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.
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 💞
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!
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