Is Dog Boy Based On A True Story?

I’ve seen a lot of buzz around 'Dog Boy,' and it’s one of those stories that feels so raw and visceral that it’s easy to wonder if it’s rooted in real events. The novel, written by Eva Hornung, is actually a work of fiction, but it’s inspired by a harrowing real-life case—the story of Ivan Mishukov, a Russian boy who survived on the streets of Moscow in the 1990s by living among wild dogs. Hornung took that haunting premise and expanded it into a deeply emotional exploration of survival, identity, and the blurred line between humanity and animal instinct.

What makes 'Dog Boy' so compelling is how it digs into the psychological and physical transformation of its protagonist, Romochka, as he adapts to life with a pack of dogs. The details feel unnervingly authentic, from the way he learns to communicate through barks and body language to the gradual erosion of his human habits. Hornung’s research into feral children and animal behavior clearly shines through, giving the story a gritty realism that sticks with you long after the last page. It’s not a direct retelling of Ivan’s story, but the echoes are there—especially in the way it captures the desperation and resilience of a child abandoned by society.

I’ve always been drawn to stories that challenge our ideas of what it means to be human, and 'Dog Boy' does that in spades. It’s a tough read at times, but there’s something oddly beautiful about Romochka’s bond with his makeshift family. Makes you wonder how much of our humanity is taught versus innate. If you’re into gritty, thought-provoking fiction that lingers, this one’s a must-read.