45 pages • 1 hour read
White Fang
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Book Brief
252
Novel • Fiction
Yukon Territory • 1890s
1906
YA
10-14 years
Super Short Summary
White Fang by Jack London follows the journey of a wild-born wolfdog named White Fang from the harsh wilderness of the Yukon Territory during the Klondike Gold Rush to eventual domestication. The novel adeptly explores survival, nature versus nurture, and personal growth through discipline and adaptability. White Fang transitions from a brutal life in the wild to a loving bond with humans, ultimately finding peace and loyalty. The book includes references to dog fighting, animal cruelty, and racism toward Indigenous people.
Gritty
Mysterious
Adventurous
Dark
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
194,283 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jack London's White Fang captivates with its vivid depiction of wild nature and complex animal characters. Praised for its gripping narrative and profound exploration of survival and instinct, the novel also faces criticism for occasional anthropomorphism that may distract readers. Nonetheless, it remains a compelling classic of American literature.
Who Should Read White Fang?
Readers who relish tales of adventure, survival, and the natural world will enjoy White Fang by Jack London. Fans of The Call of the Wild or Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick will appreciate London's vivid portrayal of the harsh wilderness and the intricate bond between humans and animals. Ideal for those who savor deep, existential undertones.
194,283 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Henry
Henry
A member of a sled team journeying through the Yukon Territory, whose experience introduces the harsh Arctic setting and the wolf pack's predatory nature.
Kiche
Kiche
White Fang's mother, a wolfdog known as the she-wolf, who exhibits intelligence and protective instincts while initially leading her pack.
Grey Beaver
Grey Beaver
The first human guardian to White Fang, an Indigenous man who starts White Fang's domestication and teaches him to balance his instincts within a community.
Beauty Smith
Beauty Smith
A cruel man who exploits White Fang by using him for dog fights, serving as an antagonist by instilling distrust and harshness in White Fang's life.
Weedon Scott
Weedon Scott
The man who saves and rehabilitates White Fang, teaching him love and compassion and introducing him to a safer, more stable domestic life.
252
Novel • Fiction
Yukon Territory • 1890s
1906
YA
10-14 years
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