White Fang - Jack London

I'm wary of animal stories getting dull and excessively anthropomorphic (human) but this work of Jack London's keeps clear of fatigue with a steely intent. One can sense throughout his urge or mission to portray and illuminate the harsh truth of 'evolving nature'. Short sentences and a vivid imagination bring the task to life with a pumping pace as we follow the hard struggle for life; the trials and tribulations of an animal / hero who, after a wild background and heritage, becomes the centre of our sympathy. It's through this sympathy that we are awakened - at times violently - to the truth about life and growth, via Darwin, and to an awareness of the ...  Read the complete review

This extraordinary tale was read to us by my Dad when I was about eight. My brother was three years older and he chose it. It kept us enthralled for weeks and it was the only book he read to us twice on the run at our request. When I heard it first I was left wondering at who were the civilised ones, the people or the animals? (As only an indignant eight year old can be!) It tells the tale of a hybrid dog/wolf and the terribly harsh life he has to endure in the frozen wilds of the Yukon territory in the days of the Gold Rush. Human and canine life is cheap there and his suffering and aggression just to survive, are graphically told. ...  Read the complete review