I really loved this book. The author was fortunate to spend a year in Wyoming studying wolves. Ranchers, hunters, biologists and conservationists all had a story to tell. Add in to this mix, a personal story and it makes this a great read for anyone interested in wildlife. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

As Forrester herself states this is not in many ways a book about wolves, true there are some snippets of information about wolves and their habits but it is certainly not a natural history. This book is about mankind and its relationship with wolves with a particular focus on Wyoming in the USA. It also introduces the family move to the US.

This book feels like a documentary script, after an historical introduction it veers from positive to negative stories alternately and concludes with a summation with a hopeful vision for the future. This book has an easy flow to it, there are times when the narrative does feel forced though, Forrester is just so desperate to present a balanced view that in trying to understand an opposing point of view it is excruciating. There is also the sneaking suspicion that this book is the result of one great vanity project or something to fill the time while her husband is busy filming a documentary.

There is some background to the reintroduction of wolves and how over time they are being monitored, managed and in some cases mismanaged. In this book a varied cast of characters are met from the hunters to the biologists to the folk who run the Wolf Conservation Center giving a range of views.

Would I recommend this book - yes, it teaches a great deal about wildlife and people and how to manage re-introductions. and the ongoing management implications. It is also a tacit lesson in tolerance in society, something might be useful beyond conservation issues too. For a score 3.75

#OntheTrailofWolves #NetGalley

I thought this books was excellent. An engrossing look at Phillippa’s time in Wyoming, looking for and studying wolves. I found the style to be hugely accessible and informative. After reading this book I now share the author’s fascination with these wonderful creatures. Not everyone, however, shares Phillippa’s passion for wolves and she gave a great and balanced  insight as to why not some have not welcomed the return of these animals. A must for anyone interested in wolves or wildlife writing.