My Favorite Book

Last of the Breed written by Louis L’Amour and published in July of 1986 by Bantam Books. It is a departure from his western novels for which he is famous for. The story is unique in that it is about an Air Force pilot, Joe Makatozi who is part Sioux and part Cheyenne. He is shot down over the then USSR. He is taken to a secret prison camp in Siberia where the Russian Colonel Arkady Zamatev is the one in charge. The Russians want to know about the experimental jet Joe was flying. It takes place at the end or near the end of the Cold War.

He escapes the prison not long after he is taken captive. Then begins a chase of cat and mouse of epic proportions. He begins to head towards the Bering Strait with winter fast approaching. It does take him awhile to reach there, more than a year, and he is faced with hunger, cold, almost being taken captive again, and residing in one place for a little too long.

A Yakut Indian Alekhin is hired to track down Joe by Colonel Zamatev. The book is full of
action. There are some moments where it tends to slow a bit, but even then, it is well paced and doesn’t stay there for too long.

 

There are moments of extreme harsh realities as Joe faces the hardships of the frozen taiga. Cold, starvation, freezing and frozen rivers, sleep deprivation all the while a manhunt is on to recapture him and bring him back to the prison.

There is some violence in the taking of wildlife to survive and the death of some soldiers during the manhunt. There is mild profanity. A book running at 350 plus pages, there ivery little profanity in the amount of reading pages. There isn’t any sensuality or nudity in the book. I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of action novels.

The opening and ending of the book are truly amazing. You will not get a spoiler from me in this review.

This book discusses the issues of trust in others and being honest. It also gives life lessons of being well rounded in areas of life for survival. It talks of good leadership and bad leadership. It also investigates the integrity and loyalty of certain people in the book.

I first read this book when I was around the age of 12. I enjoyed it the moment that I read it.

 

I have now read it twice through since then and listened to the audiobook.

 

If you ever have the chance, listen to the audiobook which narrated by actor, David Straithairn. As you probably have figured out by now, it is my favorite book.

The Professor’s Commentary
The book really shows what communism can do to a country and what freedom in a country can do. But true freedom can only be found in the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

John 8:32 “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

I would recommend this novel to anyone from age of 12 and up. Enjoy reading!
5 out of 5 Stars