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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply the best,
By
This review is from: Journeys to the Heartland (The Wolves of Time, Vol. 1) (Mass Market Paperback)
I'm presently writing my PhD thesis on depictions of animals in modern popular texts, and as a result have read rather a lot of books over the last year or two which fall into this approximate sub-genre, which for want of a better term I'd call 'Animal Quest' novels. Put simply, Horwood's Wolves of Time series blow everything else I've read out of the water. It is very difficult for me to be in any way objective about this book. It had me choked with emotion almost from start to finish.Unlike many other tales of this sort (not that there is anything else quite like WOT), Journeys to the Heartland is intelligent and multi-layered; metaphorical without being conspicuously or pretentiously so. It's about nature and humanity, religion, and human relations to other species at the turn of the millenium. It has more heart and more guts than just about any other animal fiction I've ever read. You can read it as pure escapist fiction, or you can ponder its deeper significances. Either way, don;t be put off by any negative reviews. My only cautionary word would be that you might wish to avoid this book if you have delicate sensibilities. At times it can be pretty harrowing, and this is even more true of the second volume. Horwood isn't flattering in his depiction of humanity - The Mennen. In fact I'd guess he's already been accused of being a misanthrope. The point is, the atrocities committed by humanity in the past are offset against the redemption offered in the figure of The Mann - the ex-biologist who crosses the borderline and runs with the wolves. A symbol of hope for the future; though the realisation of this hope does seem to require civil war throughout Europe, leading to the total collapse of civilization :) Look, I just loved it. I'm sad I'm not still involved in the world of Horwood's wonderful characters (don't, BTW, be put off by the accusations that the book has shallow characterisations. That's nonsense. The characters seem like old companions by the time you've finished it.) It's a bit hard to find in the USA, but if you're a wolf person, or just like animal stories, you wouldn't want to miss this one. It knocked my socks off.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
deeply felt, sometimes disturbing - it stays with you,
By florkow (Vienna, Austria) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Journeys to the Heartland (The wolves of time) (v. 1) (Hardcover)
I cannot read Horwood at just any time. His description of tough decisions, of long suffering, it makes the final triumphs beautiful, but it is also sometimes so disturbing, that some of his books stay on the shelves for years before I read them. When I finally do, they echo in me, I understand some things about the world and emotions, and they stay with me - a fascinating author, not an easy one. And because he writes about animals, some truths are harsher and clearer than with people as heroes.A tip for all those who look for this book or its sequel: check out amazon.co.uk, both books are in print there and you might just order them there, if you wanted.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A group of sentient wolves seek to reclaim their homeland.,
By A Customer
This review is from: Journeys to the Heartland (The wolves of time) (v. 1) (Hardcover)
William Horwood's first story in the 'Wolves of Time' series, "Journeys To The Heartland" is about a group of sentient wolves who struggle to find their identities both as individuals and as a pack, as they travel together to take back their homeland from a pack of corrupt wolves, while trying to avoid the cruelties of humans. It's fairly straightforwardly written, but Horwood portrays his characters such that they are much like humans...at times impossible not to like, other time frustrating and disappointing in their actions. Importantly, he allows us to understand why they do what they do and invites the reader to share in the joy and pain of each member. Horwood also spares no expense in his vivid descriptions of the places they travel, without it being at the expense of the story's rhythm. Somewhere in the book the reader will probably find himself identifying with one or more of the wolves--Horwood gives them all individual virtues and faults--which makes the story seem all the more personal. An interesting and even moving book that features a surprising number of insights and parallels into human socialization and societal acceptance. Highly recommended, especially for any fan of wolves
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