Buffalo Gals, Won't You Come Out Tonight

 (4 customer reviews)

This is a marvellous collaboration between a wonderful writer and superb artist. Le Guin's captivating story is brought to life by Boulet's dynamic paintings.It is a story of the relationships among humans, animals and nature as the old ones, the animals, struggle to adapt and survive amid human expansion into their realm.This subject is a natural for Boulet, whose work has always focused on these themes. There are 22 paintings of animals given human characteristics so vivid you feel you can see into their souls.This is a wonderful book for an older child. It subtly teaches important lessons in life with a very entertaining story. Any fan Boulet's work will find it a welcome addition to their library.

At first glance I thought that Buffalo Gals, Won't You Come Out Tonight was a children's book, but flipping through I was soon corrected. Though set in a fairy tale format, it is definitely a story for adults (and older children as well) and is a beautifully written Ursula LeGuin classic. I read the book in one go, not a hard feat considering it's a short read, but every line and page is masterfully done and I could have hardly put the book down if I had wanted to - the story pulls you in and fascinates. The illustrations are also very inspired and go perfectly hand-in-hand with the story - a wonderfully synergistic combination. A must read for every Ursula LeGuin fan.

What a powerful combination of work. I haven't seen this particular version of Buffalo Gals (have a weathered paperback copy from a used book shop), but it is such a wonderful collection of stories. I especially like the story for which the book is named. And Boulet was a phenomenal visual artist, her spirit definitely lives on in her work. I can just imagine what a nice gift a copy of this book would be for someone. To pair the art of these wonder-women was a real act of genius.