Back to God's Country and Other Stories   By: James Oliver Curwood (1878-1927)

Back to God's Country and Other Stories by James Oliver Curwood is a collection of thrilling tales that take readers on a journey filled with adventure, danger, and unexpected twists. Spanning various settings and time periods, Curwood's stories transport us into the untamed wilderness, where survival is a constant battle against the forces of nature and the primal instincts within.

The book opens with the title story, "Back to God's Country," a gripping tale of survival and redemption. This story follows the courageous and resourceful Marge O'Doone, who faces the harsh realities of the Arctic wilderness after her husband is killed by a treacherous murderer. Curwood brilliantly captures the desolate beauty of the frozen landscape while vividly portraying the strength and resilience of his characters.

Throughout the collection, Curwood showcases his talent for crafting atmospheric settings that serve as more than mere backdrops for his narratives. Each story brims with descriptive prose that paints a vivid picture in the reader's mind, immersing them in the rugged landscapes of the Great North, the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest, and the untamed rivers that run through them.

One of the standout stories in this collection is "The Yellow-Back," a thrilling tale of greed and retribution. This story showcases Curwood's ability to delve into the darker aspects of human nature, exploring themes of moral ambiguity and the consequences of one's actions. The plot unfolds at a rapid pace, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the tension builds towards a satisfying climax.

Curwood also proves adept at creating captivating characters, particularly strong-willed and independent women who defy societal expectations. In stories like "Bucky Severn" and "Wapi the Walrus," we are introduced to resilient heroines who defy the odds and exhibit remarkable bravery in the face of adversity.

While some readers may find the prose to be a bit dated and verbose by today's standards, it is important to appreciate Curwood's ability to transport his audience to a bygone era. His storytelling style, reminiscent of classic adventure literature, is characterized by a sense of grandeur and romanticism, complementing the rugged and untamed landscapes that serve as the backdrop for his tales.

Back to God's Country and Other Stories is a thrilling collection that delivers action, suspense, and memorable characters. James Oliver Curwood's ability to transport readers to the wilderness and weave captivating narratives ensures that this book will resonate with adventure enthusiasts and fans of classic literature alike.

First Page:

With Shan Tung went Tao, a Great Dane. The Chinaman had picked him up somewhere on the coast and had trained him as one trains a horse. Tao was the biggest dog ever seen about the Height of Land, the most powerful, and at times the most terrible. Of two things Shan Tung was enormously proud in his silent and mysterious oriental way of Tao, the dog, and of his long, shining cue which fell to the crook of his knees when he let it down... Continue reading book >>