TOYON

This engrossing and smoothly told story of the adventures of a dog and its owners runs along unimpeded, getting its send-off from the ""I"" of the story, a political prisoner who is being exiled to Verkhoyansk in Northern Siberia for five years. He stops with his guards to rest at the native dwelling of hospitable Guran where everyone gets drunk on forbidden vodka.. The prisoner's interest in the very old dog, Toyon, who is king-pin in the house, spurs Guran during the next three days to tell Toyon's story and how he brought good fortune to the family. Guran had adopted a neighbor's grandson, Dahn, and the newly born Toyon, son of a great hunting dog and from then on luck smiled. Good hunting seasons, a loan from the government, plentiful harvests, roll up richness for Guran. Toyon becomes an adept hunter, tracking down the most priceless foxes, he saves Dahn, rescues Guran from mobbing, his daughter from drowning, and both Dahn and the daughter from a pack of wolves. The prisoner goes off to his sentence full of hope and belief in humanity and luck. Healthy, full of fresh air that makes for satisfying, good reading. Especially perfect for the 12 to 14 year old boy.