Review: Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

5 stars for Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls.

This is a story about one boy and his two Redbone Coonhound hunting dogs.

Though a children's fiction, once I start reading, I find myself totally absorbed in the plot of this boy and his desire to have dogs he can call his own. My initial misgivings about this being a children's literature dissipate. All I see in front of me is a heartwarming story with good sense, good humor, good plot and good writing. The entire setup appeals to the inner child in me.

It is impressive how the author converts the story idea of a boy and two dogs into a full-fledged novel. As simple as it sounds, the book is in fact a riveting account of their ringtail coon hunting adventures, full of ups and downs, and twists and turns. I can never predict what is going to happen in the next story scene. There is grit, courage, determination, perseverance, passion, will power and the spirt of "do not ever start anything you cannot finish". If I didn't know better, I will have pegged the author as the owner of two coon hounds himself and that this story is based on his own experiences as a coon hunter.

I never expect myself to like this story so much to think that I actually have doubts about reading it in the first place. In the end, I laugh and cry alongside the boy and his two little hounds as they train and go about their adventures in search of the elusive raccoons. Besides laughter and tears, there is also no lack of tension and excitement. The author uses foreshadowing to create unease and help build a sense of foreboding. To quote "Because of my grandfather's bragging, and his firm belief in my dogs and me, a terrible thing happened." Due to such forewarning, I am so full of worries as I read on. I want to know what is going to happen next yet I am afraid to find out.

As I reach the end of the story and close the book, I feel as if a part of my heart is left inside the story with the boy's wonderful memories and the old Indian legend about the red fern. Such is the power of an author who knows the ways to capture the hearts of readers, children and adults alike, and in the case for author Rawls, with his exciting tale of this lovely threesome that make a fine hunting team.

Where the Red Fern Grows is a splendid novel suitable for readers of all ages. I cannot stress enough that age is no barrier to enjoying this story which is sure to warm the heart of whoever reads the book.


Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers; Reissue edition
Publication date: 3 May 1996

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A loving threesome, they ranged the dark hills and river bottoms of Cherokee country. Old Dan had the brawn. Little Ann had the brains, and Billy had the will to make them into the finest hunting team in the valley. Glory and victory were coming to them, but sadness waited too. Where the Red Fern Grows is an exciting tale of love and adventure you'll never forget.

*Blurb from Goodreads*

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