Finished "White Fang" by the infamous Jack London.
The only exposure I'd had to him before were the excerpts given to us in high
school. One of the most powerful books I've ever read.
Quickie Amazon Summary: In gripping detail, London bares the
savage realities of the battle for survival among all species in a harsh,
unyielding environment. White Fang is part wolf, part dog, a ferocious and
magnificent creature through whose experiences we see and feel essential
rhythms and patterns of life in the animal kingdom and among mankind as well.
I could
talk about this book forever. Basically, this wolf/dog hybrid named White Fang
makes his way through The Wild, kicking ass and taking out bad guys. He makes
friends with humans and even throws himself out a window to be with his master
at one point. Freaking alpha!
One of my
favorite books in the world ever ever. As is well known, Jack London spins a
deadly, unforgiving relationship between man and nature. What’s interesting
about this book in particular is that it begins through the perspective of man,
but quickly and permanently switches to a perspective through an animal’s eyes.
We don’t actually see through White Fang’s eyes until a good way through the
book, but it is so worth the wait. I can’t believe a man, a writer, was able to
so perfectly capture the thought and actions of a wolf dog. Completely. From
the moment it’s born to nearing the end of its life. Unbelievable.
Alright, I’ll
try to stop gushing long enough to get out an actual review. I cannot think of
one complaint I ever had about this novel. It expressed the simple, easy
reasoning for White Fang’s actions, but it felt as if I were in the mind of
an actual human. I’m not sure of this was because the book was in written form,
or because some of the thoughts drew similarities between man and wolf. Much
like a human, White Fang was new to the world at one point. Thrust into an
unknown world, protected by a mother, forced to fend for himself. At times, used
by other. At others, loved by many. From the beginning, White Fang learned
quickly the laws of the World, but by the end had formulated his own set of
rules that even included morals.
I cannot
possibly stress enough how important this book is to me. It’s something unlike
anything you’ll ever read, and I highly recommend it. My favorite (and most
emotional moment to boot) was when White Fang’s master was preparing to leave
on a boat to California to join the Gold Rush. Knowing White Fang would try to
follow, they locked him in the cabin and closed all the windows. This master
was more than just another person to White Fang, however. He saved White Fang
from a brutal, violent life. Cared for him, was patient with him when he could
trust no other man. White Fang, locked in the cabin, loved this man so much
that he threw himself through a goddamn window just to be with him. Tear jerker.
Rating: 10/10
Quote: “The hand descended. Nearer and nearer it came. It
touched the ends of his upstanding hair. He shrank down under it. It followed
down after him, pressing more closely against him. Shrinking, almost shivering.
He still managed to hold himself together. It was a torment, this hand that
touched him and violated his instinct. He could not forget in a day all the
evil that had been wrought him at the hands of men.”
Purchase here and donate to a charity of your choice using
Amazon Smile! I choose The Foundation to Decrease Worldsuck!
Next novel: Matched Series by Ally Condie
Lates,
Tyler
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