The Dog Stars
The Dog Stars is a 2012 post-apocalyptic fiction novel by Peter Heller.[1]
 First edition | |
| Author | Peter Heller |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Post-apocalyptic, adventure |
| Publisher | Alfred A. Knopf |
Publication date | August 7, 2012 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Pages | 320 |
Plot
Set in Colorado after the world's population has been ravaged by a pandemic, a man lives a lonesome existence in an airplane hangar with his dog and a dour gunman he has befriended. When a mysterious transmission comes through on the radio while he is flying his old Cessna, it sparks a hunt for the provenance of the sound.[1][2][3][4][5]
Reception
NPR described the novel as "crackerjack" and said: "With its soulful hero, macabre villains, tender (if thin) love story and action scenes staggered at perfectly spaced intervals, the story unfolds with the vigor of the film it will undoubtedly become. But it also succeeds as a dark, poetic and funny novel in its own right."[6]
The Boston Globe also had praise for the novel, stating, "Peter Heller serves up an insightful account of physical, mental, and spiritual survival unfolded in dramatic and often lyrical prose, a difficult tale in which unexpected hope persistently flickers amid darkness."[5]
Film adaptation
On November 8, 2024, it was announced that Ridley Scott would direct a film adaptation of the novel for 20th Century Studios from a screenplay by Mark L. Smith, with Jacob Elordi as lead. Elordi replaces Paul Mescal, who had previously worked with Scott on Gladiator II, and production is expected to begin in spring 2025.[7]
Variety reported on February 12, 2025 that Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley and Guy Pearce had also been cast in the project.[8]
References
- ^ a b "What We're Reading: Postapocalit, "Love Among the Chickens"". The New Yorker. 2012-10-26. Retrieved 2016-12-18.
- ^ "Book Review – The Dog Stars by Peter Heller". The Masters Review. Retrieved 2016-12-18.
- ^ "Book Review: 'The Dog Stars' by Peter Heller". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved 2016-12-18.
- ^ "Book Review: The Dog Stars". The Bark. Retrieved 2016-12-18.
- ^ a b "A review of the book 'The Dog Stars'by Peter Heller - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved 2016-12-18.
- ^ Reese, Jennifer (7 August 2012). "'Dog Stars' Dwells on the Upside of Apocalypse". NPR.
- ^ Kroll, Justin; Fleming, Mike Jr. (2024-11-08). "Ridley Scott Back In Arena With 'Gladiator II' Star Paul Mescal On 'The Dog Stars' At 20th Century". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ^ "Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce to Star in Ridley Scott's 'The Dog Stars'". 12 February 2025.