Wilderness

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

The feats of two legendary ``mountain men'' are the subject of this unusual new western novel, a collaboration between science fiction author Zelazny ( Nine Princes in Amber ) and Hausman ( Tunkashila ), who usually writes about Native Americans. In 1808, explorer John Colter is forced to run for his life through what today is Yellowstone National Park, pursued by 700 Blackfeet Indians for 150 miles in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Fifteen years later, hunter Hugh Glass, left for dead after being mauled by a bear, manages to crawl more than 100 miles from the Grand Valley to civilization by the Missouri River. The narrative alternates between the two men's stories, which are linked by incredible feats of survival. (Only in the final chapter do we discover another bond between the protagonists.) With a force that pulls readers through the pages, the text plumbs their thoughts as they struggle against other humans and the environment; it also reveals the survival tricks learned from a lifetime in the West. Although the dialogue is often stilted, as is common in this genre, the tale remains compelling. (Feb.)

Library Journal

Hausman, an authority on Native American culture and history as well as the terrain, wildlife, and beauties of the wilderness, and Zelazny, an sf writer noted for his creative imagination, make ideal partners to produce a this tale about the survival of two supermen in the wild. In 1808, the famous hunter Jack Colter races for his life, pursued by Blackfoot warriors. For 150 miles he runs barefoot over mountains and plains, enduring incredible hardships. Hugh Glass, mauled by a bear and left for dead in 1823, drags, crawls, and finally walks from Grand Valley to the Missouri, a better man than when he started. A surprise ending will delight readers of this remarkable novel.-- Sister Avila, Acad. of the Holy Angels, Minneapolis

School Library Journal

YA-Alternating chapters present fictionalized accounts of two true-life survival stories from the early days of the American West. In 1808, John Colter was pursued for 150 miles by Indians. In 1823, Hugh Glass managed to crawl, limp, etc. for 100 miles for help after being mauled by a bear and left for dead beside his potential grave. The opening pages are sure to lure readers inside as they are plunged immediately into the action. Later chapters show each man's introspective nature as he reminisces about friends and events in his life. Conversations exist only in these memories. Descriptions of nature and survival techniques abound. There are even a few comical moments. Animal tracks conclude most chapters and will pique YAs' curiosity. A brief concluding historical note provides information about what is known of the men following their adventures. Two gripping tales of courage, determination, and endurance.-Claudia Moore, W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA

Dale Walker

"... a rare reading experience--reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy's prose... and I can think of no western historical characters more appropriate for a poetic novel than the mountain man legends, John Colter and Hugh Glass. It was a privilege to read it."

Graduate Students

The story of two men in different parts of the wilderness are trying to survive in the early 1800s. John Colter, who traveled with Lewis and Clark and founded Yellowstone is being tracked by Blackfeet Indians. Hugh Glass, a legendary fur trapper is mauled by a bear and is near death. Both men are survivors in their own right...Colter sums up his journey when he surmises, "Reason for being: staying alive. Reason for staying alive: being." A riveting look at the harshness of frontier life.

N. Scott Momaday

A valuable and stirring evocation of the American West and of certain original souls who inform history."
N. Scott Momaday, Pulitizer Prize-winning author of House Made of Dawn

Thomas Sturgeon

"I genuinely envy those who encounter Roger Zelazny!"

Wes Lukowsky

A narrative tribute to both the American wilderness itself and the adventurous spirit of those who triumphed over it...taken together, the two provide a memorable sense of the hardships that were a very real part of the settling of America.