In the Shadow of a Rainbow: The True Story of a Friendship Between Man and Wolf

by Robert Franklin Leslie

Book Overview

In 1970, a young Indian who introduced himself as Gregory Tah-Kloma beached his canoe near the author's Babine Lake campsite in the backwoods of British Columbia. Night after night by the campfire, the young Indian told the remarkable story of his devotion to a pack of timber wolves and their legendary female leader: N?hani, the one who shines. This extraordinary tale has touched many readers over the years with its moving portrayal of the friendship...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393314529
• ISBN13: 9780393314526
• Release Date: August 1996
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 194 Pages
• Weight: 0.51 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.6" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

"Shadow of a Rainbow": Silver Screen for the Silver Skin?

There are three non-religious books I read and re-read constantly. "In the Shadow of a Rainbow" is one of them. Man and wolf become alive before our eyes, with unexpected depth and dimension, as does the land of BC itself - and my life has become the richer.I despair of ever seeing this story done properly on film, but there is one person who could do it justice - Hayao Miyazaki, master storyteller from Japan, known the US for "Totoro," "Kiki's Delivery Service," and "Princess Mononoke." (He could also do a worthy animated "Diary of Anne Frank." With the eye and heart of a spiritual magician, and artist's touch to match, I wait for him to bring Nahani alive on the screen. In the meantime, I'll just have to keep reading the book itself...

Connections

What a lovely book. Leslie has captured the remarkable story of a young Indian man, who is befriended by a wolf, in living color. Greg (the Indian) and Nahani (the white wolf) meet when Nahani brings her pack into the area where Greg is prospecting for gold . Thanks to Greg's willingness to watch and learn from the wolves, along with his inherent respect for their boundaries and ways of doing things, the leader of the pack (Nahani)gradually comes to trust him. Eventually she sits by his fire, allows him to scratch her back, and pull ticks from her skin. This mutually satisfying relationship ends when the first snows of winter arrive and Greg must return to town.Back in civilization, Greg discovers that Nahani has earned a reputation as a killer. There is a large reward being offered to anyone who can kill her and bring in the skin. Greg is naturally upset by this, and tries to convince people that the wolf is not a threat. He is opposed by a trapper named Dan who does all he can to stop Greg from helping the wolf. Concerned for Nahani's safety, Greg embarks on a 3-year quest to locate the wolf and save her if he can.The story of how Greg manages to locate and track Nahani through one of the remotest and most inaccessible regions of the country is as inspiring as it is fascinating. Better still is the story of what happens when Greg eventually locates the wolves.This story, which ends on a very positive note, is said to be true. It was told to the author (Robert Franklin Leslie) by Greg himself. Aside from the few places where human motivations and emotions are attributed to the wolf, the story rings true. It is a real treat for anyone who believes in the interconnectedness of all living things.

One of the best that I've read!

I have read many books, both fictional and non-fictional, about wolves. This book was truly one of the best. It was refreshing to read a story about a wolf where it did not end up dead by the end of the story yet, the story is realistic. If you love wolves, you will be amazed at the friendship that is possible between a human and a pack of wolves. I will re-read this one!

heart warming story of friendship

I first read this book many years ago and it is the type of book to read again every so often. The relationship with Nahani is special. A great book to give to your own best friend because it is a wonderful human relationship story.

A truly wonderful & deeply moving tale of 2 kindred spirits

I read this book well over 20 years ago & have never forgotten it.It is one of the best animal stories & best books I've ever read.Every time I see or hear about wolves I think of Nahani & wonder what became of her and her pack after the story's end. After reading it, I really don't see how anyone can say that animals don't think & don't have souls.I consider Mr Leslie to be one of the most fortunate of men to have formed such a deep friendship with one of nature's most fascinating creatures. I can imagine a friendship like this occurring thousands of years ago & leading to the eventual domestication of the dog via its wolf ancestors. This book should be required reading for everyone because I think that modern man has,unfortunately, lost the deep connection with and respect for the natural world that many so called primitive people still retain. Read this story & you'll never look at an animal the same way again. " What is man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone men would die from great loneliness of spirit. For whatever happens to the beasts soon happens to man.All things are connected" --- Chief Seattle,Duwamish tribe