In A Wolf Called Romeo by Nick Jans, the pace is pretty slow. I am on page 33 and Jans has only described the events of two days. However, there have been about three flashbacks. These flashbacks provide insight on why things are the way they are in the present. I like how he does this, because it's a much more interesting way of explaining why he lives in Juneau, for example. Or why he stopped hunting animals and took up photography instead. He illustrates scenes instead of just saying, "Yo I live in Juneau and I don't feel like killing animals anymore". I dig that. His writing is slightly frustrating, however, because I really wanna know what happens with this wolf that keeps trying to play with domesticated dogs. Every time Jans gets to a good part, he jumps back in time to explain something. I get that he's trying to set the stage more, but he does it every time I get psyched about the wolf!
I love the way that the author has fleshed out the character of the wolf, Romeo, as well as the rest of his own dogs. They each have their own little personalities that Jans is able to illustrate very clearly. For example, from way he describes Romeo's several dog encounters, I can picture a huge, jet black wolf bowing and leaping in a playful manner while flicking wads of snow into the air with his huge paws. It reminds me of a sweet wolf named Zeab I met in Colorado at a wolf conservation. He was huge and as black as charcoal with beautiful, dark orange-crimson eyes. He's a little too old for me to picture him being as playful as Romeo from the book though, but I think I have a better visual of Romeo because of my experiences with Zeab along with the other wolves I was able to meet. Each of Jans' dogs have their own personalities too. Like Gus, for example. He's sweet and gentle, while Chase has to be kept on a leash at all times because she's a clever little troublemaker. I am having a little trouble, however, imagining what direction this book is headed. I feel like too many thrilling, action scenes have already been described, so I'm worried the rest of the book is going to spin off in a boring direction. But who knows, I just have to keep reading away.
Is this novel an allegory? It's about a Wolf who wants to reform his ways?
ReplyDeleteYou said you like the flashbacks. This technique is something you might want to study as a writer. It is a good way to provide background for character, but I think it is tricky to do effectively. You might pay attention how the author leads in and backs out of them. It is a good tool to use well.
This book sounds pretty interesting....
ReplyDeleteAdmitedly, I know felines better than canines, but this could still be an interesting book to read. The author seems to be bating the readers with all of the flashbacks, though. Just when you think something will happen, nope! Flashback.
Hopefully that doesn't continue throughout the book, or else it could get really annoying really fast.
Also, as you've had experience with actual wolves, I think you'd have a much better understanding of this book over someone who hasn't.