Ice Palace
3 journalers for this copy...
Bought at a library book sale
From the blurb: "Edna Ferber has summoned up all her vast natural resources as a superior novelist to depict today's Alaska in Ice Palace. Here are the Territory's modern vigorous people, its dramatic weather and scenery, its desperate, still-unfinished struggle for statehood. And here, too, are the men from "The Outside" determined to exploit a fabulously rich Alaska for their own gains.
This is an angry novel, telling of the fifty-year battle between two titans trying to dominate Alaska's future. And this is the story of their lovely young granddaughter, Christine Storm, who had to choose between two younger titans - a choice that stood, in a way, for Alaska's future.
The characters in Ice Palace are all as strong, as boldly drawn as the towering mountains that surround them. The novel's vital theme of a proud land's virile insistence on the dignity of independence is as forceful as the invigorating air its people breathe."
From the blurb: "Edna Ferber has summoned up all her vast natural resources as a superior novelist to depict today's Alaska in Ice Palace. Here are the Territory's modern vigorous people, its dramatic weather and scenery, its desperate, still-unfinished struggle for statehood. And here, too, are the men from "The Outside" determined to exploit a fabulously rich Alaska for their own gains.
This is an angry novel, telling of the fifty-year battle between two titans trying to dominate Alaska's future. And this is the story of their lovely young granddaughter, Christine Storm, who had to choose between two younger titans - a choice that stood, in a way, for Alaska's future.
The characters in Ice Palace are all as strong, as boldly drawn as the towering mountains that surround them. The novel's vital theme of a proud land's virile insistence on the dignity of independence is as forceful as the invigorating air its people breathe."
I started it a few weeks ago, put it aside, and started it again the other night. It is a fictional account of the political fight for Alaska's statehood. The book was written before statehood was accomplished, and may be interesting reading for historical viewpoints.
The grandeur and majesty of the state's geography seems to be reflected in the drama and passion of the major characters.
The grandeur and majesty of the state's geography seems to be reflected in the drama and passion of the major characters.
I finished it while on vacation, and will send it to keister very soon, as I promised her.
It was a little hard "getting into" this book, but I enjoyed it more as I kept on with it. I thought the characters were an allegory of Alaska in its struggle for statehood and respect in the early 1950s. Christine represented Alaska itself, and her two grandfathers, in their differing views for her future and for that of Alaska represented the struggle between the historical, old, "pure" Alaska and the greed of those catering to outside interests. Long-time family friend Bridie seemed to represent the wish for respect and acceptance from the rest of the USA, and the world. The book was written, and therefore the story ended before Alaska actually became a state.
It was a little hard "getting into" this book, but I enjoyed it more as I kept on with it. I thought the characters were an allegory of Alaska in its struggle for statehood and respect in the early 1950s. Christine represented Alaska itself, and her two grandfathers, in their differing views for her future and for that of Alaska represented the struggle between the historical, old, "pure" Alaska and the greed of those catering to outside interests. Long-time family friend Bridie seemed to represent the wish for respect and acceptance from the rest of the USA, and the world. The book was written, and therefore the story ended before Alaska actually became a state.
I sent it to keister, who lives in Alaska, today as a RABCK.
A goodie in the mailbox today! Thank you FancyHorse :9)
I found this book in library downstairs in community room where I live. Surprised to see it! I read Ice Palace in early 1960s and loved it. Great story by a fabulous writer who has since written huge novels that were made into blockbuster movies. I think I have read all of them. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for great reading. So true to this huge country that loves celebrating its statehood. I love living here and hope this book "travels".
