castlelass's review
3.0
Historical fiction about a young man, Devlin Stead, overcoming an ignominious start in life, being viewed as “odd,” but eventually leaving behind his difficult childhood to join polar expeditions.
I had read about the controversy of Frederick Cook having claimed to be the first to reach the North Pole, later discredited, and of his rivalry with Robert Peary. I thought this book might provide some clarity as to what had really happened; however, it did not. In the author’s notes at the end, it states: “While it draws from the historical record, its purpose is not to answer historical questions or settle historical controversies.”
The book contains beautiful language, particularly the descriptions of life in New York City at the turn of the 20th century and the stark seascapes of Newfoundland. For long stretches of time, I was not sure where the plot was headed and not much happens. At times it seemed a chore; however, the pace picks in the middle and continues to the finish.
Recommended to readers of Victorian novels or those that enjoy the history of exploration.
Favorite passages:
“What is really self-knowledge is often mistaken for self-doubt.”
“Follow your heart in all things. It is not infallible, but it is yours.”
“Nothing so reminds you like the sea that the enemy of life is not death but loneliness.”
“Sky. Wind. Light. Air. Cold. Grey. Far. Salt. Smell. Now all these words meant something they had never meant before, and the word sea contained them all.”
I had read about the controversy of Frederick Cook having claimed to be the first to reach the North Pole, later discredited, and of his rivalry with Robert Peary. I thought this book might provide some clarity as to what had really happened; however, it did not. In the author’s notes at the end, it states: “While it draws from the historical record, its purpose is not to answer historical questions or settle historical controversies.”
The book contains beautiful language, particularly the descriptions of life in New York City at the turn of the 20th century and the stark seascapes of Newfoundland. For long stretches of time, I was not sure where the plot was headed and not much happens. At times it seemed a chore; however, the pace picks in the middle and continues to the finish.
Recommended to readers of Victorian novels or those that enjoy the history of exploration.
Favorite passages:
“What is really self-knowledge is often mistaken for self-doubt.”
“Follow your heart in all things. It is not infallible, but it is yours.”
“Nothing so reminds you like the sea that the enemy of life is not death but loneliness.”
“Sky. Wind. Light. Air. Cold. Grey. Far. Salt. Smell. Now all these words meant something they had never meant before, and the word sea contained them all.”
turnedherbrain's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
bookworm42's review
4.0
I have no idea where this book came from but it was pretty solid. Each time I found it getting boring and considered putting it aside something really awesome happened that pulled me back in. i didn't realize itw as based on true historical people until I read the acknowledgements but I really liked learning a little bit more about the early Arctic exploration through this historical fictional work.
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