This past summer, a cheechako in the Yukon, I brought with me Jack London’s great novel White Fang as an audio book.
I had read it in my youth, but knew White Fang would get me into the Yukon.
London is no brilliant wordsmith, but his ability to put himself into the mind of a wolf dog is staggering. He must have watched these animals for weeks and months.
The book brings home the harsh violence of wilderness. And the even greater violence of supposedly-civilized humans.
White Fang is sold to the sadistic coward Beauty Smith who wagers on him in dog fights. (After reading this account, I’m hoping they send Michael Vick to prison.)
The book also explores themes of morality and redemption. There’s a happy ending with the long suffering wolf playing with his puppies.
White Fang is not as good as London’s The Call of the Wild, but they are both worth reading.
Rick McCharles 