The Revenant: A Novel of Revenge by Michael Punke
Staff Pick – Karen
This book has many elements in common with ‘The Martian’ by Andy Weir. It is about survival, it is about one man against the elements, and it is a fast paced heart pounding read with a very likeable hero. What is different is that it takes place in the American West during the expansion of the Fur trade.
The hero, Hugh Glass, is based on an actual person as are the events. While trying to forge a viable trade route on the Missouri River, Hugh, a seasoned Mountain Man and explorer, is viciously attacked by a mama Grizzly. The captain of the exploring group upon seeing that he is not completely dead drags him along with the group for about three days. He then asks two men, John Fitzgerald and Jim Bridger to stay with Hugh until he dies and then catch up with the party. They stay with him until they feel threatened by a near by Indian hunting party. Not only do they desert him in his semi conscious state but they steal his shot gun and knife – his only means of defense and survival. What follows is a tale of undeniable will to not only survive but to exact revenge.
The author’s ability to describe the wilderness, the hazards of the times, the numerous tribes and their respective markings and politics all create a full and vivid picture of this time in American History.
Fast paced, plot driven, and well written. Recommended for readers of suspense, adventure, survival, and teens wanting good adult fiction.
Movie out in December – can already tell that there are extra fiction elements added to enhance the story. Hopefully those don’t detract from the amazing tale of survival that this is.