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The Sparrow's Fall
Perfect spine. Clean bright cover has light wear with slight edge wear. Text perfect. Same day shipping first class from AZ.
255 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 1967
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About the author
Fred Bodsworth
23 books12 followersFred Bodsworth was born in Port Burwell, Ontario. He has worked in tobacco fields and on tow tugs. He now lives in Toronto. He was a reporter for the St. Thomas Times-Journal from 1940-43; reporter and editor for The Toronto Star from 1943-47; staff writer for Maclean's from 1947-55, and a freelance magazine writer, nature writer, and novelist since then. He was president of the Federation of Ontario Naturalists from 1964-67. He was also an organizer and leader of numerous worldwide ornithology tours and has contributed to numerous anthologies.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 15, 2022
When we read Fred Bodsworth's The Sparrow's Fall in Junior High English (it was first published in 1967 and we read it in 1980), I for one was both enthralled and at the same time also rather horrified, but in a generally good and yes, very much thought-provoking manner (although I did and yes still do find the tone of narration and by extension also the attitude of the author, while indeed generally sympathetic, also a bit patronising at times, with the First Nations protagonists sometimes being depicted and presented as rather overly and exaggeratingly childlike and easily manipulated, and quite frankly, even if Fred Bodsworth does not mean to be condescending, there is at least sometimes a problematic and supercilious attitude present in The Sparrow's Fall, even if probably, even if likely inadvertent).
Now the gripping and evocative tale of young Ojibway Jacob Atook who takes Father Weber's preachings about God being saddened and pained by and at every death a bit too literally and seriously and is thus no longer willing to hunt, although there are comparatively few adequate (and with that I mean fat and protein rich) non-animal, non-meat based food sources available in the Taiga forest north of Lake Superior for him and his pregnant wife Niska, this all massively infuriated me as a teenager (and indeed even as an older adult rereading, continues to chafe and grate), as the novel, as The Sparrow's Fall so stridently presents the blatant irresponsibility of many missionaries, of many priests and pastors who blithely and simply preach the Gospel, the Bible (or rather their visions and interpretations of the same) often including strong messages against traditional hunting and cultural practices, without generally considering the potential consequences their sermons might engender, might have for the First Nations individuals to whom they are sermonising (and of course for their culture, including their ways of food acquisition, and in the North, in the Taiga and Tundra regions, that naturally and by necessity of geography would mean primarily hunting and fishing, with gathering plants, tree nuts, roots and the like a secondary activity at best).
And while I am personally very much opposed to viewing hunting as a type of sport, as an enjoyable pastime (and am absolutely against any and all forms of so-called trophy hunting), there are indeed many areas in Northern Canada and Alaska where hunting for basic sustenance is not only an option but actually generally a requirement, a necessity for basic survival, and for anyone to preach against the same, especially in the pontifical and categorical manner of Bodsworth's Father Weber, that is dangerously misguided and nastily irresponsible, as he basically in the beginning of The Sparrow's Fall absolutely makes both Atook and Niska feel totally ashamed of their culture, and to then also distance themselves completely from the latter, to believe that if one becomes Christian, one should no longer be engaged in hunting, even if one only hunts for food, for survival, for sustenance. And this dangerous and artificially created attitude of Father Weber (who obviously has no idea whatsoever what hunting means to the Ojibway and that in the Taiga forests of Northern Ontario, hunting is necessary for and to survival) almost causes three deaths, Atook's, Niska's and their unborn child's (and only Atook's and Niska's at first painful and even much reluctant realisation that Father Weber's opposition to any type of hunting is wrong for them, for their specific culture and for the location, the geography of where they live, and Atooks's desperate and solitary trek in search of the caribou that are his tribe's, his people's lifeline, staves off tragedy).
Much recommended is The Sparrow's Fall, but I do and must give the necessary caveat that hunting and traditional Ojibway hunting culture and practices are indeed a major part of the plot, of the storyline and that hunting is thus also described and regarded as a positive if meant for basic survival (for the acquisition of food). And although I would in no way consider The Sparrow's Fall as gratuitously violent or in any way glorifying the hunt, the novel might still not be a good fit for children, for anyone, who is very sensitive or staunchly vegetarian or vegan (especially since the author, since Fred Bodsworth also depicts and presents a detailed back and forth narration, between Atook who is tracking the caribou and the caribou he is following, and to the point that one actually tends to become rather emotionally attached to both the hunter and the hunted, an interesting and thought-provoking narrative tool, but perhaps not necessarily something that all potential readers can easily handle and/or even personally accept).
Now the gripping and evocative tale of young Ojibway Jacob Atook who takes Father Weber's preachings about God being saddened and pained by and at every death a bit too literally and seriously and is thus no longer willing to hunt, although there are comparatively few adequate (and with that I mean fat and protein rich) non-animal, non-meat based food sources available in the Taiga forest north of Lake Superior for him and his pregnant wife Niska, this all massively infuriated me as a teenager (and indeed even as an older adult rereading, continues to chafe and grate), as the novel, as The Sparrow's Fall so stridently presents the blatant irresponsibility of many missionaries, of many priests and pastors who blithely and simply preach the Gospel, the Bible (or rather their visions and interpretations of the same) often including strong messages against traditional hunting and cultural practices, without generally considering the potential consequences their sermons might engender, might have for the First Nations individuals to whom they are sermonising (and of course for their culture, including their ways of food acquisition, and in the North, in the Taiga and Tundra regions, that naturally and by necessity of geography would mean primarily hunting and fishing, with gathering plants, tree nuts, roots and the like a secondary activity at best).
And while I am personally very much opposed to viewing hunting as a type of sport, as an enjoyable pastime (and am absolutely against any and all forms of so-called trophy hunting), there are indeed many areas in Northern Canada and Alaska where hunting for basic sustenance is not only an option but actually generally a requirement, a necessity for basic survival, and for anyone to preach against the same, especially in the pontifical and categorical manner of Bodsworth's Father Weber, that is dangerously misguided and nastily irresponsible, as he basically in the beginning of The Sparrow's Fall absolutely makes both Atook and Niska feel totally ashamed of their culture, and to then also distance themselves completely from the latter, to believe that if one becomes Christian, one should no longer be engaged in hunting, even if one only hunts for food, for survival, for sustenance. And this dangerous and artificially created attitude of Father Weber (who obviously has no idea whatsoever what hunting means to the Ojibway and that in the Taiga forests of Northern Ontario, hunting is necessary for and to survival) almost causes three deaths, Atook's, Niska's and their unborn child's (and only Atook's and Niska's at first painful and even much reluctant realisation that Father Weber's opposition to any type of hunting is wrong for them, for their specific culture and for the location, the geography of where they live, and Atooks's desperate and solitary trek in search of the caribou that are his tribe's, his people's lifeline, staves off tragedy).
Much recommended is The Sparrow's Fall, but I do and must give the necessary caveat that hunting and traditional Ojibway hunting culture and practices are indeed a major part of the plot, of the storyline and that hunting is thus also described and regarded as a positive if meant for basic survival (for the acquisition of food). And although I would in no way consider The Sparrow's Fall as gratuitously violent or in any way glorifying the hunt, the novel might still not be a good fit for children, for anyone, who is very sensitive or staunchly vegetarian or vegan (especially since the author, since Fred Bodsworth also depicts and presents a detailed back and forth narration, between Atook who is tracking the caribou and the caribou he is following, and to the point that one actually tends to become rather emotionally attached to both the hunter and the hunted, an interesting and thought-provoking narrative tool, but perhaps not necessarily something that all potential readers can easily handle and/or even personally accept).
February 25, 2017
I picked up this book from a pile of free books due to the art on the cover, which intrigued me. I love the northwoods, as it speaks to the naturalist in me and a simplicity/honesty to a way of life that barely exists anymore.
The story is about a canadian/inuit(?) hunter named Jacob Atook, who falls in love with a girl in his village, marries her against the will of his people, and elopes far away into the woods with her to survive a winter by themselves. Poor planning, inexperience, and Christian religion result in poor choices, and he allows a Caribou to go free, thinking that is what God wants. They are close to starving to death, when he realizes he must abandon his wife/unborn child in order to bring back food to allow them to survive the rest of the season.
What I really enjoyed about this book was that Fred Bodsworth drops knowledge bombs throughout the book, touching on the geologic history of the area, it's impact on types of forests, eco systems, and the life cycles of caribou, wolves, sparrows, and other animals. The techniques that Jacob uses to survive are described in great detail, and really demonstrate Bodsworth's knowledge on these subjects.
Contrary to the only other review of this book, Bodsworth's viewpoint on the natives is not simplistic or insulting. He does call them uneducated and refers to Jacob having more a simplistic mind, but the main character did have a strong yearning for knowledge, was one of the best pupils in the classes held at a summer camp, and his desire to learn even more was what drove his interest in the white man's religion. If I lived in the forest off the land, and did not read books or have formal education, I would be uneducated, but that does not mean stupid. Jacob's resourcefulness and intuition and inner thoughts are well described as he grapples with his people's beliefs in pagan gods, and the singular god of Christianity.
Speaking of which, I am not religious, and neither is this book. It does reference Jacob's personal spiritual journey and conclusions, but it leaves the reader to draw their own conclusions.
In summary, this book is fantastic, and I'm going to be checking out the other books Bodsworth has authored. If it's a cold winter and you're stuck in doors yet you yearn for adventure, give this one a shot. Loved it.
The story is about a canadian/inuit(?) hunter named Jacob Atook, who falls in love with a girl in his village, marries her against the will of his people, and elopes far away into the woods with her to survive a winter by themselves. Poor planning, inexperience, and Christian religion result in poor choices, and he allows a Caribou to go free, thinking that is what God wants. They are close to starving to death, when he realizes he must abandon his wife/unborn child in order to bring back food to allow them to survive the rest of the season.
What I really enjoyed about this book was that Fred Bodsworth drops knowledge bombs throughout the book, touching on the geologic history of the area, it's impact on types of forests, eco systems, and the life cycles of caribou, wolves, sparrows, and other animals. The techniques that Jacob uses to survive are described in great detail, and really demonstrate Bodsworth's knowledge on these subjects.
Contrary to the only other review of this book, Bodsworth's viewpoint on the natives is not simplistic or insulting. He does call them uneducated and refers to Jacob having more a simplistic mind, but the main character did have a strong yearning for knowledge, was one of the best pupils in the classes held at a summer camp, and his desire to learn even more was what drove his interest in the white man's religion. If I lived in the forest off the land, and did not read books or have formal education, I would be uneducated, but that does not mean stupid. Jacob's resourcefulness and intuition and inner thoughts are well described as he grapples with his people's beliefs in pagan gods, and the singular god of Christianity.
Speaking of which, I am not religious, and neither is this book. It does reference Jacob's personal spiritual journey and conclusions, but it leaves the reader to draw their own conclusions.
In summary, this book is fantastic, and I'm going to be checking out the other books Bodsworth has authored. If it's a cold winter and you're stuck in doors yet you yearn for adventure, give this one a shot. Loved it.
October 12, 2020
This was a fun little adventure about two people who have defied their tribal traditions and banish themselves for it. The story is about survival, faith, and commitment. There are a lot of solid messages in this , and I believe the book would be appropriate for young adults and older. There are a lot of religious references and the struggles captured in this literature are spiritual, physical, and mental. It is a great combination of action, survival procedures, and faith.
December 24, 2022
For a book that I picked up on a whim,it paid dividends in a big way.
What a fantastic novel on the nature of, well nature,and the fight for survival by both animal and man in a harsh environment.
Set on the Canadian shelf,Hudson Bay area,this is a tale of Jacob Atook,a native Inuit,who loves a woman promised to another by the elders in the old traditional custom. Deemed as a failure as a hunter ,he leaves the village with her and they has to learn to survive on there own. A bad winter comes and he must leave her to hunt for Caribou. However,the hunter becomes the hunted as the thwarted promised betrothed seek his revenge.
The novel is interesting in that it speaks of the struggles of survival by man and beast,the cycle of life,of death,tradition against religion(the old ways and Christian beliefs).
How can Jacob balance his beliefs and purpose in the Circle of Life.
This journey and fight for survival teaches him many things and helps him find a balance.
Beautifully told,insightful and gripping.
There is a chapter towards the end which some might find shocking,but if after reading the book,it makes you appreciate and understand Jacob,s decisions and way of life,you should be sympathetic.
What a fantastic novel on the nature of, well nature,and the fight for survival by both animal and man in a harsh environment.
Set on the Canadian shelf,Hudson Bay area,this is a tale of Jacob Atook,a native Inuit,who loves a woman promised to another by the elders in the old traditional custom. Deemed as a failure as a hunter ,he leaves the village with her and they has to learn to survive on there own. A bad winter comes and he must leave her to hunt for Caribou. However,the hunter becomes the hunted as the thwarted promised betrothed seek his revenge.
The novel is interesting in that it speaks of the struggles of survival by man and beast,the cycle of life,of death,tradition against religion(the old ways and Christian beliefs).
How can Jacob balance his beliefs and purpose in the Circle of Life.
This journey and fight for survival teaches him many things and helps him find a balance.
Beautifully told,insightful and gripping.
There is a chapter towards the end which some might find shocking,but if after reading the book,it makes you appreciate and understand Jacob,s decisions and way of life,you should be sympathetic.
September 10, 2018
"The silence was a profound and pressing thing, not a negative quality, not just an absence of sound; it had a substance and reality of its own." Page 178
"Dying was easy, a comfort. Why should it be feared? Only living had pain." Page 208
"Dying was easy, a comfort. Why should it be feared? Only living had pain." Page 208
January 18, 2025
This nature writer spins a story and implants you right smack into the middle of it. Nature can be harsh. An oldie, but a goodie.
September 19, 2013
As a naturalist, Bodsworth gives us a fascinating and detailed view of the life cycle of caribou and the HB lowlands ecology, but his descriptions of the lives of Jacob Atook, his wife and community are patronizing and simplistic - a creature of his time when this kind of paternalistic expression was actually a positive change from the depiction of First Nations and Inuit people as savages. But it makes tough reading today.
September 21, 2024
A look into a forgotten time in Canada's North, when the People could sustain their lives and livelihoods through the usage of handed down skills and knowledge. It is a spiritual book as well, and I appreciated walking with Jacob Atook, his striving to come to terms with the harshness of their existence. This is a good book.
April 16, 2010
read it.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews