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Liked It “Quintessially Canadian book about the arctic and the odd people who are attracted to it. Full of historical references to the events of the 1970s.” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “While I was drawn in enough to finish the book, I didn't especially like the characters all that much. And since this was all about the characters (situated in the northern Canadian landscape of course - because all serious Canadian fiction is about identity and landscape), there wasn't much for...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
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“Quintessially Canadian book about the arctic and the odd people who are attracted to it. Full of historical references to the events of the 1970s.”
Kelly B wrote this review Monday, November 9 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This book was more serious than I thought it was going to be. It had a dark, melancholy, cold and lonesome fell to it .Characters were authentic and genuine. The descriptions of the canoe trip are phenomenal. I loved the description of different sounds as I am a radio person vs. television..”
Roberta G wrote this review Sunday, September 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Reminded me of a "NORTHERN EXPOSURE" episode!!! Very enjoyable read.”
Jennifer B wrote this review Sunday, September 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Great story, sad, long and cold...”
Carol F wrote this review Thursday, September 10 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“I enjoyed.....Men falling for a beautiful woman.....takes place in Canada.....canoe trip that is quite a eventful but saddness too.....liked how it turned out for Harry and Gwen......”
Linda Kelly wrote this review Thursday, July 30 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This is one amazing read, with a deft way to work with words, this author knows how to take you to a far off place: The Yukon (during the 1970's) and make you part of this wonderful world. The characters just pull out a chair and ask you to sit down a bit and become one with them. I say Bravo! ”
chicklitaddict wrote this review Wednesday, July 8 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“I was hooked from the beginning and found the last 1/3 of the book very gripping.”
Karla R wrote this review Sunday, July 5 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“It was one of those books that I started reading not really knowing what to expect. But I was sucked right in at the beginning. I read the book in a few days, and I enjoyed it, but I really didn't get anything in particular from the book.
Wandeca wrote this review Tuesday, June 23 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
I thought the characters were interesting, I didn't care for Dido, I liked Harry, but my favorite was Gwen. But for me the scene stealer was the setting. I found myself more interested in the physical surroundings than what was going on with the characters.
”“The setting is the main character. The characterizations of the main characters a little sparse and the pace uneven. But if you get through the 1st half, you do want to find out what happens.
Liz C wrote this review Sunday, June 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
My book group didn't agree on the frequent statements that are way beyond foreshadowing. Statements that told you that something ominous was going to happen. The characters lives were going to be changed etc. I found it to be annoying and overused. Some of the others found it amusing as a device.
The men and women had a relationship round robin. Cynical, but perhaps realistic about the nature of need and love. Especially in a setting with few options.
A good book group choice. The process of reading and the analysis made it much more interesting than a solo read.”“While I was drawn in enough to finish the book, I didn't especially like the characters all that much. And since this was all about the characters (situated in the northern Canadian landscape of course - because all serious Canadian fiction is about identity and landscape), there wasn't much for me to like here.
James C wrote this review Thursday, June 18 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The sentences were short, perhaps making it more readable, but I didn't like much of the prose. So why did this win the Giller Prize? Maybe it did identity and landscape better than its competitors? Remind me to never read another Giller winner/nominee ever again.”
