“The Revenant: A Novel of Revenge” is the somewhat true tale of frontiersman Hugh Glass. First immortalized in tall tales that spread throughout the developing United States in the mid-1800s, the story is now told through this novel by Michael Punke and its film adaptation.
Set in the wilderness on the shores of the Missouri River, the novel starts out following Glass and the rest of a band of fur trappers led by Captain Andrew Henry. Early in the book, Glass is attacked by the grizzly bear that turns out to be his claim to fame.
Glass’s agonizing struggle for survival and eventual revenge is described in gory detail that is suspenseful and fascinating.
The novel shifts viewpoints semi-frequently between Glass’s Captain, new comrades he finds along the way and his sworn enemies who left him to die.
“The Revenant” ends on a somewhat anti-climactic note, with Glass sparing his enemies and simply continuing his original pursuit of uncharted territory.
I picked up this book with a certain wariness, knowing a little about its violent tale, but also with an eagerness to discover how much of Glass’s story was rooted in truth.
The first few chapters were a challenge, with unfamiliar trapper lingo and vague locations. I soon fell into a rhythm with the story and characters. And through the backstory, I came to understand the motivations of each person.
Glass’s experiences with Native Americans, pirates, sailors and trappers all become useful during his quest for survival.
I could easily say that the most engaging part of this novel was Glass’s famed quest for survival, which was surely the reason most readers pick up the book.
The before and after of Glass’s journey are important to the development and resolution of the story, but there were parts in other characters’ viewpoints that often felt unnecessary and were simply included to draw out suspense for Glass’s story.
Punke also haphazardly switches viewpoints throughout the novel with no real indication of who is speaking. He also gave too much page time to relatively unimportant characters who were soon killed.
Even with my frustration about the book’s division between characters, I finished “The Revenant” feeling a sort of victory similar to how I imagine Glass felt after surviving months on his own.
I do think “The Revenant” sheds light on a little-known — until recently — American tale that can educate today’s generation on the sacrifices made not only by the settlers but also by the Native Americans and immigrants that once traversed our country.
rarosens@indiana.edu
