I found The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival by John Vaillant a very compelling read. I was fascinated in learning about this event and about both the history and geography of this remote corner of Russia. I also learned a valuable life lesson - Never mess with a Tiger! The Amur Tiger is quite rightly revered and respected in this part of the world. This superior hunting machine is at the top of the food chain and is a perfect predator and well adapted to this environment. There seems to be some evidence that the Amur Tiger also appears well able to hold a grudge and to target and specifically hunt down a human that it feels has done it wrong. The story begins with Yuri Trush and his men of the Inspection Tiger, a organization that’s full purpose is the preservation of both the Amur Tiger and it’s habitat. These men are not particularly popular with the locals as this is a poverty ridden area that relies heavily on both hunting for food and extra income. In December of 1997, the Tiger Organization is called to investigate the death of a local from a tiger attack. A few days later a second man is attacked, killed and eaten. These incidents launch the story of the subsequent hunt for a man-eater, which the author tells side by side with his well researched, convincing plea on the need for the conservation of these animals and their habitat. Totally gripping this narrative non-fiction story is a great adventure tale as well as a well defined thumbnail sketch of the people, politics and environment of Russia’s far east

The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival --- written by John Vaillant. This is the story about a tiger. That much you might have guessed. It is an amazing tiger. The tiger is amazingly large; amazingly intelligent; capable of stalking its human prey in a manner rare among tigers. I t seems to have the patience, the insight and the perception of a human person and it seems to be intent on exacting revenge on the wrongs imposed upon it. The setting for all of this is not where one would normally expect man-eating tigers to lie in wait. Is is not in steamy India or in Siam. No, this is in breath-takingly cold Siberia. In fact, the tiger-story is only a thread of continuity for some much larger stories: conservation; the demise of wildlife; poaching; the plight of of the citizens of the Russian Far East in the days since the fall of the USSR when they have been pushed to the edge of subsistence. In so many ways, the book will be depressing. And what happens to the tiger? The conclusion is a forgone one. This book is interesting, it is educational, it is poignant. It deserves to be read.

This is a good read that put the Russian Far East, and its people on the map for me. What a life for those people who eke out a living with tigers all about. What a life for the tigers being poached for parts. The author did an excellent job of putting everything in context.

A great Canada Reads 2012 selection! I guess I've never really given any thought to tigers (any kind of tiger) until this book. The subject matter is extremely interesting as is the setting. Set in south eastern Russia on the Sea of Japan and boarding China, the descriptions of the -40 degree winter weather and the landscape is vivid. It sounds quite magical until the author describes the impoverished living conditions and daily struggles the people deal with just to survive. This is (mainly) the account of a rogue tiger that is hunted by an inspection team dedicated to the protection of tigers after it kills a man (and then some). The intelligence displayed by this tiger (and probably all tigers) is amazing and it truly has a capacity for vengeance and survival - just like the book jacket says. However, it's not just a story about a single tiger, but a glimpse into the political and economic state of affairs in current day Russia, as well as the serious impact China and it's increasing middle class is having on tigers, specifically the Amur (Siberian) tiger, and their 'on the brink of extinction' existence. I really enjoyed the book and would have given it more stars, but found I got bogged down mid way through when I felt the author dedicated too many pages to detailed history and background information. The epilogue is great with information on the current decline of the wild tiger population and the ever increasing demand of the Chinese for tiger parts in their traditional medicine. The acknowledgements section is also interesting and contains helpful information for those who are interested in doing more than just reading about tigers, but helping them as well.

great read..couldn't put it down. Didn't know who to cheer for the most. It is sad and tragic that these magnificent animals are near the end of their time on this planet...a great loss indeed

Highly recommended! Vaillant is a brilliant writer who takes the case of a man-eating tiger in 1997 Far East Russia, and builds a whole story combining the people, the history, the place, ecological impacts, conservation, evolution, and myth. Almost makes one want to visit Siberia just to see these majestic creatures!

Well worth the read. I would read it again and also interested to see what else the author has. Great book!

another great john vaillant book....very detailed description of life in siberia for men and tigers....loved it ! not as much of a story as golden spruce, but great writing

Absolutely brilliant. A must-read!

Winner of the 2011 Libris Award for Non-fiction.