Ahmek

by Patrick Watson

"Remember that scent, Ahmek!" his mother had said. "For that is the scent of human." She said it so gravely that he knew that it was one of the Greater Lessons, a greater lesson than stripping bark from twigs, a greater lesson than squeezing water from your fur, a lesson as great as holding your breath, as great as... diving. This is the story of Ahmek, a young beaver living in his natural habitat. Through his eyes, we see a man, an artist painting the wilderness. Slowly, cautiously, Ahmek and the man establish a rapport, only to have it shattered when poachers destroy the beaver dam and threaten Ahmek's life. In a desperate escape, Ahmek sets out alone on his life's great adventure. He meets a charming cast of characters, his true love, and he finds happiness. But there is always that feeling that one day he should return. When he does, he becomes part of a significant mystery that to this day has never been solved. Set in Algonquin Park in 1917, the story follows the fortunes of a young beaver as he is forced out of his family lodge by poachers, goes on his "wander year" to find his own territory, finds a mate, builds a dam and lodge, and starts a family. Woven into the natural cycle of the beaver's life are encounters with humans, good and bad. Painter Tom Thomson and several members of the Group of Seven show how environmentally friendly humans behave in the wilderness while some poachers show how others exploit it.

Genres: Fiction

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book in a Buy & Sell Shop and bought it for my kids. Currently reading it at bedtime to my 5-year-old. What a gem! Such well crafted storytelling that keeps the attention and interest of a kid normally enthralled only with magic, superhero violence, and dinosaurs. It's got me hooked too. It's lovely to be able to share this piece of Canadian heritage with him.

[Allegra S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually met Patrick Watson when I was 11. It was not long after this book was published and I read it for the first time. He was speaking at my local library along with Joanna Cole who writes the Magic School Bus books. During the talk he was absolutely amazing. He read aloud the first chapter of the book and you know that feeling you have while reading - that the author seems to be reaching through the pages and speaking to you? Listening to him read, it didn't sound like 'reading aloud' it was like listening to someone tell you a story straight from their heart.

I was in awe of him while he spoke. Afterwards all the other kids went to get their books signed by Joanna Cole. I was the only kid that came with my Ahmek book. I had the chance to speak with him, get him to autograph my book, and take a photo togther. The photo is on my bookshelf right alongside this book ;).

I adore this novel. It puts you in the perspective of a young beaver - Ahmek. You follow Ahmek as he builds his damn, explores nature, and happens upon famous Canadian artist Tom Thomson. Ahmek continues to return to watch Tom paint. Through this fantastic narrative you learn about Canadian history, nature, and the life of beavers.

I've never before read what I consider a realistic inner narrative of an animal. Truly fantastic writing. It's only a shame that it is not more popular.

[Robb Coulter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is written as a kids fable describing the life and times of a beaver Ahmek and his family. It is takes place near and on Canoe lake in Algonquin Park and is cleverly interwoven with the travels of Tom Thomson, Lawren Harris A Y Jackson and JEH Macdonald all painters from the Group of Seven. The book draws inferences into the mysterious disappearance of the real life Tom Thomson. The book is illustrated by Tracy Thomson the grand niece of Tom Thomson.

[Liss (theclumsybookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What makes this novel so wonderful is its simplicity. It was a joy to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and to journey with a young beaver.

[Celia Silva-desousa]

grat book