Mélodie is the memoir of a Japanese academic's life with his golden retriever—or rather of his golden retriever's life with him. The simple tale of Akira Mizubayashi and his family's time with Mélodie is interspersed with reflections on the close relationship between humans and animals.

Fidelity, waiting, attachment, love, death and family ties are all explored through the everyday demands and joys of loving a dog. In paying homage to Mélodie, Akira Mizubayashi offers a moving account of a faithful love.

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Akira Mizubayashi teaches French in Tokyo and has written three books in French. Une langue venue d'ailleurs was awarded the Prix littéraire de l'Asie, and Mélodie, chronique d'une passion won the Prix littéraire, 30 millions d'amis and the Prix littéraire de la Société centrale canine. His latest work is Petit éloge de l'errance.

Stephanie Anderson has worked as a researcher and tutor at ANU and has translated Mélodie.