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To the Bright Edge of the World cover art

To the Bright Edge of the World

By: Eowyn Ivey
Narrated by: Christine Lakin,John Glouchevich,Kiff Vandenheuvel
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Summary

Set in the Alaskan landscape that she brought to stunningly vivid life in The Snow Child (a Sunday Times best seller, Richard and Judy pick and finalist for the Pulitzer Prize), Eowyn Ivey's To the Bright Edge of the World is a breathtaking story of discovery set at the end of the 19th century, sure to appeal to fans of A Place Called Winter.

Lieutenant Colonel Allen Forrester receives the commission of a lifetime when he is charged to navigate Alaska's hitherto impassable Wolverine River with only a small group of men. The Wolverine is the key to opening up Alaska and its rich natural resources to the outside world, but previous attempts have ended in tragedy. Forrester leaves behind his young wife, Sophie, newly pregnant with the child he had never expected to have.

Adventurous in spirit, Sophie does not relish the prospect of a year in a military barracks while her husband carves a path through the wilderness. What she does not anticipate is that their year apart will demand every ounce of courage and fortitude of her that it does of her husband.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2016 Eowyn Ivey (P)2016 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Stunning and intriguing...the reader finishes it richer and wiser." (Rosamund Lupton, author of Sister and The Quality of Silence)

What listeners say about To the Bright Edge of the World

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A lyrical tale of the Alaskan wilderness

Any additional comments?

A wonderful tale, a mysterious, exciting boy's own style adventure of exploration through the Alaskan wilderness, and a moving love story at the same time. I listened to this straight after The Snow Child; and it is very different; the story here being told by letters, diaries, reports,and newspaper clippings, in such a clever way that you might think these characters actually existed. The narration seemed a little slow and stolid after The Snow Child; but again this book required a different performance and I soon got used to it after a chapter or two, and before long found it very affecting- particularly in showing the relationship that developed between the men on the journey.

The more mystical events I found fascinating, and if anything, more believable and unnerving than the more fairytale 'magic' of The Snow Child, particularly the character of the shaman who 'flies on black wings'.

My only complaint is with Audible, the Audible sample is very short, and not really representative of the book, and might put potential listeners off; and I understand that the print book contains maps, photographs and drawings. Is there no way that these could be made available to enhance our listening?I listened to this so quickly I have run out of credits! This was a great book, and I am very sad that it is over.

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8 people found this helpful

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Simply outstanding.

Thoroughly engaging storytelling in a class of its own. Narration perfect. The best book I've listened to/read in a long time.

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3 people found this helpful

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enthralling

Fabulous story. Couldn't wait to get back into it each time. Narrator was just perfect.

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Adventure!

I really enjoyed this story. I felt like I got taken on the journey down the Wolverine River, quite an adventure. The characters really draw you in. As much as my imagination goes I really would like to see a visual of the pictures taken of the birds. Alas it cannot be as it is fiction! Another fantastic book by Eoywn Ivey. I have read Snow Child also and would highly recommend.

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I was so sorry to reach the end!

I was so sorry to reach the end of this book. The story itself, the quality of the writing, and the voices of the performers added up to make this the best audiobook I have listened to in ages. I cannot recommend it enough.

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Wonderfully evocative

Very different to The Snow Child but equally wonderful. Three great narrators make for an absorbing listen.

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Brilliant

I think this may be my favourite audible book I have ever listened to. The different narrators completely brought the novel to life and made the web of characters and the chapter formats crystal clear. Wonderful.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Lovely imagery

Where does To the Bright Edge of the World rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It must be in the top fifth!

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main character, Sophie Forrester. She is possibly not the most plausible character considering when this book is set but the isolation and wildness of the setting allows her to be a fully developed, multi-dimensional character. She is an original creation and I liked her very much. Reminiscent of Anne (of Green Gables) in some ways.

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Not that I remember.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

This would make a good film I think! The tagline would be something about nests or perhaps light.

Any additional comments?

Interesting detail on early photography, well researched. I also enjoyed the scenery immensely.

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Beautifully written and narrated

Having read Snow Child, I fell in love with Ivy’s style. I loves how she completely takes the reader on a journey. I found it fascinating and beautiful at the same time. I really could imagine Alaska back then.

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Best read this year

I have listened to the snow child twice. I loved it. So I have this on my audible. Oh my it’s the most stunning story. I can see the places. Hear the ice crack feel the wind smell the weather. … what a fantastic story. With a wonderful surprise in it which ties things together.
She writes with a passion for her craft. For her subjects. I know I will be listening to this again and again. Can’t understand why I didn’t get it a few years ago.
I have lots of audible books threw the year but this was and is my favourite Enjoy

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