up memories from my childhood and the various techniques used on the farm to be rid of unwanted puppies. For most readers, this may not be an issue.

I recommend this novel to those who would like to read of the time of Jesus from a new viewpoint. Be prepared for the portrayal of the violence of that time. Also be prepared for a very touching conclusion to the novel. You just may have to have some tissues nearby.

I received a complimentary egalley of this novel through Litfuse. My comments are an independent and honest review.

The Dog Who Was There by Ron Marasco is a beautiful novel and one that will remain in your heart long after the last page is read.
The novel is told through the eyes of Barley, a small seven year old dog. The reader witnesses his search for a home, for love, for a place to belong. Barley is a metaphor for us - we all need a home, love and a place to belong. We find our home is not in bricks and mortar. Our home is in a person and His name is Jesus.
Barley 'sees' the final week of Jesus' life as he follows the Kind Man. The Kind Man has compassion for all, even a small dog. The Kind Man has compassion for you and for me.
The Dog Who Was There is breathtakingly beautiful. It speaks straight to your soul. It gives you a feeling of peace. It shows that the world needs kindness.
Barley was looking for a home. His home was found in people. Our home is found in Jesus.
Pure beauty in a book.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Set in first century Judea this compelling story will generate a range of emotions and provide enjoyment for religious and non religious readers. The story centers around a small dog called Barley, his experiences, the lessons he learns and the contact he has with The Teacher aka the Kind Man. Duv the woodcarver and Adah his wife rescue Barley after a traumatic separation from his mother and litter mates. Barley spends many happy days with them where they provide a home, love and introduce their beliefs and. It is here Barley first learns of The Teacher. After an unexpected event Barley is left homeless until taken in by Samid a petty thief. Samid lives at The Camp with others from the edge of society eg homeless until he is arrested for a crime he did not commit. Barley’s search for his master leads him to an unforgettable encounter with The Teacher and a surprise ending.
The author did a fantastic job of using a little dog to tell this famous story and the unexpected ending was a great way to finish after earlier events
Not only did I enjoy reading this book it also made me think outside of myself and how humans behave towards each other. It seemed to highlight a few important messages eg simple things in life are often the most important and people with the least often share the most. Despite not having any strong religious beliefs I still felt I gained something more than just enjoyment from reading this book.
The author did a fantastic job of telling such famous story through the eyes of a little dog. As an animal lover I am continually upset and amazed at the capacity humans have to commit acts of cruelty toward others.
This book is highly recommended for readers with an interest in animals, religion and others who just need to be reminded of the important things in life.
A digital copy of this book was obtained from the publisher via NetGalley and this review is solely mine.
A review will be posted on Amazon and the link provided once the book has been released (31 January 2017) and it is eligible to be reviewed.

When your favorite genre happens to be one that sees very few newcomers, you tend to get excited when a new author emerges. This was my primary impetus for reading Ron Marasco’s debut biblical fiction release, The Dog Who Was There. Marasco puts his own unique signature on this story by telling it from the point of view of a pup named Barley. Barley and his owners make their home in first century Judea where a new Teacher (Jesus) is creating quite a stir.

Much to my chagrin, the author’s execution failed to meet my expectations. Within the first 3 chapters, I began to question whether the story was written for middle grade readers or adults. I didn’t have a problem with the anthropomorphism of the dog, but rather the simple writing and dialogue. As I read on, I recognized the frequency in which the author uses Barley’s name. Once noticed, I couldn’t overlook it and it began to annoy me. The same was true with the repetition of “The Kind Man” during the crucifixion scenes. My final complaint is how little direct interaction the characters have with Jesus. Instead, the primary focus is on how people treat Barley and how his three different owners react to the words of the Teacher. Apart from the scenes at the foot of the cross, the author could have chosen any period of time and given his characters the opportunity to wrestle with Christ’s teachings. In lieu of these things I cannot recommend the book.

The dog who is there is a touching story of a young puppy and his trials on his journey to find Christ. This book infers that Christ touched everyone's heart including the young dog who didn't know who he was.

I was completely moved by the story, the trials and hard times this poor dog went through brought me to tears several times . Although the story broke my heart, I was overwhelmed with joy to see that Barley finally found the happiness he rightly deserved. This young dog had a heart of gold and all of his masters knew this and he saw the kindness in Jesus eyes and knew Jesus was love too. I loved that he finally ended up having a happily ever after. This was quite the tear jerker but a worthy read if you love dogs.