Black Flame

by Gerelchimeg Blackcrane, Anna Holmwood (Translator)

Award-winning author Gerelchimeg Blackcrane has written a compelling novel, set in Tibet, Mongolia and China, about the adventures of a fiercely powerful yet lovable Tibetan mastiff that is sure to join the ranks of other much-read classic dog stories.

Kelsang, a Tibetan mastiff, is just a tiny puppy when his mother dies after a vicious fight with a snow leopard. Soon he comes to fill his mother’s role as sheepdog for the master, Tenzin, his instincts telling him how to herd the flock on the northern Tibetan grasslands. But one day when visitors see this huge, beautiful purebred, they ply Tenzin with drink and convince him to sell his dog. In no time Kelsang finds himself chained up in the back of a jeep traveling far from everything he knows.

A series of adventures take Kelsang from the streets of Lhasa, where he fights with local street dogs, to brief refuge with an elderly painter, until he is once again cruelly held in captivity. But Kelsang escapes and meets Han Ma, a master who inspires his love and loyalty. Further adventures include protecting endangered antelope from poachers, warning of a devastating landslide, becoming a guard dog, bonding with a beautiful German shepherd and befriending blind children. But through it all Kelsang longs for the freedom of the grasslands, and so he is overjoyed when his master takes him to live in Inner Mongolia. And here Kelsang once again proves his heroic bravery and intelligence when he saves four children from perishing in a terrible snowstorm.

Genres: Animals, Young Adult, Travel, Dogs, Animal Fiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Gerelchimeg Blackcrane, known simply as Blackcrane, is a multi-award-winning, best-selling author from Inner Mongolia, China. He has published dozens of books for children, some of which have sold as many as five million copies in China. His books have been translated into many languages; a previous book, Black Flame, was published in English in 2014. Blackcrane lives on the Hulunbuir Grasslands of China, where he breeds and trains Mongolian shepherd dogs.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Born on the northern Tibetan plateau, Kelsang was a purebred Tibetan mastiff, one of the world's largest and fiercest dog breeds. Orphaned as a puppy, when his mother was killed in a battle with a snow leopard, he became his master Tenzin's sheep dog, until two unscrupulous strangers, realizing his worth, tricked his human keeper into parting with him. What followed was a period of various unhappy adventures for Kelsang, from his experiences being forced to fight other dogs, to his time as a stray in Llhasa, where he was briefly looked after by an elderly and mostly indifferent painter. After a period of being chained up outside a rural hotel, our canine hero made his escape once again, meeting his true human master - the kind Han Ma - in the process. Experiencing love and devotion for the first time, Kelsang wanted nothing more than to stay by Han Ma's side, and after some other adventures, and a period of being parted from him, the mastiff was finally reunited with the human to whom he had become so devoted. Here, on the grasslands of Hulunbuir, when a terrible and dangerous snowstorm struck, Kelsang once again proved his courage, dedication, and worth...

Apparently Gerelchimeg Blackcrane, a Chinese citizen of Mongolian ethnicity who is celebrated for his many animal stories, is a best-selling author in his native country. Having greatly enjoyed The Moose of Ewenki , the only other one of his books to be translated into English thus far, I lost no time in tracking down Black Flame, originally published in China as 黑焰 (Hēi yàn). I am so glad that I did, as I found it to be an engrossing story. There are certainly many heartwarming moments here - I loved the interactions between Kelsang and Han Ma, which are beautifully described by the author! - but I wouldn't describe this as being sweet, in quite the way that so many contemporary animal stories here in the west would be. Blackcrane write realistically, and without overt sentimentality, about the darker aspects of his canine hero's life, whether that be the natural enemies (particularly wolves) with whom he fights, or the human beings who mistreat him, and act as if he is nothing more than a commodity, rather than a feeling being with needs of his own. As a result, some of the scenes here can be a little difficult for an animal lover to read, but they never feel gratuitous, and the motivations of all involved always make sense in the context of the story, even when (in the case of humans) they are not so admirable.

Knowing nothing of mastiffs, Tibetan or otherwise, when I picked Black Flame up, I immediately went digging around on the internet (as you do), and discovered that like so many other breeds around the world, there was a fad for a while in China, of keeping these animals as pets. As Blackcrane's story makes abundantly clear, these are not animals that can be safely or happily kept by just anybody, and they have certain requirements - lots of space to roam, the need for actual work to do - that make keeping them in most cities problematic. I was therefore not surprised to discover that there is an epidemic of abandoned Tibetan mastiffs, dumped back in Tibet by their rich former Chinese owners, and being cared for mostly by monasteries. Ironically, given that Blackcrane clearly warns about the dangers of taking such dogs to large cities in his story, I can't help but wonder whether 黑焰, which was first published in 2005, was connected to the craze. Given that one of the first articles I read featured a photograph of a Tibetan mastiff being beaten to death by men with shovels, I almost wish I hadn't gone looking! Unlike animals, humans never fail to disappoint...

