White Fang by Jack London
White Fang by Jack London
I was never assigned this book in school unlike some others I know, so it was interesting to read this for the first time after hearing so many different things about it.
White Fang chronicles the harsh realities of life with both humans and animals. This book begins with two men carrying the body of a third using their dog sled team. There has been a lack of prey to hunt and each night an additional dog goes missing. Finally, they see the culprit - a she wolf luring their dogs away. Soon the men are fighting to survive against the wolf pack as well. The She-Wolf who is really half dog and half wolf eventually mates with another wolf in the pack, and White Fang is their only surviving pup from a harsh winter.
White Fang's early life is quite good. He is inquisitive and his instincts help him learn important survival skills while he explores and hunts the world outside his home. One day, White Fang and his Mother come across men, or “Gods" and their lives drastically change. Soon, they are separated and White Fang is introduced to very harsh situations and learns about the cruelty that can occur during one's lifetime. He experiences pains of not fitting in, separation and beatings.
White Fang's life becomes crueler when he is bought by a man who throws him into underground fights. This was the point I almost cried for poor White Fang. But, fret not as White Fang is saved by a rancher and learns trust, kindness and eventually love.
I enjoyed how the novel is mainly told through White Fang's point of view. It gives the reader a great look at White Fang's impulses, instincts, personality, fears and thoughts in both terrible situations and wonderful moments. Overall, it was well written and Jack London brilliantly described the environment and elements through the eyes of an animal while still making sense for a human.
Synopsis: White Fang is part dog and part wolf, and the lone survivor of his family. In his lonely world, he soon learns to follow the harsh law of the North--kill or be killed. But nothing in White Fang's life can prepare him for the cruel owner who turns him into a vicious killer. Will White Fang ever know the kindness of a gentle master?