A review by lighthousebooks
Black Woods, Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

My favorite part of this story was the beautifully drawn setting. There are features of the Alaskan landscape that are similar to parts of Maine, and the cabin in the story reminded me of my childhood home, also a cabin in the woods. We had the outhouse with the crescent moon and star symbol, but ours was a summer shower. We had the wood shed. An occasional bear. And pretend play. It all felt eerily familiar, except for the magical realism.

This is supposed to be a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but I didn’t see it. The characters’ flaws illustrated the struggle with nature versus nurture and reminded me more of two classic novels than the fairy tale.

This is not an uplifting story. I was on edge for most of it, worried about what was going to happen, and the ending left me a little bereft. There is a lot to think about and reflect on and discuss which might make it a good book club read. 

However, while I really enjoyed parts of the book because of my personal history and thought the magical realism was well done, I wouldn’t recommend it widely. 

Note: Occasional strong cursing/profanity and open door sexual content. Was not expecting the latter especially 😓. 
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