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A review by readingthroughthelists
White Fang by Jack London
adventurous
challenging
informative
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
It is almost impossible not to compare White Fang with its companion novel Call of the Wild, and in such a comparison, the edge definitely goes to Call of the Wild.
Both books share similar themes even as they move their central canines on opposite trajectories: White Fang toward the power and domination of man, and Buck toward the brutal, unforgiving world of the wild. Both works meditate on the nature of power, the unforgiving attitude of the cold north, the way human morality breaks down in the face of the survival instinct, and the love that a good man can have on a mistreated animal.
But where Call of the Wild is tight and focused, White Fang meanders and becomes repetitive in places. I also found the ending surprisingly unsatisfying. Given the brutality present both in Call of the Wild and even earlier in White Fang, it seems almost “out of character” for everything to work out so tidily.In my opinion, White Fang should have died defending Wheedon Scott--his unwavering loyalty to his “gods” resulting in the ultimate self-sacrifice, but his legacy still secured through Collie’s litter.
I also have many thoughts on the description and treatment of the “gods” throughout the novel, both Indigenous and white, but those will need some time and a re-read to properly parse out.
Both books share similar themes even as they move their central canines on opposite trajectories: White Fang toward the power and domination of man, and Buck toward the brutal, unforgiving world of the wild. Both works meditate on the nature of power, the unforgiving attitude of the cold north, the way human morality breaks down in the face of the survival instinct, and the love that a good man can have on a mistreated animal.
But where Call of the Wild is tight and focused, White Fang meanders and becomes repetitive in places. I also found the ending surprisingly unsatisfying. Given the brutality present both in Call of the Wild and even earlier in White Fang, it seems almost “out of character” for everything to work out so tidily.
I also have many thoughts on the description and treatment of the “gods” throughout the novel, both Indigenous and white, but those will need some time and a re-read to properly parse out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Animal death