Reviews

To the Bright Edge of the World by Eowyn Ivey

librarianmorgan's review against another edition

adventurous informative inspiring reflective slow-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

4.5

This was so beautifully written that I feel like I’ve just gotten back from my own Alaskan journey! I won’t lie and say it didn’t drag in the middle there (probably on purpose, just as Allen’s journey was dragging) but the ending was so lovely and perfect. I just adored it.

I loved the multiple storylines; you have Allen, Sophie, and then the correspondence in the modern times. I loved Walt and Josh’s letters so much more than I was expecting to!

alexrutski's review against another edition

adventurous emotional

5.0

chambem19's review against another edition

4.0

As with The Snow Child, this book makes me want to visit Alaska even more than I do already! A great blend of history and mysticism, and a love story throughout. It was a bit of a slow pick up for me, but it was a great story and it was told in an interesting way.

hanjsanchez's review

adventurous informative slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

pixiegael's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective 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? It's complicated

4.0

I love a good exploration novel. I enjoyed both the Colonal's trek into the wilds of Alaska and Sophie's journey into photography. 
I want to go to Alaska now!

bethsponz's review against another edition

5.0

This is akin to the Lewis and Clark expedition of the unexplored western territories, but this story explores the wilds of Alaska. This is told thru letters between the Colonel and his wife, as well as personal diary. The survival of trekking through the Wolverine river and threats of Indians is balanced well by the superstitions and myths of the rugged lands. I like the folklore that went with the story and found it very interesting as documented by the travelers. It is based on a true expedition that did happen in this time period. I had to give it 5 stars because I never got bored with the story and I loved the Colonel’s wife pursuits of photography of birds that somehow linked in well to the expedition.

fairywren's review against another edition

adventurous emotional informative mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

tiffschwartz's review against another edition

5.0

I really want to go to Alaska and kind of wish I could see it like it was when everything was wild

megdconway's review against another edition

medium-paced

4.5

libbyhenderson's review against another edition

5.0

One of only 5 books I've read this year that I've given 5 stars, "To The Bright Edge of the World" by Eowyn Ivey is one of a kind. It is a historical fiction adventure story. The setting is the wilds of Alaska in the 1880s and also present day, where a great great grandchild finds and donates letters from an early Alaska explorer to a museum in Alaska. The book is written totally in letters, journal entries, ads, and other correspondence and combines many of my passions: Alaska, photography, history, sociological studies, exploration, mythology, magic, and wilderness adventure. It is right up my alley! My advice if you want to try this one - read the actual paper copy of the book, not audio or ebook. The book includes pictures, drawings, maps, and photographs that are a must-see. This author also wrote "The Snow Child" which was a Pulitzer prize finalist - and 5 stars from me.