REVIEW: The Call of the Wild (Jack London)

Book: The Call of the Wild

Author: Jack London

Premise: Buck, a magestic dog from California, is stolen from his home and sent to work in the harsh world of the Klondike during the gold rush. In the frozen wastelands, Buck lives by the crack of the whip and the blow of the club. But his story is one of love and loyalty between man and beast.

[⚠️TW: animal cruelty]

This story was a gradual transition from domesticated to wild. We see Buck being taken from his home and sent to work in the Klondike. The change is so sudden and cruel. He quickly learns how to survive the climate, obey the humans and gain power amongst the animal pack. Towards the end we see the wilderness beckoning strongly, encouraging him to remove the shackles of obedience. The bits of animal cruelty were hard to read but the ending is rewarding.