In an attempt to restore the endangered wolf population wolves were released into various areas of government land. When a pack ventures into the Rocky Mountain ranching town of Hope, Montana the citizens are not happy. As their stock is threatened by the wolves, tensions grow to levels uncontrollable. The majority of the town opposes wolf restoration and humane removal of the pack. One family is split in their attempts to protect on one side and exterminate on the other. At the center of controversy is Helen Ross. She is a wolf biologist sent to Hope to determine the amount of alleged damage done by the wolves and protect them from those who wish to illegally destroy them. Falling in love with the son of her most powerful opponent does not help the situation.
For a nature loving “bunny-hugger” story with a little romance thrown in this is a good read. Author of another great work, The Horse Whisperer, Nicholas Evans takes no particular storyline over the top. There is a perfect balance throughout the work that would appeal to anyone looking for a relaxing read. Sometimes I find myself scan reading when a book takes a turn to the slow side. That never happened with this work. There were times when I had to force myself to put it down because I knew I wouldn’t be able to get up the next morning. Despite the fact that I understand the frustrations of the ranchers, I was pulling for the wolves throughout the book. Add it to your list of things to read sometime…you’ll find a great escape into the world of fiction as Evans describes the sights and sounds of the mountain setting, as well as a storyline dotted with humor and suspense that may even touch the heart.
Tags: Reviews and evaluation
September 15th, 2006 at 6:32 pm
Wow, through the first paragraph I thought you were either talking about a real story somewhere or a movie.
But a book! This is my calling to grab a book off the shelf, for once, as I have been enthralled with reading via the Internet. I miss books.
Excellent post, thanks for the reminder! Here via Michele.
September 15th, 2006 at 7:20 pm
Compellingly written review. Loup is french for wolf, is that the Loop in the title?
And hello, Michele sent me!
rashbre
September 15th, 2006 at 7:27 pm
Interesting rashbre, I didn’t know that. The loop in the title refers to a circle of life concept, as well as the trapping instrument used for lethal trapping of wolf pups.
September 16th, 2006 at 9:43 pm
Great book review! Nicholas Evans–isn’t he the Christmas box guy–but I haven’t read him. When I lived in Utah, I got to know several sheepherders (they were pretty big businessmen with 1000s of sheep), but they had problems with bears and coyotes and especially mountain lions. A bear or coyote would kill and eat a sheep, a lion would get into a herd and kill for fun, sometimes killing 10 or 20 in a night. Needless to say, they weren’t too fond of ideas like replanting wolves. Yet, I love listenting to them howl.
September 17th, 2006 at 3:25 pm
Wow I want to go out and get the book. That sounds great, plus I loved The Horse Whisperer and Nicholas Evans is an awesome writer!