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The Country Beyond
The Country Beyond by James Oliver Curwood is love story set in the back woods of Northern Canada during the early 1900s. It is a tale of romance and adventure in the wild, rugged Canadian wilderness. Once again, James Oliver Curwood spins a tale of adventure and romance in the Canadian wilderness with an interesting twist. In this book, the good are not so very good, and the bad becomes the hero in the end. "The Law" puts Jolly Roger McKay on the run, separating him from his love, Nada. Peter, the half Airedale, half Mackenzie hound called Pied-Bot is torn between the two and determined to protect both against all enemies, man or beast. This is a heart-rending tale of love and heroics between a man, a woman and their little dog, Peter. Sergeant Cassidy, of the Royal Northwest Mounties, chases Jolly Roger across the wilds of Northern Canada in a "fair fight" in which each takes his turn in winning over the other. With Cassidy always close behind, Jolly Roger heads for his friends of the Cree tribe. There, his dear friend, Yellowbird, predicts that he will once again see Nada in "The Country Beyond," a place as yet unknown. Tragedy and comedy avail each of the main characters in this book, Jolly Roger, Sergeant Cassidy, Nada, and even Pied-bot as the story advances to determine whether Cassidy will catch McKay before he can reach Nada and escape.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1922
34 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
James Oliver Curwood
984 books123 followersBorn in Owosso, Michigan he left high school without graduating but was able to pass the entrance exams to the University of Michigan where he studied journalism. In 1900, Curwood sold his first story while working for the Detroit News-Tribune. By 1909 he had saved enough money to travel to the Canadian northwest, a trip that provided the inspiration for his wilderness adventure stories. The success of his novels afforded him the opportunity to return to the Yukon and Alaska for several months each year that allowed him to write more than thirty such books.
By 1922, Curwood's writings had made him a very wealthy man and he fulfilled a childhood fantasy by building Curwood Castle in Owosso. Constructed in the style of an 18th century French chateau, the estate overlooked the Shiawassee River. In one of the home's two large turrets, Curwood set up his writing studio. Curwood also owned a camp in a remote area in Baraga County, Michigan, near the Huron Mountains.
An advocate of environmentalism, Curwood was appointed to the Michigan Conservation Commission in 1926. The following year, while on a Florida fishing trip, Curwood was bitten on the thigh by what was believed to have been a spider and had an immediate allergic reaction. Health problems related to the bite escalated over the next few months and infection set in that led to his death from blood poisoning.
Interred in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Owosso, his Curwood Castle is now a museum. During the first full weekend in June of each year, the city of Owosso holds the Curwood Festival to celebrate the city's heritage . Also in his honor, a mountain in L'Anse Township, Michigan was given the name Mount Curwood, and the L'Anse Township Park was renamed Curwood Park.
By 1922, Curwood's writings had made him a very wealthy man and he fulfilled a childhood fantasy by building Curwood Castle in Owosso. Constructed in the style of an 18th century French chateau, the estate overlooked the Shiawassee River. In one of the home's two large turrets, Curwood set up his writing studio. Curwood also owned a camp in a remote area in Baraga County, Michigan, near the Huron Mountains.
An advocate of environmentalism, Curwood was appointed to the Michigan Conservation Commission in 1926. The following year, while on a Florida fishing trip, Curwood was bitten on the thigh by what was believed to have been a spider and had an immediate allergic reaction. Health problems related to the bite escalated over the next few months and infection set in that led to his death from blood poisoning.
Interred in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Owosso, his Curwood Castle is now a museum. During the first full weekend in June of each year, the city of Owosso holds the Curwood Festival to celebrate the city's heritage . Also in his honor, a mountain in L'Anse Township, Michigan was given the name Mount Curwood, and the L'Anse Township Park was renamed Curwood Park.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 23, 2015
Mister Jolly Roger McKay has been an outlaw ever since he did one good deed for his Cree friends, and broke the law to do it. The Royal Mounted Police have been after him ever since and he's slowly added to his crimes. A parcel of books here, some food there and as of let, he's never hurt a human. He doesn't use his gun, he uses his wits. Cassidy of the Royal Mounted Police has been on his trail for years. It's become a game for the two of them until Jolly Roger meets Nada, a young girl who lives with her alcoholic 'father' Jed Hawkins, and whose hero worship for Jolly Roger takes down his guard. Suddenly he has a reason to live and evade Cassidy.
