I tried reading this, but the file I received is tiny print, sideways and from what I can see, seems to also be out of order? Maybe I'll try getting this from my library at some point.

Bradford Angier’s writings have always interested me. When I was younger, I used to read his books about plants and wilderness survival. So, I was interested in reading this book, which is an autobiographical account of how he and his wife, Vena, left Boston to go live for a year in the Canadian wilderness. This was in 1947, so things were much different. It makes for some fascinating reading.

Their journey begins with their arrival in Hudson Hope. They find a log cabin to buy and fix up so they can live in it. They do all the work themselves, with help hauling things from town provided by neighbors. They then survive their first winter, with subzero temperatures that seem unbelievable. They take walks on the iced-over river and explore their wilderness home with their Irish wolfhound, Bushman.

The writing can be a bit more lyrical than prosaic, so some sentences can be difficult to stumble over. It was the style of the time though. This book was originally published many years ago, but the tale is a timeless one of adventure in the wilderness. I found the glimpse back to those days to be incredibly interesting. I loved how they survived and managed to keep warm in the amazing subzero temperatures. They built things with their own hands and traveled in icy conditions.

The scene in the old mine was scary. I was right there along with them, hearing the river breaking up and feeling the water washing over their feet. As they squeezed through small tunnels, I felt the heart-pounding terror of trying to get out of the mine as the water rose. That was one scary scene, but all ended well. I loved the technique he invented to climb out of the shaft. When you read it, you will be amazed. It was pretty creative, I thought.

I really enjoyed this book and loved seeing the wilderness through the eyes of someone who lived in it firsthand. Anyone who loves nature, or outdoor adventure, will find this timeless tale appealing. This biographical tale has inspired me to seek out the old plant books I read by this author back in the 70’s. I fondly remember them and want to experience them again. I think you will enjoy this book as I did.

An escapist tale that tugs at the pull toward nature so many of us are feeling today. A husband and wife agree to leave their busy Boston life for one year to experience the majesty of the British Columbia wilderness. At times, the colloquial styling of this book (originally published in 1963) feels contrived, but it also lends itself to the romanticism of another place and time. Like any true wilderness adventure, this story brings the reader along for the small details of homesteading life (sometimes verging on minutia) as well as the dramatic adventures. Overall I enjoyed the experience of living vicariously in their natural wonderland, but I felt the story was lacking in the emotional vulnerability needed in order for me to deeply connect with their experience.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.