Scan barcode
A review by vegantrav
Far North by Marcel Theroux
4.0
The last of civilization endures in the wilds of Siberia and Alaska. Harsh winters and short summers produce hardy, resourceful survivors. Nature is cold and callous, and so, too, are many of the characters that populate this novel--though not the narrator.
Makepeace, the narrator, is alone in the ghost town of Evangeline. Even this town of adventurous settlers on the remote frontier of the Far North has failed. Makepeace alone remains. Makepeace is about to commit suicide when a plane crashes near Evangeline, killing all the crew and passengers. But the very existence of this plane gives Makepeace hope. Makepeace sets out to find what remains of civilization. The story that follows is utterly compelling.
Far North is the story of a dying world. The prose reflects an author in his prime with not a word wasted and a well imagined world created from spare, straightforward language. There are a few jaw-dropping revelations in the narrative, but it's really not that kind of story. It's not a thriller nor a mystery. It's the story of Makepeace's life and journeys. And it is a fantastic story.
Makepeace, the narrator, is alone in the ghost town of Evangeline. Even this town of adventurous settlers on the remote frontier of the Far North has failed. Makepeace alone remains. Makepeace is about to commit suicide when a plane crashes near Evangeline, killing all the crew and passengers. But the very existence of this plane gives Makepeace hope. Makepeace sets out to find what remains of civilization. The story that follows is utterly compelling.
Far North is the story of a dying world. The prose reflects an author in his prime with not a word wasted and a well imagined world created from spare, straightforward language. There are a few jaw-dropping revelations in the narrative, but it's really not that kind of story. It's not a thriller nor a mystery. It's the story of Makepeace's life and journeys. And it is a fantastic story.