From Amazon.com...
"In Alaska's stunning but brutal interior, where white and Native cultures clash, Kale Weaver struggles to survive a devastating tragedy that becomes the genesis for her allegiance to wolves and the circumstances making her target of a primitive superstition. Aided by her best friend, a worn-out helicopter pilot, and the bond shared with a wolf shaman, she then struggles against what follows: the bigotry and rejection imposed on her and her half-breed son,until she is challenged by the ultimate ordeal. Whatever the risks, she must fulfill a wish for her young son that she had never imagined for him. But above all, Kale's page-turning journey shows that love can triumph over life's most dire challenges and painful losses."
This book was great. I absolutely loved it — finished it in two days. Even though I couldn't really relate to Kale in any way — MacAfee wrote Kale in a way that I couldn't help but want to relate to her. Maybe that's not what I mean (if you've read it, you'll know why I don't want to relate to her). What I mean is that I felt for Kale. I felt that I knew her. She became a friend. The characterization of Kale is superb — like the saying goes, I really felt as though I lost a friend when I finished this book.
If you only read this book for face value — it'd be a good novel. But if you read this book prepared to delve into the literary layers — you've found an amazing read. I have a lot of training in cultural diversity because of RA job and living on a reservation. I was able to read this book and interpret it as a novel about diversity and culture. It was fascinating. I'm not doing this story justice in this review, but I told every single person I saw on campus today who seemed genuinely interested in my life.
The description paragraphs are beautiful — made me really want to travel to Alaska. I've never read a book quite like this before — the plot is something entirely new and unknown to me, literary wise. I really urge everyone to read this book — but you will not be getting a copy from me.:) I am keeping this book for my classroom. I don't think I'll ever end up teaching this book, but I'll definitely use it for examples of descriptive writing and as a 'cultural fiction' book.
I've also recommended this book to Momma Remmers — telling her she HAS to get it for her library on 'the rez'. While Frozen Tears deals with Ennuits (Alaskan Natives) — I found myself thinking of Native Americans. There are so many simularities! The heirachy, speech, way of life, ideals, mythology — it was hard to think Alaska and not Northern Minnesota! I loved it.
One (of many) of my favorite quotes from the book is from Innicot, the grandfather Ennuit. Quick background info: Kale is a hydrologist who's passion is to preserve the water in Alaska. "Water, it is noble you make it your enterprise to keep water safe for human and animals. When life is simple, no such need for you. White man create his own need. Make poisons then make jobs to fix it." I just LOVE IT! I've basically told everyone I know this quote.
I really hope you pick this book up. It's one of those books that has changed my perspective — and that's saying something.