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Winds of Skilak: A Tale of True Grit, True Love, and Survival in the Alaskan Wilderness
Bonnie Rose Ward. Two Harbors, $18.99 trade paper (390p) ISBN 978-1-62652-471-2
Ward’s memoir recounts the adventure of a lifetime that she and her husband Sam endured after moving to an isolated island in Alaska in pursuit of a self-sufficient lifestyle. The book traces the couple’s journey as they settle into their new hometown of Skilak Lake. While adjusting to the notorious arctic breeze and building a cabin to live in, the couple learns to catch, can, and smoke salmon; skin animals for fur pelts; and raise livestock. Unlike other back-to-the-land narratives, Ward’s experiences stand out for the harsh, unforgiving climate and the complete lack of nearby resources to rely on in emergencies. She shares frightening stories of accidents far from medical care, isolation and cabin fever, and the ever-present danger in crossing the lake to go to town. The author frequently cites her faith and attributes positive turns of events to God. Ward’s writing is less thrilling than the adventures she chronicles, and the pace of the narrative is marred by excessive detail. Still, those intrigued by a life in the wilderness will find that content trumps craft. (BookLife)

Reviewed by Publishers Weekly on 10/03/2014

Release date 12/01/2013

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