Farley Mowat , a prominent and prolific Canadian writer, died yesterday at age 92. He wrote 42 books that were published in 52 languages and sold 17 million copies.
I first discovered Farley Mowat when I was 12 and read People of the Deer and I was hooked. I loved the north at that time, and Farley just made me that much more fascinated with the topic.
Farley Mowat wrote on a wide variety of topics but his home base was on environmental issues. Farley was passionate about environmental issues and never found an underdog he couldn't like.
Mowat was a colorful character. He was passionate in defending his favorite causes. As a result he could argue vehemently to support an issue. His first northern books were ahead of their time and pointed out that Eskimo populations were in great danger. Feisty is another word the aptly describes Farley.
Because of Mowat's outspoken tendencies, he had a few people who did not see eye to eye with him. Mowat had his critics. Mowat had a tendency in his writing to exaggerate. He admitted to using exaggeration. Some critics took it upon themselves to argue with him. Farley was at his best when he was in a battle royal. People who considered themselves experts on a topic criticized Farley on his understanding of a topic. Farley wanted to use a topic to advance and issue. He was a master at moving issues along.
I read 11 of Mowat's books. I enjoyed every one of them. I still have 31 more of his books to read.
I read his first book People of the Deer. Next , I found Desperate People. I also read Lost in the Barrens. So I read his 3 northern books first. Owls in the family and The dog Who Wouldn't Be were humorous stories for young readers , but I enjoyed them too. Never Cry Wolf sticks out because it was made into a movie. Grey Sees Under, the Black Joke and the Boat Who Wouldn't Float were about the sea. The last book I read was Walking on the land.
Farley Mowat's books won many awards. Farley also won personal awards such as the Order of Canada. They were well deserved.
We were fortunate to have Farley Mowat pass our way and leave us with many stories.
I had never heard of him but have now. I'll have to see what Kindle has to offer by him.
ReplyDeleteHe loved to poke the balloons of the high and mighty!
DeleteI started reading Farley Mowat's books at a young age as well. My Mom bought me the first one and it was "People Of The Deer" as well, then on birthdays and Christmas, all I wanted were books. You are right Red, we were fortunate to have this talented man in our lives and I can tell you he touched my heart and soul with the many stories I have in my collection - read and read again. Wonderful Post to the memory of a Wonderfully Talented Man.
ReplyDeleteIt's cool that we stuck with him through out our lives. Another Canadian icon , Fred Bruemer , passed away in Dec.
DeleteLooks like he might be an author I need to try. He is not known to me, but sounds like somebody whose style I might enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for pointing him out to me.
He tells a very good story.
DeleteI must admit, I had never heard of him, nor have I read any of his books, but It sounds like a might like a few of them!
ReplyDeleteI think Never Cry Wolf was filmed in Montana.
DeleteI read Never Cry Wolf when I was a young woman, and I have never looked at wolves the same ever since. He was a fine writer, and even though it's been many years since I thought of him, I immediately remembered when I read your post. Thank you for the wonderful eulogy to a great man.
ReplyDeleteMost of his books leave an impression on you.
DeleteI have to admit that I've never read any of his books despite hearing about him my whole life. Maybe it's time I picked one up. Fine tribute to him, Red.
ReplyDelete...and I've read Mowat most of my life.
DeleteI will have to search out some of his books. He sounds like the kind of writer I would enjoy:)
ReplyDeleteTry Never Cry Wolf
DeleteI'm sorry to say I'm unfamiliar with his work, but now I'm off to Google him. Thanks for bringing him to my attention.
ReplyDeleteTry one and let us know how you liked it.
DeleteI read the wolf book many years ago before being made into a movie and loved it. I think I read it twice! Now I have to see if I can get my hands on some of the others. What an interesting man!
ReplyDeleteBoth Owls in the Family and The dog Who wouldn't Be are humorous and good stories.
DeleteI loved Owls in the Family and read it o my classes. I also recently bought a copy on line and gave it to my grandson.
ReplyDeleteYou would really like the Dog Who Wouldn't Be. the kids would have really liked that one.
DeleteDespite being an avid reader, I've never heard of this writer. I'll have to look up his books and take a look at them. It sounds like he was a very interesting writer.
ReplyDeleteMowat wasn't for all people. Some people really disagreed with him.
DeleteI am not familiar with this author, but he reached a respectable age, so he must have been a lucky man.
ReplyDeleteHe was a very energetic and feisty little man.
DeleteI've read quite a few of his. He sure could paint a picture!
ReplyDeleteI have particularly fond memories of reading his books when I was a kid, especially Owls in the Family. He was a real Canadian icon!
ReplyDeleteI REALLY loved Never Cry Wolf, but the movie didn't come close to really capturing the magic of that book.
ReplyDelete