Leaving that disturbing reality aside, Black Flame is a book I would highly recommend, with the proviso that very sensitive animal lovers may find some scenes (especially the ones where Kelsang fights off wolves or other dogs) disturbing.

[Tibby]

I want my review of this book to just be go read this book. Everyone needs to read it, so go read it. I’m not even a dog person and I loved it and now I want a dog. Seriously. But of course not everyone will like this book and sometimes I feel like I am not nearly discerning enough when it comes to reading and I generally like everything. I think what was really different about this book was how I liked it as a reader and not as a librarian reading it. I’m a sucker for animal books (and I think this is why I often hate adult literature, not enough animals), what can I say?

Okay, what I can say about the book (besides how amazing it is) is that I think Blackcrane must actually be a dog. I don’t know how he made this book sound so true to what a dog would be thinking and how a dog would feel. The book isn’t a talking animal story. Kelsang lives in the world as we know it and the story obeys all rules of this world. But the omniscient narrator sure gets in his head and explains dog behavior and dog emotions using language in a way that felt very, very natural and realistic. There wasn’t any philosophizing. There wasn’t any twee dog talk. No dumbed-down dog here either. Kelsang was smart, but still an animal living (mostly) in a human world. Blackcrane captures Kelsang’s desire to have a master and purpose, but also his ability to live on his own and fend for himself. Through getting into Kelsang’s mind you hear why he chooses to take the actions he does, like howling or pacing or running. It’s show and tell used in an incredibly effective way.

There is violence and death. Kelsang fights and kills other dogs. He also fights wolves (to protect his flock of sheep) and kills small rodents. Primarily he does this out of survival instinct and out of a sense of duty. But all the fights are given from Kelsang’s perspective and because of the place of instinct and survival and naturalness of much of this violence the fights never seem overly gory, unnecessary, or horrifying. That may also be in part due to the fact that you become very attached to Kelsang and his story.

The book had the feel of a classic to it or a book written in English back in the 1950s or 60s, but because it was from Kelsang’s perspective it was a lot less insipid than those boy-and-his-dog-who-dies stories from that era (Kelsang survives the book and gets a happy ending). It was beautifully written and there was plenty of action and adventure, but there were also undertones of environmentalism and speaking against animal cruelty. The pace wasn’t exactly slow, but it wasn’t completely plot driven either. I managed to read it in about four hours over the course of two days. For this reason it may not be suited to reluctant and struggling readers. It’s just a little too dense. But I would highly recommend that kids interested in dogs pick it up, reluctant or not. Just don’t give it to your tenderhearted readers (or at least warn them). Boys may really click with this, although I hate to label anything a “boy book”.

Black Flame was actually originally written in Chinese (Mandarin?) and translated books can be hit or miss. This is definitely hit. Holmwood did a beautiful job translating all this into English. If you aren’t familiar with the geography of China (I’m guessing the majority of American school children are not) it’s well worth getting out a map to look at the places Kelsang goes to on his journey. Even better, do it online so you can look at pictures of these places too.

Lastly, that cover is gorgeous. Kelsang is supposed to be a massive Tibetan mastiff with beautiful black fur that shines blue in the light. He’s domesticated, but still has a feral streak running through him. I think the cover does both the book as a whole and Kelsang justice.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book offered a unique and sophisticated view of a dog's perspective on freedom, companionship, domestication vs. wild nature, city life vs. life in the open air, finding a purpose, and the human-animal relationship. Unlike many books I've seen with dog as protagonist, this one takes place in various places throughout Mongolia, Tibet, and China. Though I would recommend it to advanced readers, upper grades, or adults, I thought it was beautifully written/translated. It didn't end how I thought it might and there were many scenes of suspense that kept me engaged and on the edge of wherever I happened to be sitting at the time. I'm a slow and sleepy reader, and so this book took me a long time to finish. Some have described it as plodding, but I feel like it was a refreshing change to more popular literature for children, and that it was okay for the story to linger where it needed to. This is a good example of a book that is read for its own sake, not to write a book report or breeze through quickly for another assignment. Its characters are genuine, sincere, and complex, and the imagery is vivid and complete. I highly recommend this book!

[Ian Tymms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminds me of Jack London's novels I that it's from the perspective of a dog with a similar complexity to its narrative voice. The novel manages to be engaging and convincing without overly romanticizing the dog's life. A special novel in that the writer is from the Mongolian grasslands where the plot is partly set and he brings this world alive.

[Stephen Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dog in this book is like Lassie! Well, except he is a Tibetan Mastiff and he kills dogs that challenge him, but he does have some nice occasions where he can save others.