And that's where the story begins. Nada and Jolly Roger find in each other something they've been missing and Nada is determined to grab happiness while they can. But Cassidy is close behind them and Nada's foster father has other plans for her.
This was really good, I enjoyed it as much as The Flaming Forest. And I love that the hero was plump. How often does that happen? Okay, so he does thin a little when running for his life but, I think if he can run his whole life and be plump he's going to be plump no matter what. And the descriptions, I could see the land, even the plants, plants I've never seen before.
PG in the beginning there is some violence, Peter the dog is brutally thrown by Nada's father and is severely injured. Then the dog got into a fight with an owl (he was still a puppy). I was really hoping that there wouldn't be anymore of that because I really hate to see animals hurt. Thankfully, there was no more and we don't even see animal trapping. It's mentioned that Jed Hawkins beat his wife and Nada. Yellow Bird a Cree friend of Jolly Roger's is a sorceress. While we don't join her in any witchcraft, she does tell Roger her vision about his future.
And that's where the story begins. Nada and Jolly Roger find in each other something they've been missing and Nada is determined to grab happiness while they can. But Cassidy is close behind them and Nada's foster father has other plans for her.
This was really good, I enjoyed it as much as The Flaming Forest. And I love that the hero was plump. How often does that happen? Okay, so he does thin a little when running for his life but, I think if he can run his whole life and be plump he's going to be plump no matter what. And the descriptions, I could see the land, even the plants, plants I've never seen before.
PG in the beginning there is some violence, Peter the dog is brutally thrown by Nada's father and is severely injured. Then the dog got into a fight with an owl (he was still a puppy). I was really hoping that there wouldn't be anymore of that because I really hate to see animals hurt. Thankfully, there was no more and we don't even see animal trapping. It's mentioned that Jed Hawkins beat his wife and Nada. Yellow Bird a Cree friend of Jolly Roger's is a sorceress. While we don't join her in any witchcraft, she does tell Roger her vision about his future.
September 18, 2020
I remember trying to read “Old Yeller” when I was a kid. I must have tried starting three or four times, and never could get much beyond “Little Arliss…” I guess it just wasn’t for me. I haven’t read many dog stories in my life, but this one seemed different from the typical. For one thing, it wasn’t a children’s book. Set in the Canadian north woods, this classic contained sweeping descriptions and all the atmosphere one could desire. You could nearly smell the spruce, cedar and balsam the author talked endlessly about.
The first third of the story was full of action and I made it through quickly. Unfortunately, the middle lags as the main character named Roger McKay and his dog Peter cover mile after weary mile on foot through the Canadian wilderness, always trying to outsmart and outrun the Mounties. I don’t want to give anything away, but the last few chapters pick up again and there was no way I could have guessed how the ending would turn out.
I can see why this author is a classic and I don’t believe the dog’s point of view hurt the story any. It gave it an interesting perspective that elevated it from the ordinary. However, the plodding middle had me yawning a bit. It also contains Native American spirituality, and the Christian missionary lacks a solid doctrinal stand which made the book’s philosophy a bit wishy washy. By the time the book ended, I was just ready to return it to the library and check out something else.
Apparently this book was made into a movie twice (1926 and 1936) but both deviate from the plot drastically. After doing some research on the author James Oliver Curwood, I learned that he had at one time been the highest paid author per word in the world at his time (he died in 1927 from a bug bite). I found that he lived not too far from where I do and that he built a French chateau-inspired mansion which has been turned into a museum. So I’m thinking of planning a day trip and checking this thing out! You know… some day after COVID.
