The Call of the Wild by Jack London

By: Jack London

Call of the Wild is an emotional rollercoaster of a novel set during the late 19th century Klondike Gold Rush. The central character is Buck, an Alaskan sled dog who is forced to adjust to the cruel climate in order to survive. If you have even a remote love of dogs then you will fall head over heels in love with this book. In fact, take away the fact that Buck is a dog and the story is the same, a struggle against greed and to live a life of freedom.

London spent a year in Yokel researching the book, making it extremely detailed, very simplistic in its descriptions and genuinely heartfelt. Essentially the book explores the concept of survival of the fittest, as we join Buck's fall from grace, when he is kidnapped for work, and the desire to rise again. Power struggles ensue when we meet Buck's rival Spritze and we see how brutal the world can be. The vivid descriptions of nature are where this book excels. London is an expert at writing about survival in a natural world. When we are forced into extreme condition, we have to rely on our instinct, what is primitive to us, themes mirrored in Buck's journey throughout the book

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B091NP9GST
• ISBN13: 9798733328409
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 66 Pages
• Weight: 0.18 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 5.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Buck realizes his potential.

"The Indians in this frozen land tell of a ghost dog that runs at the head of a wolf pack. - They are afraid, for it has more strength than any wolf, more cunning than any dog. No one knows from whence he came or why he stays." Gold was found in Alaska, and the rush to obtain it required a strong constitution and many dogs to do the work that horses usually did in the United States. The environment breeds harsh attitudes. Also, in the testing of one's mettle, one finds one’s true potential. Buck (a dog that is half St. Bernard and half Shepherd) goes through many lives, trials, and tribulations, finally realizing his potential. On the way, he learns many concepts, from surprise to deceit and cunning; he also learns loyalty, devotion, and love. As he grows, he feels the call of the wild. And so do we. This book is well written. There is not a wasted word or thought, and the story, while building on itself, has purpose and direction. The descriptions may be a tad graphic for the squeamish and a tad sentimental for the romantic. You see the world through Buck's eyes and understand it through his perspective until you also feel the call of the wild.