Jiang Rong's Wolf Totem


Jiang Rong's 'Wolf Totem', translated by Howard Goldblatt, is a haunting read which made me yearn to experience a walk with wolves on the Mongolian Steppe, a large expanse of grassland currently undergoing the process of desertification along with the dwindling number wolves.

The novel, drawn from the writer's real life experience, depicts the battle for survival between man and wolves under the onslaught of modernization. The main character, Chen Zen, captivated by the mystifying wolves in the grassland, adopts a cub despite having to run the gauntlet of disapproving local authorities and nomad herders. He tries to tame the cub, only to find it become increasingly wild and beyond control,  The prose is vivid and powerful, sending me on a roller-coaster of emotions  and leaving me ponder upon life for a long time after finishing the book.


Comments

Unknown said…
currently reading song of ice and fire - a feast for crows, but definitely gonna check this wolf totem afterwards.
November 27, 2011 at 1:14 AM
A Bookaholic said…
Wowwww! I have been contemplating whther to purchase this title or not...Was drawn by its synopsis, but wasn't sure whthr it was worth the 'investment'...Now that I've read ur review I think I'd give it a try. But I prefer this cover u've featured better! Where did you get this Tai Tai?
November 27, 2011 at 10:38 PM
Anonymous said…
I got it at Popular. However, the novel is panned by many people who label it as a fascist book.
November 28, 2011 at 11:16 PM
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