The first third of the story was full of action and I made it through quickly. Unfortunately, the middle lags as the main character named Roger McKay and his dog Peter cover mile after weary mile on foot through the Canadian wilderness, always trying to outsmart and outrun the Mounties. I don’t want to give anything away, but the last few chapters pick up again and there was no way I could have guessed how the ending would turn out.
I can see why this author is a classic and I don’t believe the dog’s point of view hurt the story any. It gave it an interesting perspective that elevated it from the ordinary. However, the plodding middle had me yawning a bit. It also contains Native American spirituality, and the Christian missionary lacks a solid doctrinal stand which made the book’s philosophy a bit wishy washy. By the time the book ended, I was just ready to return it to the library and check out something else.
Apparently this book was made into a movie twice (1926 and 1936) but both deviate from the plot drastically. After doing some research on the author James Oliver Curwood, I learned that he had at one time been the highest paid author per word in the world at his time (he died in 1927 from a bug bite). I found that he lived not too far from where I do and that he built a French chateau-inspired mansion which has been turned into a museum. So I’m thinking of planning a day trip and checking this thing out! You know… some day after COVID.
February 24, 2020
Mainly the book is from the perspective of the dog - Peter, but switches to be from the perspective of the other characters in the story which causes a bit of confusion when reading.
September 21, 2012
Still my all time favorite book. I read it many times growing up and it still holds my interest to the very end.
A thrilling story!
A thrilling story!
January 9, 2016
I really wanted this to be great--it sounded like it could be. And then, it wasn't. Too melodramatic for my tastes.
May 26, 2016
Curwood writes such great wilderness adventure stories. 4.5 stars!
October 27, 2019
Fun, adventurous and romantic...with a good message. After having screwed up a good part of his life, a man falls in love and in order to save his beloved, he admits to a horrible deed. He runs away and spends the rest of the book trying to get back to the girl despite his troubles....his constant companion is a part Airedale named Pete....just a fun enjoyable book set in a place far away both in time and distance.
October 29, 2011
The Country Beyond, by James Oliver Curwood.
A big-hearted outlaw, Jolly Roger McKay, who never did anything really bad, is pursued for years by the Royal Northwest Mounties, through the Northwest Canadian wilderness in the early 1900’s. At one of his hiding places, he falls in love with a local young woman, Nada, whose foster parents have badly mistreated her, but feels he is unworthy of her love. The loyal mongrel-puppy Peter, devoted to both the outlaw and Nada, follows him through many adventures, while we are continually yearning for him to get back together with the woman of his dreams.
A big-hearted outlaw, Jolly Roger McKay, who never did anything really bad, is pursued for years by the Royal Northwest Mounties, through the Northwest Canadian wilderness in the early 1900’s. At one of his hiding places, he falls in love with a local young woman, Nada, whose foster parents have badly mistreated her, but feels he is unworthy of her love. The loyal mongrel-puppy Peter, devoted to both the outlaw and Nada, follows him through many adventures, while we are continually yearning for him to get back together with the woman of his dreams.
March 10, 2012
Curwood spends a little too much time capturing dreamy moments and worshipping nature.
July 10, 2015
Canadian adventure romance with beautiful reflections on the wild nature around the characters. Fun people in this book, and loved the dog, Peter. I'll have to look up more by this author later.
August 22, 2019
I picked up this wonderful old novel at an estate sale. It's a tale of adventure, with the plot marked by steps in a journey (a Huck-Finn style plot). The protagonists have the almost-too-charming romantic sensibility of the beginning of the last century, with flowery descriptions and idealizations of Man and Woman. Although an outlaw, the hero is a "good guy" - which makes the hero interesting, where otherwise he might be saccharine. The bountiful descriptions of nature, also a common feature of that era's writing (the tail end of the Sublime), serves to make of the Canadian north country a third protagonist, and while in the beginning the descriptions can seem overmuch, by the end it all makes sense as the importance of this geographical protagonist is felt keenly.
