Wild in the world

by John Donovan

When his entire family dies, John is left alone on the remote New Hampshire farm with only a wolf-dog for company.

94 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1971

About the author

John Donovan was a novelist and a playwright, who also served as the president of the Children's Book Council. I'll Get There. It Better Be Worth the Trip. was originally published in 1969 and reprinted by Dell in 1973.

Reviews

[Simin Yadegar · Rating 2 out of 5]

داستانی از ناهمگونیهای اجتماعی و واقعیت‌های ناگوار در جامعه‌ ای که جز ارزش‌های زودگذر و مادی حقیقتی نمی‌شناسد.

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second novel by John Donovan, author of my favorite, I'LL GET THERE. IT BETTER BE WORTH THE TRIP. Out of print, but probably available used via some of the used-books websites. About a young man and a dog, but it's not the usual sentimental story. In fact, it's pretty sad and direct, very spare. Kind of an odd book, but short and beautifully written. Worth a look.

[LadyHague · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books was short. Simple.

Just as the main character was. I LOVE How this was written. A quiet (and sadly short) view into the life of a young man alone on the family farm in New Hampshire. “Mountain folk” not “Country folk”. The last to survive of 11 children and the two parents, John befriends a wolf/dog as a companion. When I read this I felt as though I got to transport into his shoes and live his life for a short time. I wish it had been real. So simple. Clear life. Sorrows. Joys. Nature. Son.

*edit 2023* it’s now been years and this book still has an emotional connection to me. I haven’t found more of Donovan’s books, but this is a quiet favorite for me. It will stay with the favorites.