The Call of the Wild by Jack London 97 p.
White Fang by Jack London 225 p.
These
are not really children’s stories, although they are often abridged and adapted
for young readers. The two books are companion pieces. The Call of the Wild tells the story of Buck, a St. Bernard mix,
who is kidnapped and put on a dogsled team. Buck eventually succumbs to the “call
of the wild”, escaping the team and joining a wolf pack. White Fang, a wolf with just a touch of husky, is born wild but
ultimately becomes a dedicated companion to the man who saved his life.
The
economic prose conveys the harsh and often violent Arctic landscape. London gives
the dogs and wolves distinct personalities, without any hint of
anthropomorphism. The action is nonstop while the books also explore some
fairly complex themes.
I think I
may also re-read London’s “To Build a Fire”, but only wrapped in a snug blanket,
sitting near the hot woodstove.
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