From the same series that produced the classic and beloved novel, Call
of the Wild, Jack London's Jerry of the Islands accompanies the other
Jack London stories that portray dog protagonists. Born on the Santa
Isabelle Island, Jerry, an Irish terrier, belongs to a slave owner named
Mr. Haggin. On the plantation, Jerry is responsible for chasing the
slaves, as ordered by Mr. Haggin. He is content on the plantation, but
when Captain Van Horn comes into town, Mr. Haggin gives Jerry to him to
accompany him on his ship. Especially fond of Captain Van Horn, Jerry is
happy to join the sailing endeavor. However, when the ship is attacked,
tragedy strikes, and Jerry is thrown into the sea. After being saved by
a native boy and brought to a village, Jerry recovers from the attack
and begins a new life there. When the village chief takes a special
interest in him, Jerry is given a special status, protecting him from
harm. But, when Agno, a local sorcerer, reveals his gruesome plans for
Jerry, his new home is threatened once again. Facing high stakes of
sacrifice and losing a home, Jerry must fight for his safety to survive
on the Solomon Islands.
With a setting inspired by Jack London's own travels, Jerry of the
Islandsemploys rich description that allows readers to feel as if they
are a part of the story. With the unique dog protagonist, Jerry of the
Islands is charming and offbeat, providing a fresh and interesting
perspective on the colonial south Pacific. Through the observations and
thoughts of a dog with many owners, London's novel convincingly portrays
the projected racism that is able to be trained into pets. Under a new
and modern cultural lens, readers are able to recognize these
inadvertent themes and compare them to contemporary society.
Now presented with a stunning new cover and reprinted in an easy-to-read
font, this edition of Jerry of the Islands by Jack London is both
modern and accessible, perfect for readers in search of an adventure
with a unique perspective.
