Sister Wolf [Hardcover]

Ann Arensberg (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1981

In the picturesque Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts, Marit Deym lives alone on a thousand-acre inheritance from her aristocratic Hungarian parents. Though bright and attractive, she is a stranger to the complexities of human relationships. She keeps to herself, venturing out only to defend her one passion: the care of her wild animals--the lynx, bears, fox, and family of wolves for whom she has established a sanctuary on her land.

Then the wolves bring to her door Gabriel Frankman--a thoughtful young teacher at the nearby school for the blind, lost hiking in the woods. Despite his fear of the wild creatures, Gabriel seems oddly calm in their presence. For Marit, too, there is an immediate, consuming connection to the stranger--the first of her life. But it is a dangerous one. Soon her love of Gabriel will bring forth an unspeakable tragedy: to an innocent life, herself, and her precious animals.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[A] novel of striking originality . . . If Sister Wolf is intense and otherworldly, it is also crisp, urbane, alive with wit."
--The New York Times Book Review

"EXOTIC AND SUBTLY ABSORBING. ITS COMPLEXITY AND RICHNESS ARE HAUNTING. No summary can convey the unusual power of this book, its originality in voice and tone."
--ANNE RICE
   San Francisco Chronicle

"HIGHLY ORIGINAL, EXTRAVAGANTLY ROMANTIC, INTENSELY IMAGINED, IT'S A STORY . . . THAT LEAVES A DEEP IMPRESSION."
--CHRISTOPHER LEHMANN-HAUPT
   The New York Times

"A POWERFUL, HAUNTING TALE . . . Arensberg maintains the tension with her high-precision prose."
--Newsweek --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Inside Flap

In the picturesque Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts, Marit Deym lives alone on a thousand-acre inheritance from her aristocratic Hungarian parents. Though bright and attractive, she is a stranger to the complexities of human relationships. She keeps to herself, venturing out only to defend her one passion: the care of her wild animals--the lynx, bears, fox, and family of wolves for whom she has established a sanctuary on her land.

Then the wolves bring to her door Gabriel Frankman--a thoughtful young teacher at the nearby school for the blind, lost hiking in the woods. Despite his fear of the wild creatures, Gabriel seems oddly calm in their presence. For Marit, too, there is an immediate, consuming connection to the stranger--the first of her life. But it is a dangerous one. Soon her love of Gabriel will bring forth an unspeakable tragedy: to an innocent life, herself, and her precious animals. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 210 pages
• Publisher: Sidgwich Jackson Ltd (January 1, 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0283987316
• ISBN-13: 978-0283987311
• Average Customer Review: 2.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,815,688 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars In defense of a fairly decent book . . ., August 13, 2000

By 

that girl (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sister Wolf (Paperback)

I wouldn't normally have reviewed "Sister Wolf", if I hadn't seen the only other review, which, while probably fairly correct, was a bit more cynical and harsh than I thought was deserved of the book. It's true that the plot is strange, and the characters a little distant and difficult to become attached to. However, the book was well done; Ann Arensburg is quite a good writer, and her prose is simple but sufficient. In the end, "Sister Wolf" seems to be nothing but a story about the difficult love of two people, and the attachment of one woman to her wild animals. However, "Sister Wolf" is saddening but fairly enjoyable, and is a fine light read. It's not a bestsellar, and it's not high on my list, but it's certainly not a novel deserving of the trashcan, and tossing it there without giving it a chance would certainly be a mistake.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Read the Last Chapter First, January 4, 2001

By 

Molly M. Wolf (Havertown PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sister Wolf (Paperback)

Although I do not consider this book a wasted read, it is not topping my list of favorites.

I found the storyline very difficult to follow, the characters were not at all engaging, and if the author used the word "Sapphic" one more time I was going to throw the book. However, the final chapter was a page-turner with a engaging plot, and a surprise ending. It also provided insight into the title of the work and salvaged the entire reading experience for me.

My advice would be to skim everything but the last chapter. Read that one with relish.

For anyone interested in a GOOD Ann Arensburg book, I suggest "Incubus", her best work by far.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars It passed the time, October 20, 2003

By 

shettakaburi (TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sister Wolf (Hardcover)

Not much to say about it. Its well-written but uninteresting. The affair between the teacher and the main character seemed force and also uninteresting. Altogether not something to seek out. I agree with another reviewer that if you are interested in Anne Arensberg, try "Incubus", just as well-written but more interesting.