Bichu the Jaguar

by Alan Caillou

Bichu, her natural power and beauty ripped away by a hunters bullet, is struggling home. She has to evade not only the dangers of the jungle, but also the cunning of a proud and stubborn Indian who is determined to catch and kill her. The chase seen through the eyes of man and beast draws to its climax at Bichus mountain lair. But as the moment of truth draws near, both hunter and hunted have developed an extraordinary and totally unexpected respect for each other. This magnificent novel conveys the harsh truth of animal existence more convincingly than any nature book.

Genres: Fiction, Animals

Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

Reviews

[Ginny Thurston · Rating 3 out of 5]

An endearing story that would be enjoyed by middle schoolers. It is very educational and specific about the world of the Amazon jungle...the people, animals, and plants....and how they are dependent on one another. The narrators switch between the jaguar and the father and daughter who are hunting Bichu. It is also a story of family and moral judgment.

[Sonny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dearly love this book - arguably one of the finest man vs animal books I've ever read and I recommend it to anyone who's looking for a heartfelt reminder on what it is to be human.

[Jj · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big cat’s crazy (so many harmful incidents)story to get home while wounded from a gut shot. The equally crazy (stubborn and eventful) story of a natives hunting of the wounded cat. I loved the father/ daughter relationship of the Indian hunter And the ending.

[Howard Nial · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the book that turned me into “a reader” at the age of 11. I had never realised the way in which a book could immerse you in a totally different world.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The overall story is between man and animal and the similarities that lie between the given pseudo-enemies. The underlying clashes portray a man and a daughter caught between an ancient culture and the modern changes of society. As the animal loses its habitat so does the man and his daughter. The need to survive parallels the man and the animal.

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a hardback version of this. I read it when I was a teenager. Loved animal stories in those days. In fact, I still do.

[Fishface · Rating 5 out of 5]

An all-time favorite about determination, living your life in spite of pain, and the importance of being where you belong.