“The Incredible Journey” by Sheila Burnford

The Incredible Journey

by Sheila Burnford

Synopsis: 

A classic Canadian story of the bravery and ingenuity of three animals who find their way home.
First published in 1961, The Incredible Journey tells the story of three pets: a young Labrador retriever, an old bull terrier, and a Siamese cat. While their owners are away in England, they are being cared for by a family friend at his home in the country. But a miscommunication occurs between the friend and his housekeeper when he goes on a hunting trip, and the animals are left alone for a several hours, with a gnawing instinct that something has gone wrong. They soon set off on a journey to find home, which instinct tells them is to the west.
They travel 400 kilometres across the Northern Ontario wilderness, facing many obstacles along the way: swift-flowing rivers and the rugged landscape; wild animals and unsympathetic humans; starvation, injuries and sheer exhaustion. Separately they would not have survived, but together this disparate group prevails, and they find their way home to the family they love.

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

3.5 stars & 4/10 hearts. This a wholly Canadian book. It’s a tale of survival and companionship, and a good family read-aloud. There is a mention of an Indian legend, and one mention of Bodger being “as irresistible as the devil.” Also, a note to non-Canadian readers: Ontario has changed quite a bit since this book has been written. ;)

A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “To many who live there, fall is the burnished crown of the year, with the crisp, sunny days and exhilarating air of the Northland; with clear blue skies, and drifting leaves, and, as far as the eye can see, the endless panorama of glorious, rich, flaming colour in the turning trees.”

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