You’re Loopy if You Read This Book! (The Loop - Nicholas Evans)

Member Name: MGirl

Product:	The Loop - Nicholas Evans
Date:	11/07/01 (68 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: None

Disadvantages: Cliched, Predictable, 2D characters

I disagree with Biffer’s opinion on The Loop. I haven’t read The Horse Whisperer, so I don’t know if it’s as disappointing as this. A basic synopsis of the book is that a pack of wolves returns to of Hope, Montana, where a century earlier they were slaughtered by the thousands. A twenty nine year old wolf biologist called Helen Ross is sent to learn from and protect the wolves. She’s experienced personal problems with her father deciding to marry someone younger and prettier than Helen.

Predictably on her arrival, she finds out what she's up against, the rancher, Buck Calder, has got the community riled up after a wolf stalked his daughter's home and killed the family dog who was protecting a child. Helen enrages him further by indulging in a dubious affair with his 18-year-old son. (Is it only me that finds that a bit sick?)

In response to a comment, most people I know think it's worrying that Chris Evans and Billy Piper are now married. Isn't it just as bad the other way round?

I think one of the aims of this novel is to catalogue the demise of the traditional western way of life but it is written in such a way as you are meant to sympathise with Helen. I’m sorry but it failed. Of course, the reintroduction of wolves is a noble thing but I don’t blame the reaction of the town against the “Tree Huggers” of the city.

I think the biggest criticism I have of this text is the two-dimensionality of the characters. Not once did I imagine the people could be real because their opinions and responses were so clichéd. The opening scene is also unfortunately far more exciting than the closing one (which, sorry Biffer, is completely predictable.)

Summary: