Reviews of Dingo Books

This blog brings together reviews I have written for several books on dingoes. I have included a summary of reviews of my own books, For the Love of a Dingo and Merigal Dingoes, as well as links to blogs with words of warning for dingo researchers.

 

The Dingo Debate: Origins, Behaviour and Conservation by Bradley Smith (Editor).

 

I’ll begin with what I believe to be the most valuable book on Dingoes for many years.

 

This is not a book simply to read. It is one all dingo advocates, conservationists and ecologists should return to repeatedly for information supporting our fight to save the Dingo.

 

There is a new breed of young scientists studying the dingo. Editor, Bradley Smith is one of them. Their positive findings on the need to preserve not annihilate the dingo needs to be heeded by all governments. I hope the ongoing research by these young researchers continues to be published and made available to the general public.

 

Here is the link to my full review.

 

Dingo Tails: Kane Guy

 

I have never read a book on any subject containing such a wealth of knowledge in a series of short stories by so many different writers.

 

Dingoes Tails was the concept of Kane Guy a teacher, writer, husband, father of three, and absolute dingo admirer.

 

With the publication of Dingo Tails Kane hopes to paint a new picture of the dingo in the eyes of everyday Australians; that by the end of the book the reader will be able to see through the indoctrination of media sensationalism and appreciate the true beauty of the dingo through its many endearing and truly unique qualities.

 

Here is the link to my full review.

 

Living with Dingoes by Gill Ryhorchuk

 

Living with Dingoes gives greater insight and understanding of this beautiful Australian native animal. It clearly describes dingo behaviour and mannerisms and I enjoyed reading about the varying personalities of Gillian’s dingoes.

 

This is a must reading for anyone considering owning a dingo. In fact it should be compulsory reading for anyone considering a dingo as a pet as they are definitely not suited to many people.

 

Here is the link to my full review.

 

Living with the Dingo by Adam O’Neill

 

This is not a book full of scientific jargon but rather O’Neill’s observations and experience deliver a “Biodiversity 101” lesson at a practical level, explained in easy to understand language.

 

My favourite quotation in the book is:

 

Only when we put away the poison baits and concentrate on rehabilitating our environment as a whole, will our endangered species have any hope of survival. The dingo has 4,000 years of experience in managing Australian land systems and controlling the animals that existed within them. I believe the dingo is our only chance for eco-reconciliation.

 

Here is the link to my full review.

 

Dingoes Don’t Bark by Lionel Hudson

 

The book clearly describes the situation and plight of the dingo at the time (1974) and gives some of its sad history since white settlement including its relationship with Aboriginal people before the impact of that invasion.

 

He also raises a topic not considered a great deal in the early 1970s; that of the dingo’s role in maintaining the balance in nature. Meeting Robert Harden, who was researching dingoes and kept one at home, gave him further insight into this animal he had come to admire. Many old dingo myths are disproven.

 

Here is the link to my full review.

 

The Way of the Dingo

 

As a dingo lover, it is a tough book to read. But I must confess it is beautifully written. 

 

Sid Wright was a dingo hunter and the fictional story is based on his experiences.

 

The reason I did read it was because Sid Wright also understood and respected the dingo.

 

Here is the link to my full review.

 

The Stone Soup Book of Animal Stories by Stone Soup

The writing talent of the young authors in this book may surprise readers. As the title implies, they are all animal stories but written with imagination, emotion and skill.

I thoroughly enjoyed the majority of stories. In many cases they demonstrated a greater understanding of animals than many adults in our world.

Very enjoyable light read. 4*

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The Dingo Debate: Origins, Behaviour and Conservation by Bradley Smith (Editor)

I initially read The Dingo Debate cover to cover because I am passionately interested in Dingoes and there is very little up to date information available in book form. I was enthralled by the amount and quality of the information.  Every section was informative and covered all aspects of the Dingo. I am currently writing the biography of Berenice Walters, the Dingo Lady (1928-2002) and frequently refer back to this book to check historical facts and differences in our knowledge now compared to her time.

The Dingo is Australia’s most controversial, maligned and misunderstood animal. The history of the dingo has been one of condemnation and cruelty surrounded by myths and lies spread largely by the grazing fraternity.

 


The Dingo Debate sets the record straight with scientific evidence of its important role as an apex predator in keeping the balance of nature and controlling feral pests. Anyone considering reading the book should not be put off by my use of the word “scientific”. It is written in a manner easily understood by the average lay person.

It discusses the origin of the Dingo and their relationship with the indigenous people, how they live in the wild, their contribution to ecology and the impact of attempts to wipe out dingoes. It is well illustrated with photographs and tables and includes comprehensive reference tables at the end of each chapter.

This is not a book simply to read. It is one all dingo advocates, conservationists and ecologists should return to over and over again for information supporting our fight to save the Dingo.

There is a new breed of young scientists studying the dingo. Editor, Bradley Smith is one of them. Their positive findings on the need to preserve not annihilate the dingo needs to be heeded by all governments. I hope the ongoing research by these young researchers continues to be published and made available to the general public.

The Hunt for Elsewhere by Beatrice Vine

Precis

Abandoned by his family and raised by a wise, old crow, Saxton grows up to be no ordinary fox.

Where other foxes are ruthless, Saxton is merciful. Where they are greedy, he is generous. But for all that Saxton believes in honour and love, kindness and courage, other animals deem him no better than the moniker his kind is fated to bear: Lonely Thief.

Meanwhile, Dante, a battle-worn wolf missing an eye and an ear, left his pack for reasons he keeps close to his chest. One too many bad memories has left him cynical, and yet he somehow remains faithful to a fault. His lonely life, plagued by misfortune and dishonour, changes forever the day he meets Saxton.

Thrown together by fate, this unlikely duo travel across the North American continent, chasing trains, fighting hunger, evading man, and confronting their own inner demons— all while searching for redemption, family, and a place to call home.

My review

Hunt for Elsewhere came to my attention when a Facebook friend posted a photo of the cover. It was a birthday present and she seemed very excited to receive a copy, so I checked it out and purchased the Kindle edition.

I wasn’t prepared to be so totally engrossed in the lives and journeys of a fox, a crow, a wolf and many other animals.

Hunt for Elsewhere is a joyous and emotional, serious and light-hearted, pleasant and sombre read. The reader becomes emotionally involved with the characters, grieves for their losses, rejoices in their successes and loves when they find love.

As Saxton and Dante journey to their destination they make friends with, and are helped by, a variety of animals including a rat who teaches them to read, raccoons (one who has rabies), smart town cats, guard dogs, farm animals (some who surprisingly help Saxton), a mother bear bent on killing Saxton and a pack of wolves living in a reserve. However, the main influence on Saxton is Quill, the wise crow.

It is no sweet animal tale, but most of the characters are likeable, some even lovable. I particular loved Dante who has learnt life’s lessons the hard way.

It is well written and well-paced. There is plenty suspense, adventure, fun and some romance.

It is more than just a story. It is filled with lessons and wise words that form both Saxton and Dante’s personalities. The most important lessons are about friendship, acceptance and forgiveness.

The characters have human qualities (eg they can all talk to each other) but each demonstrates traits typical of their species. Although the animals are anthropomorphised their characteristics and struggle for survival are realistic.

The story is complete but open to a sequel with possibly some new adventures – one I would very much like to read.

This is not a cutesy animal story. It is the story of life and survival. As such it would not be suitable for very young readers. However, mature older children and early teens would benefit from the story especially if read with a parent.

I absolutely loved this story and can't wait to share it with my granddaughter when she is old enough.

My rating 5*

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