Ordinary Wolves

Seth Kantner

This is not a book for impatient readers. Seth Kantner has written a long slow read. The story is based on a white family who lives in northwest Alaska. The father of the family (Abe) has decided to shun society and material possessions and move his family to a sod igloo in Alaska. The story is narrated by the youngest son of three children. The mother abandons the family when the boy is only a couple of years old.

The three siblings, Jerry, Iris and Cutuk live without any modern convinces.

Although this is not an easy read, the author often uses the Eskimo dialect, it is an excellent book. Kantner, who himself lives in northwest Alaska, has the ability to paint a vivid picture of his surroundings. His story is not only one of a families struggles, but also the struggle of nature versus the ever encroaching materialistic world. Kantner also raises the issue of racism and what is like to be white in a Native society.

I wouldn't recommend this book to "all" readers but to those who enjoy "mentally traveling" or immersing yourself in another world, this is an excellent book.

Will be on my top ten for 2004 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!