Reviews

To the Bright Edge of the World by Eowyn Ivey

ekunes's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

melohpa's review

Go to review page

4.0

See my full review https://topplingbookpile.wordpress.com/2024/05/07/to-the-bright-edge-of-the-world-by-eowyn-ivey/

hlrusso's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous inspiring slow-paced

3.0

How I review:

5: Loved it and will reread
4: Liked it
3: It was fine
2: It's not for me
1: It's really not for me/DNF

peaknit's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I enjoyed this book so much, though truth be told, it was a slog at first. It is about an Alaskan expedition into the frontier, think Lewis and Clark go to Alaska. It was well told through letters and journal entries. It resonated with me and I would like to travel into the wild to see what they saw when the world was pure.

eurika's review

Go to review page

5.0

Just leaving a few thoughts. I really enjoyed this book. I had expected for it to be more slow and that it would take me effort to carry on reading bc of the style of the book (its mainly told through diary entries and letters) but contrarily I found myself reading on and on. I enjoyed both the adventure aspect of the Alaska exploration as well as the character development of both the protagonists. I think there is sth to be said about the two's relationship and it spoke to me about how they faced being apart from one another as well as how they dealt with loss, and having empathy for each other's feelings.

alicebme's review

Go to review page

4.0

I enjoyed the format and the characters and LOVE reading about Alaska.

book_concierge's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Audiobook narrated by John Glouchevitch, Christine Lakin, & Kiff VandenHeuve.
4.5****

The novel has two stories of exploration and adventure. In 1885, Col Allen Forrester leads an expedition to explore the Wolverine River in Alaska, a trek that has been deemed impossible. His wife, Sophie, remains at Vancouver Barracks, Washington, where she explores the wonders of nature, birds in particular, through her growing expertise in photography.

This is a marvelous adventure story, and an engaging look at personal growth. Both these lead characters experience heartache and difficulties and yet both persevere in reaching their goals despite obstacles, naysayers, and setbacks.

I loved the use of diary entries and letters to tell this bifurcated story. Allen is a strong leader, compassionate but demanding, taking care of his men as best as circumstances and supplies allow, giving clear orders, delegating authority, taking his share of the burden, championing the cause, and always, holding dear to his heart his beloved wife.

Sophie is equally marvelous and tenacious as she pursues an unusual outlet for her intelligence, creativity and curiosity. If the doctor will not lend her a book to further her understanding and knowledge, she’ll steal borrow it! Rather than ask politely, or even forcefully, for help in creating a dark room, she sets out to do it herself.

The book is full of Native Alaskan people’s culture, traditions, and stories. There are several very strong Native characters. I love magical realism and Ivey seamlessly weaves these elements into her story. I particularly like the woman, Nat’aaggi, and her trusty dog, Boyo. She’s cautious, self-reliant, determined, loyal to the group and yet fiercely independent. I loved the scene where Forrester stood up
Spoileragainst native tradition and insisted that she ride along his men as a member of his party rather than walk behind as other native women were doing
. Her growing relationship with the men was beautifully played out, as each learned to trust and rely upon the other, and their mutual respect blossomed.

The audiobook is wonderfully narrated by three talented voice artists: John Glouchevitch, Christine Lakin and Kiff VandenHeuve. Ms Lakin obviously narrates all of Sophies letters and diary entries. I’m not certain which man narrates which of the other sections, but all do a marvelous job.

I was happy that I also had a text version of the book handy, for it contains maps, drawings and photographs that supplement Ivey’s wonderful prose.

kjmcguigan's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Best book I've read in a looong time. Couldn't wait each day to return to Alaska and the Pacific NW. Highly recommend.

nwfalens's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.0

kgottwald's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0