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megancrusante's review against another edition
4.0
So many things that I loved about this book. The descriptive writing is beautiful, I can't believe someone my age wrote something so pretty, powerful, worldly, and true. I loved how it was written as if the reader was almost above the house looking in and watching- not so much immersed in the story. I also loved how the entire thing took place over one day and managed to show how relationships were broken and fixed in the past and present. So gorgeous.
hillersg7's review against another edition
5.0
I really loved this book. Beautifully written and loved the interweaving of two love stories. Also I am powerfully drawn to stories set in the mysterious and often dangerous lands of ice and snow. I gave my copy away in the hope of converting another reader. I miss it dreadfully and while I don't usually re-read books, I feel the need to have a copy in the house!
neenor's review against another edition
1.0
Since I didn’t finish the last book for my reading group, I really pushed myself to finish this one. Truth be told, it wasn’t my cup of tea. The premise sounded really interesting, but the book focused on the use of language rather than an actual plot. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate Sackville’s way with words - but it felt a bit try-hard rather than effortless. I didn’t like the characters, I wasn’t amazed in the story, but I am interested to find out what the others though. I want to know what I might have missed.
desirosie's review against another edition
3.0
Almost gave this up because the narrative voice about drove me nuts the first 50 or so pages, but I got used to it and I'm sticking it out for the characters/story.
***I finished the book and it was an interesting and enjoyable story. For whatever reason, I'm a sucker for frozen landscapes.
***I finished the book and it was an interesting and enjoyable story. For whatever reason, I'm a sucker for frozen landscapes.
jgwc54e5's review against another edition
3.0
I’m finding it hard to rate this novel. It’s written in an ethereal, dreamy style which I quite liked especially early on as I was reading. The story is essentially two timelines. Firstly Emily and Edward who meet and marry around 1899. He’s an explorer and is about to head off on a return expedition to the Arctic and she’s a young woman not really suited to her time. The second couple is Simon and Julia, current day. Julia is Edwards great, great niece. I would’ve enjoyed this book more if it was Just about Emily and Edward. We learn about his expedition from the log book and his diary and also Emily’s letters that were never sent. The modern story didn’t match this earlier more dramatic plot line and I found Julia to be an insipid character. She didn’t seem very realistic to me ( although I’m sure people like her exist!). Maybe it’s a timing thing, if I’d read this book in one go rather than broken up with Christmas and family etc I’d’ve enjoyed it more. Still it’s beautifully written and an interesting insight into polar exploration and the plight of partners left behind.
barbarabarbara's review
adventurous
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
sourcherrymagiks's review against another edition
4.0
Although it took me the longest time to get into this book it is well worth reading. It is otherworldly in it's sadness and hope. Beautifully written and paced it created it's own atmosphere, which is my litmus test for a good book.
hannahrosen's review
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0