In the Shadow of a Rainbow: The True Story of a Friendship Between Man and Wolf [Paperback]

Robert Franklin Leslie (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 17, 1996

First published in 1974, this classic tale of friendship, courage, and the wild has captured hearts of all ages.

In 1970, a young Indian who introduced himself as Gregory Tah-Kloma beached his canoe near the author's Babine Lake campsite in the backwoods of British Columbia. Night after night by the campfire, the young Indian told the remarkable story of his devotion to a pack of timber wolves and their legendary female leader: Náhani, "the one who shines." This extraordinary tale has touched many readers over the years with its moving portrayal of the friendship between Greg and Náhani. Certain names and locations have been altered, but the facts of Gregory Tah-Kloma's adventures with Náhani are as he told them to Robert Leslie.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A well-written story that is a delight to read. (Christian Science Monitor )

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (August 17, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393314529
• ISBN-13: 978-0393314526
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #697,826 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #25 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Field Guides > Mammals

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Connections, February 4, 2002

By 

Jena Ball "Jena Ball" (North Carolina, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: In the Shadow of a Rainbow: The True Story of a Friendship Between Man and Wolf (Paperback)

What a lovely book. Leslie has captured the remarkable story of a young Indian man, who is befriended by a wolf, in living color. Greg (the Indian) and Nahani (the white wolf) meet when Nahani brings her pack into the area where Greg is prospecting for gold . Thanks to Greg's willingness to watch and learn from the wolves, along with his inherent respect for their boundaries and ways of doing things, the leader of the pack (Nahani)gradually comes to trust him. Eventually she sits by his fire, allows him to scratch her back, and pull ticks from her skin. This mutually satisfying relationship ends when the first snows of winter arrive and Greg must return to town.

Back in civilization, Greg discovers that Nahani has earned a reputation as a killer. There is a large reward being offered to anyone who can kill her and bring in the skin. Greg is naturally upset by this, and tries to convince people that the wolf is not a threat. He is opposed by a trapper named Dan who does all he can to stop Greg from helping the wolf. Concerned for Nahani's safety, Greg embarks on a 3-year quest to locate the wolf and save her if he can.

The story of how Greg manages to locate and track Nahani through one of the remotest and most inaccessible regions of the country is as inspiring as it is fascinating. Better still is the story of what happens when Greg eventually locates the wolves.

This story, which ends on a very positive note, is said to be true. It was told to the author (Robert Franklin Leslie) by Greg himself. Aside from the few places where human motivations and emotions are attributed to the wolf, the story rings true. It is a real treat for anyone who believes in the interconnectedness of all living things.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A truly wonderful & deeply moving tale of 2 kindred spirits, August 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: In the Shadow of a Rainbow: The True Story of a Friendship Between Man and Wolf (Paperback)

I read this book well over 20 years ago & have never forgotten it.It is one of the best animal stories & best books I've ever read.Every time I see or hear about wolves I think of Nahani & wonder what became of her and her pack after the story's end. After reading it, I really don't see how anyone can say that animals don't think & don't have souls.I consider Mr Leslie to be one of the most fortunate of men to have formed such a deep friendship with one of nature's most fascinating creatures. I can imagine a friendship like this occurring thousands of years ago & leading to the eventual domestication of the dog via its wolf ancestors. This book should be required reading for everyone because I think that modern man has,unfortunately, lost the deep connection with and respect for the natural world that many so called primitive people still retain. Read this story & you'll never look at an animal the same way again. " What is man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone men would die from great loneliness of spirit. For whatever happens to the beasts soon happens to man.All things are connected" --- Chief Seattle,Duwamish tribe

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best that I've read!, January 8, 2001

By 

"denise0530" (Saugerties, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In the Shadow of a Rainbow: The True Story of a Friendship Between Man and Wolf (Paperback)

I have read many books, both fictional and non-fictional, about wolves. This book was truly one of the best. It was refreshing to read a story about a wolf where it did not end up dead by the end of the story yet, the story is realistic. If you love wolves, you will be amazed at the friendship that is possible between a human and a pack of wolves. I will re-read this one!