55 pages • 1 hour read
Farley MowatNever Cry Wolf: The Amazing True Story of Life Among Arctic Wolves
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | YA | Published in 1963A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Farley Mowat's non-fiction memoir, Never Cry Wolf, published in 1963, he recounts the 18 months he spent studying arctic wolves in the Canadian Barrens for the Dominion Wildlife Service. Despite initial beliefs that these wolves decimated caribou populations, Mowat discovers they primarily cull the sick and weak from the herds and never attack humans. Through humorous and self-deprecating narrative, the book portrays government inefficiency and challenges popular misconceptions about wolves, ultimately influencing Canadian attitudes toward the arctic ecosystem. The book includes a graphic description of caribou slaughter by hunters from an airplane.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Farley Mowat's Never Cry Wolf receives praise for its engaging storytelling and insightful portrayal of wolves, fostering a greater appreciation for the species. Critics commend its humor and vivid descriptions. However, some argue it lacks scientific rigor and question the accuracy of certain anecdotes. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and entertaining read.
Who Should Read Never Cry Wolf?
Readers who enjoyed Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer or The Call of the Wild by Jack London will appreciate Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat. Ideal for nature lovers, those fascinated by wildlife, and readers interested in environmental advocacy, this book offers a compelling blend of adventure, science, and humor.
RecommendedReading Age
12-18yearsLexile Level
1330L