Customer Reviews

Grey Owl

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I was married to Grey Owl & Anahareo`s daughter DAWN until her unexpected death in London, England in June 1984 during our visit there. We were there with an exhibition of art work. For more than twenty-five years I was frequently a part of discussions and comments about the life of Grey Owl. Numerous articles and a few books have been written on the subject. Armand Ruffo`s book THE MYSTERY OF ARCHIE BELANEY, with its poetic narrative and descriptive moods is the best I have witnessed. With Armand`s aboriginal background he understands how wilderness folks think and feel. This book is a must for all those who are interested in the Grey Owl story. Be sure to see the movie coming out in 1999 Co-Produced by Sir Richard Attenborough. Pierce Brosnan plays Grey Owl and a very attractive Quebec aboriginal actress Annie Galipeau plays Anahareo. I believe the book by Armand and the movie as well should win top awards. Pierce Brosnan, a very understanding and down-to-earth gentleman makes a good Archie Belaney. Annie Galipeau is every bit as attractive as my mother-in-law was at her age.

I have, over the past few years, come to appreciate the life of Grey Owl. There have been several books written about him and some are excellent; however, the gift of Armand Garnet Ruffo, is found in his attempt to get "under the skin" of Archie Grey owl. There are many statements which are visceral in nature in that the author risks criticism by offering notions and thoughts as to the motives and objectives underlying Grey Owl's actions and written words. This, in itself, is a challenge Ruffo is willing to take. Not unlike those the Belaney (Grey Owl) took. I think Armand comes from a unique perspective as his grandmother, Jane McKee (Espaniel) part Ojibway, knew Archie Grey Owl, thus he was introduced, to the subject, from a subjective point of view. Add to that his desire to share the story in a poetic form (again not unlike Grey Owl's writtings) makes for a most interesting presentation. Similarly, he has the added advantage of being a scholar and teacher which lends itself to the expectation of an authoritative and honest analysis, regardless of the form. I liked the book very much.

This book is outstanding, enjoyable and easy to read, and Ruffo knows his subject thoroughly from research but also from the stories of Ruffo's family who knew Grey Owl while he lived with the Anishinabe in Northern Ontario. I used it in my University course and the students loved it- among the best Native literature they have read, they said. Ruffo opens the topic for the readers to explore, providing many important directions and opening many suggestions and a lot of valuable information besides creating the poetry of it all. The carefully selected photographs, most from Ruffo's family collection originally, many taken by Grey Owl's camera, help to make the story in the portry real and provide further dimensions for contemplation. Ruffo is one of the most gifted authors in Canada. Bernie Harder

excellent reading for those interested in the Grey Owl story