I liked the book because it has a different feel to it. The dog is a different type of breed than I usually read about. The location in Tibet and China is exotic terrain. The author is very familiar with the area and habits so you never feel the need to question the books authenticity. It is hard for me to describe how the attitudes of the people are also different, but as I said I liked the difference.

At one point the dog, Kelsang, gets a new kind master, and after the big dog had knocked him down in enthusiasm, the person laughs and Kelsang realizes he is happy again. His feeling is described as “Sunlight, the greenest grass, the warmest wind.”

In another part of the story, Kelsang stays in the courtyard of a tanka painter. I had to look up what that was. From Wikipedia:
“A thangka, variously spelled as thangka, tangka, thanka, or tanka (Nepali pronunciation: [ˈt̪ʰaŋka]; Tibetan: ཐང་ཀ་; Nepal Bhasa: पौभा), is a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton, silk appliqué, usually depicting a Buddhist deity, scene, or mandala.”

The tanka painter is a form of monk, and a quiet meditative person. “Words were an extravagance to the old painter, who was used to being alone. They were only to be spoken when absolutely necessary.”

He helps by feeding the dog, but then when asked gives the dog away. Then later in reflection, “That night the wind came and carried Kelsang’s mat away. The next morning, the painter shambled out to water his plants. Kelsang had never existed, he was sure of it. While there was still a hazy image of a dog lingering in the back of his mind, he thought of it as he did one of his tanka paintings that had been taken away and was now hanging in a temple somewhere.”

What I didn’t like was that Kelsang killed at least 4-5 dogs in the story. I know it relates to the character of Kelsang, and authors dream up conflicts to make the drama of a book work. It works, but you get the feeling that the author admires tough dogs and has no remorse for the dogs that get killed. I am giving the book one less star because of this. For some, this may be a much bigger turn off. Although there is no Kleenex needed for Kelsang, I cry to think of the other dogs.

If you like classic tales of dogs overcoming hardship in an exotic land, then doing heroic deeds, I would say you would like this book.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The exciting adventures of a black Tibetan mastiff. A wonderful dog story set in an exotic location.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like books with told from the view point of a dog, you will probably like this better than i did. I would have given it less, except it takes place in modern day Tibet. All I knew about Tibet was the Dalai Lama and high mountains. There are department stores in Tibet!
I think most people like stories with dogs as the main character will like this.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The language flows very smoothly and naturally for a translation. A book in the genre of "call of the wild" - set in tibet and Mongolia.

[Logan]

i read it when i was only a kid and i couldn't read it again till i was 12, it has been my favorite for years

[Tasneem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book – truly outstanding. The author did a great job describing the Tibetan landscape, the traditions of the people, and their way of life – all from the perspective of a dog.

[刘 · Rating 5 out of 5]

it shows the universal emotions shared by all humans such as the love between animals and human, the loyalty and faternity.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Black Flame, written by Gerelchimeg Blackcrane and translated by Anna Holmwood, is a story about a Tibetan Mastiff named Kelsang who undergoes a series of trials before he finally finds his true home. Kelsang begins his life in the grasslands under a herdsman named Tenzin. While Kelsang great size and might works in his favor, it also works against him: soon two men take him away to fight other dogs. He escapes, beginning a long journey as he willingly and unwilling passes from master to master. As one master becomes more greedy, Kelsang becomes more unhinged. Finally, he discovers Han Ma, who doesn’t try to control Kelsang but offers him friendship instead. Kelsang is separated from Han Ma for a while, but when they are reunited Kelsang’s journey comes full circle as Han Ma takes him to the grasslands once more.

In this unusual odyssey, Blackcrane’s story relies heavily on full, lush descriptions. As the story is told mainly from Keslang’s point of view, there is limited space for actual dialogue. Instead, Kelsang’s emotion and the depiction of the grasslands and the city of Lhasa drives the story forward. Blackcrane’s description relies on exaggerated metaphor to portray nature. He writes, “Before Han Ma had time to answer, the cliff did it for him. A crashing that sounded like the sky falling in echoed all around them” (149). This type of writing is starkly contrasted with the action-oriented, almost scientific explanation of Kelsang’s behaviors. Following Kelsang’s point of view, the author explains Kelsang’s motivations and instincts with clarity and plainness: “It wasn’t his experience on the grasslands that was telling him something was wrong, but pure animal instinct” (146). Blackcrane describes the action first, then rewinds to explain how other people were involved in the event. Using this type of omniscient technique, Blackcrane keeps the focus on Kelsang even when he explains ways that human’s affect Kelsang’s actions.

