This novel by American writer John Fante is an autobiographical work about his wife, children and a dog which shows up on their doorstep one night. Out of nowhere. From a dog that should be gotten rid of, it becomes a being in which the main character Henri starts to see support for overcoming his children growing up and leaving the house, for beating writer's block and dealing with his job. By observing Stupid and with his desire to make this very dog his own, he becomes more aware of himself, his actions, weaknesses...