What this book is about: Birdie, a young single mother, and her six-year-old daughter, Emaleen, who live in Alaska. Birdie yearns for freedom and flight and wild places. And Arthur Nielsen, a quiet, scarred recluse who lives in an isolated cabin in the mountains beyond Wolverine River. He and Birdie fall in love and for awhile the three of them are happy living together far away from everyone else, exploring the wilderness, picking berries, catching salmon. But Arthur has a secret--a side of himself that isn't so tame. And it threatens their fairy tale ending.
My thoughts: I loved Ivey's fairy tale-inspired novel, The Snow Child. She has a way of evoking a sense of wonder with her lyrical prose while at the same time creating a setting so real you can practically smell the wildflowers. And she's done it again with this novel. I loved the richly drawn Alaskan wilderness setting, and I loved Arthur and Emaleen and their cute interactions, too. But like many a Grimm fairy tale, I sensed early on I might not get my hoped for happy ending in this one. Because this book is sad. Which didn't make me like it any less, though it did break my heart just a little. I wanted more for Arthur, Birdie and Emaleen. But I still love the way Ivey writes.
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Happy Reading!
Lark, I have had this book on my shelf for quite a while. Haven't picked it up yet. I loved Ivey's book, To The Bright Edge of the World a lot. Think I might be a bit scared that I wouldn't love this one. We'll see. Nice to hear your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteLove to hear your thoughts on it if you do end up reading it.
DeleteThat sounds pretty good.
ReplyDeleteI like how Ivey writes. And I really liked Arthur.
DeleteI saw this book somewhere and wanted to pick it up. Seeing your review makes me want to grab it sooner rather than later.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear what you think of this one.
DeleteThanks Lark. I went on to Libby and was able to borrow Black Woods Blue Sky and will begin reading. Books set in the wilds of Alaska are one of my favorite settings. I would like a happier ending but the writing the plot and the setting I think I will really enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI love books set in the wilds of Alaska, too. And I do wish this one had a happier ending for all the characters, but especially for Arthur.
DeleteI'm glad you reviewed this one! I have read her 2 other novels so I'd like to get to this one too. Love her Alaskan wilderness settings. I hope it's not too sad. I'm putting it back on my TBR for fall. thx.
ReplyDeleteIt's not heartbreakingly sad, but it did make me feel bad for all the characters.
DeleteLovely. I have read two of her books, The Snow Child and To the Bright Edge of the World, both wonderful. I will have to look out for this one.
ReplyDeleteI really liked The Snow Child. Still need to read To the Bright Edge of the World.
DeleteIt's different but also beautiful.
DeleteI enjoyed both of Eowyn Ivey's previous books, particularly The Snow Child, so I'm looking forward to reading this one. I'll be prepared for it being sad!
ReplyDeleteI just wanted a different ending for Arthur! I liked him so much.
DeleteGreat review, Lark! I really like the sound of this book.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good one...very well-written and unique, too.
DeleteHappy reading.
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:D Hi, Regine!
DeleteIt sounds good but I'm sorry it was kinda sad too.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I wish there had been a happier outcome.
DeleteLike Kay, I loved To The Bright Edge of the World, so will look into this one.
ReplyDeleteThat's the one I still need to read. Good to know both you and Kay loved it.
DeleteHer writing is amazing! It's been a while since I read it, but I know I was very absorbed by the story (even while being mad at the mother for some of her parenting choices)
ReplyDeleteI was mad at Birdie for many reasons, too. And the unfairness of Arthur's situation...which he didn't even create. I felt bad for him.
DeleteI was going to read this but I saw a review that mentioned a bittersweet ending and that's just not for me. Happy to see you enjoyed the story despite that. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, if you don't want a sad story, don't read this one.
DeleteThis will likely make it to my list of favorites for the year. I was completely enamored with it, and that ending broke my heart.
ReplyDeleteArthur's entire story broke my heart.
DeleteGreat review, Lark! It's great when we can still enjoy a book despite not getting our happily ever after.
ReplyDeleteMaybe one day Ivey will write a really happy story.
DeleteI have heard mixed things about this one and am glad to read your thoughts on it. I haven't read anything by Ivey, although Snow Child has been on my TBR for what seems like forever.
ReplyDeleteI like the way she writes, and I liked both this book and The Snow Child. She's an author worth checking out.
DeleteI've never read Ivey's books, but they are on my TBR!
ReplyDeleteShe tells a good story!
DeleteI adored Snow Child as well and have this one on my TBR. Thanks for the heads up that it's sad. I have to be in the right mood for that. I look forward to reading it at some point soon.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the way things ended broke my heart a little. But I'm still glad I read it.
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