Title: Lone Wolf
Author: Kathryn Lasky
First published July 1, 2010
240 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780545093101 (ISBN10: 0545093104)
Rating: 4.18
Overview
Derived from the same universe as the owl Guardians of Ga’hoole comes the touching story of Faolan, a baby wolf born with a deformed leg. According to the pack’s brutal law, any wolf that displays weakness must be left to fend for themselves on a remote hill.
However, Faolan refuses to give up and finds a way to survive in the wilderness. This is a heartwarming chronicle of perseverance, bravery, and the power of love to conquer all.
About the Author
Meet Kathryn Lasky, a celebrated American author who has penned many critically acclaimed books. Her repertoire includes the hugely popular Dear America and Royal Diaries books, the Newbery Honor-winning Sugaring Time, The Night Journey, and the beloved Guardians of Ga’Hoole series.
Born on June 24, 1944, Kathryn grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, and currently resides in Massachusetts with her husband Christopher Knight.
While Book 15 marked the end of the Guardians of Ga’Hoole series, the 16th book is a prequel to the series. Kathryn has also written companion books to her popular series.
Editoral Review
Lone Wolf by Kathryn Lasky is a poignant and beautifully written novel that explores the complex themes of identity, family, and loyalty. Lasky is an acclaimed author who has written numerous books for young adults and children, and Lone Wolf is one of her most impressive works to date.
The novel takes place in the late 1800s, in a small town in Minnesota. The story follows the journey of a young girl named Fanny, who is part of a family of German immigrants that is struggling to make ends meet.
Her father is a hardworking farmer who is determined to provide for his family, but when he is tragically killed in a hunting accident, Fanny’s life is forever changed. She is forced to navigate the challenges of a new life without her father, and soon discovers that her family is hiding a dark secret.
Lasky’s prose is both evocative and poetic, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the heart of the Minnesota wilderness. The characters are richly drawn, with complex personalities and motivations that make them feel like real people.
The plot is masterfully crafted, with a series of unexpected twists that keep the reader hooked until the very end. One of the strengths of Lone Wolf is the way that it explores the issues of identity and loyalty.
Fanny is torn between her love for her family and her desire to uncover the truth about her father’s death, and the novel does an excellent job of portraying the emotional turmoil that she experiences. Lasky also delves into the complexities of family relationships, showing how even the closest families can be torn apart by secrets and betrayal.
However, there are some flaws in the novel that prevent it from being a perfect masterpiece. Some of the pacing is slow, particularly in the middle sections of the book, and there are a few moments where the plot feels contrived or predictable.
Additionally, some of the characters, particularly the antagonists, are somewhat one-dimensional and lacking in depth. Overall, however, Lone Wolf is an impressive achievement, and a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction or coming-of-age stories.
Lasky’s writing is both beautiful and powerful, and her characters will stay with you long after you finish the book. Whether you are a young adult or an adult reader, Lone Wolf is a novel that will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world.
Rating: 4/5 stars. While there are some flaws in the novel, the overall quality of the writing and the strength of the themes make it a compelling read.
