"Baree: The Story of a Wolf-Dog" is an adventure-filled, realistic novel a wolf-dog named Baree, who is separated from his parents soon after he is born and begins the quest of having to survive on his own in the harsh envirionment of the Canadian wilderness. As Baree grows older, he has encounters with a near sighted owl, befriends a bear, and tries to make friends with a colony of beavers. Then Baree comes up against his most perplexing animal...Man! Baree quickly desires the companionship that Willow(a beautiful young woman) offers. He follows her everywhere and has a strong bond with her that cannot be broken. He will do anything to protect her, and that includes keeping her safe from her family's enemy, an evil man called the Factor of Lac Bain. James Oliver Curwood, the author of the book, expertly describes the feelings and thoughts going through the mind of the young Baree, and throughout the book, we root for him all through his triumphs and tragedies. The wilderness is described beautifully and also becomes a "character" of the story as well. "Baree: The Story of a Wolf-Dog" is well written, easy to read, and holds the readers interest all the way till the satisfying conclusion.