But most unexpected and delightful is the fourth - for me, really, the first - protagonist: Peter, the mongrel dog. The story is told from his point of view almost as much as from the points of view of hero and heroine. He has, moreover, a key role in the plot from beginning to end.
Despite the slow, naturalistic, not-many-people pace of the writing, the reading is fast because the suspense is high throughout with the hero always on the run. The denouement is unexpected, yet perfectly set up. And since there's a threat to the dog, which is SCARY, I'll let you know that everything turns out fine. :)
But most unexpected and delightful is the fourth - for me, really, the first - protagonist: Peter, the mongrel dog. The story is told from his point of view almost as much as from the points of view of hero and heroine. He has, moreover, a key role in the plot from beginning to end.
Despite the slow, naturalistic, not-many-people pace of the writing, the reading is fast because the suspense is high throughout with the hero always on the run. The denouement is unexpected, yet perfectly set up. And since there's a threat to the dog, which is SCARY, I'll let you know that everything turns out fine. :)
February 17, 2020
An old friend
My father had this book when I was a boy. Readinng it now is like revisiting an old friend. The descriptive powers of these old authors is unmatched, in my opinion, by the more modern writers. James Oliver Curwood, Jack London, Zane Grey, Joseph C. Lincoln are unmatched in modern fiction. Louie L'Amour comes close, I must say.
My father had this book when I was a boy. Readinng it now is like revisiting an old friend. The descriptive powers of these old authors is unmatched, in my opinion, by the more modern writers. James Oliver Curwood, Jack London, Zane Grey, Joseph C. Lincoln are unmatched in modern fiction. Louie L'Amour comes close, I must say.
April 10, 2020
I am enjoying reading some of my old books again.
This one will appeal to readers of romance, action and dog stories.
It has a bit of Robin Hood, psychics, good vs. evil and love conquers all.
This one will appeal to readers of romance, action and dog stories.
It has a bit of Robin Hood, psychics, good vs. evil and love conquers all.
October 25, 2021
Kinda boring, not as good as the last one I read, but a darn good story regardless, if you can endure the middle slowness.
December 18, 2021
Very boring, good for naps!
February 6, 2023
The Country Beyond is a gushing mess of a romance novel filled with comedy and tragedy. I thoroughly enjoy Curwood’s skill at making Peter a major character in the plot. Bravo.
December 23, 2023
This is a great book! A lot of drama, danger, detail and emotion. Through it all, love wins!
January 11, 2024
There was a lot of monotony. 50% of the way through it actually started getting exciting. The climax to the ending was exciting and then all of a sudden it was a wah wah 😩 weird unexpected ending.
August 22, 2024
Great book, I listened to the audiobook version on YouTube. I will leave the link below so that everyone can enjoy it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9wGf...
December 9, 2025
Classic. My favourite one!
October 4, 2014
The mixed breed dog, Peter, is devoted to Nada, the seventeen-year-old foster child of an abusive bootlegger in the Canadian wilderness. Peter was a gift to Nada from Jolly Roger McKay who leads a solitary life in a nearby cabin. Roger is the only person who has shown Nada any kindness since she became an orphan ten years earlier. Because Roger is pursued by the Canadian Mounted Police, he has cause to move frequently.
The threat of arrest and life on the lam cause Roger to travel great distances on foot but his attraction and promise to Nada draws him back only to place himself in jeopardy again.
The threat of arrest and life on the lam cause Roger to travel great distances on foot but his attraction and promise to Nada draws him back only to place himself in jeopardy again.
April 29, 2011
This is a sweet simple love story from the good old days. I listened to it as an audiobook while walking, free from librivox, and enjoyed it for days.
April 12, 2016
Reminded me very much of "The Valley of Silent Men" -- a chased man, falls in love, gets separated from the woman, must find some unknown place... but a nice book in any case!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews