Récits de la cabane abandonnée

by Grey Owl

Traduit de l’anglais par Jeanne Roche-Mazon.   En 1935, lorsqu''il entame la rédaction des Récits de la cabane abandonnée, Grey Owl est garde forestier dans le parc national canadien de Prince Albert en Saskatchewan. Il a établi là-bas sa petite colonie de castors. Dès cette époque, il est une légende, acclamé à l''échelon international comme grand naturaliste, auteur à succès, orateur charismatique et porte-parole respecté des autochtones. Ses livres, ainsi que plusieurs films, ont contribué non seulement à promouvoir son message sur la préservation de la nature, mais à rendre célèbres l''auteur et sa cabane de Beaver Lodge.   C''est donc avec un peu de nostalgie qu''il revient sur ses années heureuses de vie dans le Grand Nord. Il évoque ses années passées de trappe, de chasse sur les pistes de la forêt boréale, puis sa conversion à la cause animale. Mais son livre exprime surtout un véritable cri d''alarme pour un milieu naturel et des traditions qu''il pressent menacés. Son plaidoyer en faveur des animaux sauvages demeure l''un des plus touchants jamais livrés.    « N''oubliez pas que vous faites partie de la Nature, mais qu''elle ne vous appartient pas.» ― Grey Owl.   À surveiller en novembre : Ambassadeur des bêtes et Sajo et ses castors.

Genres: History, Nature, Nonfiction, Native American, Biography

236 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1936

About the author

Grey Owl (or Wa-sha-quon-asin, from the Ojibwe wenjiganoozhiinh, meaning "great horned owl" or "great grey owl") was the name Archibald Belaney adopted when he took on a First Nations identity as an adult. A British native, he was most notable as an author and one of the "most effective apostles of the wilderness". While his writings showed his deep knowledge and concern about the environment, Belaney's account of his origins as "Grey Owl" was mostly fictional. The consequences of the revelation were dramatic. Publishers immediately ceased producing his books under the name Grey Owl. In some cases his books were withdrawn from publication.
(from wikipedia)

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wrote an essay on Grey Owl's life when I was in grade school, and it's unfortunate that the only thing I'd learned about him after all is that he lied about being of Apache descent. I found this book at a used sale and picked it up only because I recognized Grey Owl's name. Upon finishing it, I've decided that his love of the Wilderness and its inhabitants as well as his efforts in early Canadian conservation redeems him well enough in my eyes.

Overall I enjoyed this read very much, though I'll admit not every story was captivating. It is not my habit to skip sections of a book, but if I'm to give any advice to future readers, I would say to do just that if ever you're uninterested, because there are some lengthy descriptions. For instance, a couple of reviews have stated that Part Three contains too much information about his life with beavers, but for me this was all quite astounding. On many occasions I laughed out loud! I feel a sort of gratitude that a man lived these experiences and wrote them down for someone like me to read almost a hundred years later. For the most part I really was fascinated, and felt a warm amazement about the old ways of living in the woods. In a way it was like remembering an ancient dream...

If you don't mind a book that reads much like a slow-burning fire, I would recommend it to anyone who has ever fantasized about living and surviving in the great Wilderness, or feels ecstatic when in the presence of wild animals.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very satisfying, but definitely had to take a long break in the middle.

[dirty derk · Rating 4 out of 5]

part 3 has too much about beavers. otherwise perfect.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book, and while I enjoyed parts of it, it took some effort to finish. Grey Owl had some strong views on the conservation and protection of animals and the environment which is certainly admirable. His description of living with the beavers was pretty humerous at times although much more detailed than I cared to read. It's hard to put aside that the author was not who he portrayed himself to be which took away from the story somewhat for me. All in all the book is alright, but not great in my opinion.

[John Dawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grey Owl was the name adopted by an Englishman who ran away to C19th Canada as a young man. He apparently claimed Apache descent, and adopted Indian ways. Shortly after he died his little deception was revealed. But now, he is seen as a passionate enviromentalist, way ahead of his time. Not always very well written, these stories form a touching eulogy for that vanished way of life.

[Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although written more than 80 years ago, Grey Owl's (Archibald Belaney) observations are still relevant today. Grey Owl was my childhood hero after I had read an article about him in my favorite children's magazine, but I have never read any of his writings uncle now - why did I wait?!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love everything about Grey Owl...all books, movie, his life, his life's work!

[Graham Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book . An inspiring read.

[Paweł]

+

[Jesse Wighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book.