From the Bookshelf of Retro Chapter Chicks …

To The Bright Edge of the World

Eowyn Ivey

Start date: November 1, 2020

Finish date: November 30, 2020

Discussion: Chapter Chick Reading

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Chapter Chick Reading

September-October 2025: The River Knows Your Name
By Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Jenn Ƹ̴… , Founding Retro Chick · 1 post · 8 views

last updated Aug 23, 2025 07:26PM

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What Members Thought

Dec 20, 2020 Candi rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-book-i-own, historical-fiction

4.5 stars

“I found myself inadequate in the face of it… I begin to try to comprehend: gray rivers that roar down from the glaciers, mountains and spruce valleys as far as the eye can see. It is a grand, inscrutable wildness. Never are the people here allowed to forget that each of us is alive only by a small thread.”

I had the chance to visit Alaska once, more than twenty years ago now. Such a majestic landscape, almost otherworldly in its uniqueness from anything else I had ever seen before. From ...more

144 likes · Like · see review

Jun 30, 2020 Book Concierge rated it really liked it

Shelves: alaska, concierge, library, social-commentary, audio, adventure, native-american, historical-fiction, nature, magical-realism

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 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 (view spoiler). 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. ...more

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Nov 24, 2020 Tasha rated it it was amazing

Shelves: own, historical-fiction, favorites-2020

Simply beautiful. I loved the format (wasn't so sure I would at the outset) as it really added to the non-fic feel of the story. Wonderfully drawn characters, a touch of magical realism, an amazing sense of place and a book I savored as I read. One of my top 5 books for 2020. Can't wait to read more from this author and plans are already in the works for a reread of The Snow Child. ...more

9 likes · Like · see review

Nov 23, 2020 Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Jenn Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Schu rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction

Love epistolary novels and this one is not an exception.
The characters were well developed as was the atmosphere.
I enjoyed the lore and reading about the strong female characters in the novel.
It was a slow paced novel but I think that allowed the story to develop well over the pacing.
Will definitely read more by the author.

3 likes · Like · see review

May 03, 2024 Sarah Brown rated it it was amazing

Shelves: own, 2024-reading-challenge, abc-2024, spring-2024-mad-hatter-blooming

This was an absolutely beautiful collection of letters/notes/writings in this wonderful novel. I was really transported into the book, especially the beautiful Alaskan scenery, as treacherous as it was. Allen's letter at the end of the novel, when he opened up about his feelings, was probably my favorite part of the entire book. Sophie was such a great character, I have always loved bird watching and need to find the time to incorporate into my busy life. Just loved it. ...more

2 likes · Like · see review