Jerin Veli: Erään Koiran Elämä Ja Seikkailut
1917
A novel written in the early 20th century. The book centers around the life and adventures of a dog named Miksi, exploring the intricate relationship between humans and animals, as well as the themes of loyalty and cruelty inherent in society. London examines the trials and tribulations of Miksi, the protagonist, against a backdrop of moral questions regarding the treatment of animals. At the start of the novel, the narrator reflects on the cruelty often enacted upon trained animals for entertainment, expressing deep disdain for such practices. This sets the stage for the vivid portrayal of life at sea, where Miksi—a lively dog eager to reunite with its brother Jeri—gets left behind after an oversight by the captain. As the story unfolds, Miksi encounters Dag Daughtry, a complex character who struggles between his vices and a budding affection for the dog. This opening establishes not only Miksi's journey into new environments and friendships but also the moral dilemmas that will shape the narrative as it progresses.
Editions
X-Ray
“I have indeed lived life in a very rough school and have seen more than the average man's share of inhumanity and cruelty, from the forecastle and the prison, the slum and the desert, the execution-chamber and the lazar-house, to the battlefield and the military hospital. I have seen horrible deaths and mutilations. I have seen imbeciles hanged, because, being imbeciles, they did not possess the hire of lawyers. I have seen the hearts and stamina of strong men broken, and I have seen other men, by ill-treatment, driven to permanent and howling madness. I have witnessed the deaths of old and young, and even infants, from sheer starvation. I have seen men and women beaten by whips and clubs and fists, and I have seen the rhinoceros-hide whips laid around the naked torsos of black boys so heartily that each stroke stripped away the skin in full circle. And yet, let me add finally, never have I been so appalled and shocked by the world's cruelty as have I been appalled and shocked in the midst of happy, laughing, and applauding audiences when trained-animal turns were being performed on the stage.””
— Jack London
“What it was all about”
— Jack London
“Steward, Daughtry. Mr. Daughtry, friend, sir, or whatever I may name you, this is no fairy-story of the open boat, the cross-bearings unnamable, and the treasure a fathom under the sand. This is real. I have a heart. That, sir””
— Jack London
