I expected not to like it; and while I liked the writing, nope I didn't like the story. Quelle surprise.
The way Buck turned into a better wolf than the wolves were reminded me of how, in the beginning of "How the West Was Won" (the beginning of it was all I could stomach), Jimmy Stewart is described as being "more Indians than the Indians." Because, of course, as a white man he could better any red man's accomplishment. Blargh.