In The Tiger, John Vaillant employs facts and credible speculations to convey the story of a Siberian tiger (Amur tiger) that apparently planned and exacted revenge on a poacher. The main story takes place in December 1997, but the author dedicates many pages to the unique ecosystem, geography, history, theTiger_covereconomics and politics of the area (Russia’s Primorye region). The background information can be a cumbersome distraction, but adds to the depth of the story; the reader discovers the motivations of the poacher, who becomes a sympathetic character (hunting a noble, threatened animal is morally repugnant to me, but the people who live in the area have barely been able to eke out a living since Russia’s restructuring — perestroika — in the 1980s). Readers may gain insights into the negative effects that economics can have on a region, but I found some of this information redundant. For me, the background information dealing with the unique biodiversity of the region was far more fascinating: Russia’s Primorye region is at the convergence of four diverse bioregions; the boreal forest, the taiga, the Mongolian steps, and the Korean tropics.

The events that inspired the book are spun into a captivating tale that is equal parts mysticism, folklore, and science. Tigers generally only attack humans when provoked; however, after killing the poacher, Vladimir Markov, the tiger, for reasons unknown, continues to attack other people in the area. A small group of men from the government wildlife protection agency must track down the calculating, vengeful carnivore in its own element.

Overall, the book was enjoyable, informative, and very well researched and written, but the story of the vengeful tiger is stretched a bit thin through the book.

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