This was one of book group choices for February, which is quite fitting given that we had freezing temperatures and a wee bit of snow during the month. I picked both the books for February so I might be biased here but live with it.
I really enjoyed the language of the book. Ivey used everyone of the sensory perceptions available to bring that harsh landscape to life. I could hear the snow crunching under my feet as I traipsed through the forest. I could feel the snow on my face as the brutal winter broke. I could smell the decay of autumn leaves as summer came to a staggering halt. I could touch the feathers and the rough clothing. I could taste the monotony of the first sparse winter meals.
I got lost in the beauty of the challenges faced. But then I got lost in the story.
I loved the characters of Jack and Mabel. I even loved their names. I thought the speed of the plotting was very well done despite the descriptive language. I couldn't stop reading.
And then it all ended. And that's where the troubles began. We had a lengthy debate at book group about whether the entire book is a fairy tale or is Faina a real girl. If she is real, how does she survive all alone. If she isn't real, how does she get married?
Seldom does a child bring a couple together, usually because the first years of a child's life are difficult on a marriage But if that child came to a marriage at a later age, could she really bring them closer together? Or would that have happened anyway out of necessity in the harsh reality of the Alaskan wilderness?
I like the book if I imagine it as a fairy tale. I like it a lot less if it is not meant to be a fairy tale.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars but with a strong recommendation for book groups. There is a lot to discuss.
I really enjoyed the language of the book. Ivey used everyone of the sensory perceptions available to bring that harsh landscape to life. I could hear the snow crunching under my feet as I traipsed through the forest. I could feel the snow on my face as the brutal winter broke. I could smell the decay of autumn leaves as summer came to a staggering halt. I could touch the feathers and the rough clothing. I could taste the monotony of the first sparse winter meals.I got lost in the beauty of the challenges faced. But then I got lost in the story.
I loved the characters of Jack and Mabel. I even loved their names. I thought the speed of the plotting was very well done despite the descriptive language. I couldn't stop reading.
And then it all ended. And that's where the troubles began. We had a lengthy debate at book group about whether the entire book is a fairy tale or is Faina a real girl. If she is real, how does she survive all alone. If she isn't real, how does she get married?
Seldom does a child bring a couple together, usually because the first years of a child's life are difficult on a marriage But if that child came to a marriage at a later age, could she really bring them closer together? Or would that have happened anyway out of necessity in the harsh reality of the Alaskan wilderness?
I like the book if I imagine it as a fairy tale. I like it a lot less if it is not meant to be a fairy tale.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars but with a strong recommendation for book groups. There is a lot to discuss.
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