This work of historical fiction
is loosely based on real 1885 Alaska exploration under the command of senior
U.S. Army Officer Henry Trueman Allen.
The novel toggles between
Colonel Allen Forrester and his young bride, Sophie. After being stationed near
Vancouver, Colonel Forrester accepts the challenge of leading a small group of
men into Alaska to explore territory unknown to the U.S. government, leaving
Sophie behind in a wilderness outpost with military personnel and a few women.
Also woven into the story is the development of a letter-writing relationship
between a present-day descendant of Colonel Forrester and an Alaskan museum
employee who lives near the area where Forrester explored.
The words of this novel are a
pleasure, vividly describing majestic scenes, abutting cultures, the light and dark and ins-and-outs of 19th Century photography, privation,
emotions, and personalities. It includes adventure, monotony, survival,
supernatural mystery, and important thoughts relevant for today.
This is my first book (technically audio book) with an
Alaskan setting. I enjoyed and recommend it.
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