Reviews

The Barrens: A Novel of Love and Death in the Canadian Arctic by Kurt Johnson, Ellie Johnson

gretchen3's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

kfrig's review

3.0

I am always captivated by a great adventure narrative, heavy on adrenaline and scenery, a strong sense of place. In The Barrens the love story was sweet (albeit tragic) but the adventure and sense of place was lighter than I’d hoped.

sarahd3's review

4.0

4.5 stars. This was more emotional than I anticipated, but it so well done.

ferdie's review

adventurous reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The authors use of landscape to build an emotional story was so well done. I loved all the elements of the wildlife around Lee as she navigated loss and grief. In some ways, these descriptions did more to help me see the inside of Lee's mind then when she was talking about her feelings outright. When she got off the Thelon, the book lost a bit of that pacing and the emotional story felt like it was missing some punch. Overall though, I did enjoy this book and am happy to support queer Minnesota authors 💞

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death and Grief

Moderate: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Rape

Minor: Blood, Drug use, Homophobia, and Animal death

elizatanner's review

4.0

An adventure story with suspense and much self reflection by the main character. This will entertain and set the reader to their own reflection.

snmyers87's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional inspiring reflective tense

5.0

bookishboujeeandbossbabe's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I'm not sure why I didn't see the ending coming. The book is from Lee's point of view as she walks you through her entire survival story. The flashbacks were interesting, but got to be a bit much. The two main characters barely know each other; but go off on an adventure together - backpackers are a whole different breed. I was thoroughly entertained throughout the entire book. 

I was given a copy of this story to read; but thoughts and opinions are all my own. Thank you to Netgalley and Skyhorse Publishing for the chance to read this book!

heretherebemonsters's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

fendergender's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

Such a unique story! Equal parts immersive and harrowing, and the descriptions of nature and first love were equally beautiful. Also other dudes that want to write a lesbian MC need to take notes and get a cowriter like this guy- and more the better that the cowriter was his daughter like that's so sweet ;A;

beezkneez's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I was on the verge of tears the entire last 1/3, amazing work