What I appreciated most about this book was the penetrating theme of the ways humans can positively or negatively affect dogs, whether domesticated or wild. As Kelsang passed from master to master, it was ultimately Kelsang’s emotions and instinct that drove his actions—and those emotions and instincts were affected by the behavior of his master. Only Han Ma provides a stable, charitable counter for Kelsang through his sensitivity and understanding of Kelsang’s needs. On the other hand, the Great Dane that Kelsang fights behaves ferociously because his master encourages him and—it is implied—rewards him.
Through these examples, Blackcrane asks us to consider the effect we have on nature and its animals. This structure is inverted to many American books about dogs, which focus rather on the impact dogs have on people. But Blackcrane doesn’t go to great lengths to explain the human’s emotional connection with Kelsang, or why they need him. It is never explained why Han Ma initially leaves Kelsang behind, or what inspires him to come back for him. Instead, the focus remains on what Kelsang feels.

I would definitely include this in a school or public library; it provides a thoughtful alternative to books like Shiloh. Ultimately, this is a book about understanding and belonging. The journey Kelsang sets out to complete is a journey to find his place. This alone is something that all young readers can relate to—as well as the more primal emotions that overtake them when they are tested. Furthermore, Kelsang’s story reflects on the symbiotic nature that exists between human and dogs, and where that bond can turn sour. For any child with a deep love for dogs, this can be a powerful message.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I spent the entire time I was reading this book worried about its subject, an extraordinarily large and beautiful Tibetan mastiff and what his fate might be. Things start out tough for the puppy as Kelsang's mother dies while fighting a snow leopard. Kelsang moves quickly into his role as a herding dog for his master's sheep, but then ends up being sold, gambled or traded--it's not quite clear--by his master to two men who know how valuable the dog must be and have plans to make their fortune with him. But the big dog is not happy at being taken from his home, and ends up living on the street and fighting with other dogs, befriended--somewhat--by an elderly painter, and cooped up in a kennel. When he meets Han Ma, a teacher, he becomes attached to the man, and is quite devoted to him, and the two of them make their way to two different schools where Kelsang saves the lives of three children. Readers will need to read this with tissues nearby as the cruelty this massive dog endures is shocking, but his will to survive and his affection for Han Ma are also inspiring as he travels--sometimes against his will--through parts of Tibet, Mongolia, and China. Part of the story's appeal is provided by its perspective since the author attempts to show the events in the book as experienced by Kelsang and not through the humans he encounters, thus, leaving some elements to seem a bit incomplete. I liked this since that experience mirrors those of the animals in our lives, for whom even a short hour's separation from their loved ones, may seem interminable. I had a vague idea of what this dog breed looked like so I investigated on the Internet, and came away even more impressed by Kelsang and the story. I'm glad I read it since it touched the tender parts of my heart and reminded me to lavish love and affection on my own animal companions.

[Marion · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Black Flame" is the tale of Tibetan Mastiff Kelsang, who soon after losing his mother is given the role of Sheepdog of the Tibetan grasslands. One day, his master sells him and he is chained to the back of a jeep, travelling far away from all he has ever known. Throughout his adventure he fights with Lhasa street dogs, is captured by cruel humans, and ultimately meets Han Ma – the only master who has ever inspired love and loyalty from Kelsang. It is now up to Kelsang to do all he can to remain with Han Ma and not lose the only human he has ever loved.

Being the animal lover that I am, this was a difficult read for me and I found myself needing to skim big chunks of it. I enjoyed the moment of happiness Kelsang experienced and rich culture embedded into the book, but was horrified by everything else. In America animals are very protected and treated like family, but it is easy to forget that in other parts of the world they are nothing but animals. I don't recall ever reading a Young Adult or children’s book with so much animal cruelty or violence, so it was a little jarring to read this. Being so separated from other cultures can sometimes make you forget how culturally different we are and this book serves as a reminder of that. While I didn't completely hate the book, it's not something I will find myself easily recommending or reading again.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Flame is a book about a dog. And like all books about a dog, it has plot beats that will be familiar to any child (or child at heart) that loves this genre. Growing pains, adversity, rivalry, friendship, love, loyalty, self-sacrifice.

The graphic descriptions of the literal dog fights that Kelsang gets into may be off-putting to some. But they do show the harshness of life in some of the remote and rural parts of China, and the degree to which mastiff dogs had to be fierce and powerful simply to survive.

But what makes Black Flame special and outstanding are the descriptions of the Chinese Tibetan Plateau, of the city of Harbin, and of Hulunbuir. Gerelchimeg Blackcrane is a master of scene-setting an characterisation of both people and places, as well as animals. The result is a story that stands out even within a crowded genre.

[Forever Librarian]

Recommended by WASHYARG: White Fang from perspective of Tibetan Mastif, good for dog lovers, geared toward younger teens

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating story about a lesser known dog breed. The author does an amazing portrayal of thoughts, motivations, and life through the eyes of a Tibetan mastiff.

[ISLN (Int'l School Library Network) Singapore]

A story about a special dog -- an enormous Tibetan mastiff ruled by love and loyalty -- who has both good and bad masters. (China)

[Anoush Pain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book!