Thank you Netgalley and @flatiron_books for providing me with this ARC.

▫️ 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: Anchorage, Alaska 1956. Marie and Lawrence share a dream of homesteading, so days after first meeting they decide to marry. Along side the challenges of turning 150 acres of Alaska wilderness into a home, they are faced with all of the things they do not know about each other, and are forced to face their past traumas.

▫️There was so much beauty in this book. The author has such a way with words I can only describe it as lyrical and poetic. I kept thinking even if I hated the story, which I absolutely did not, I could’ve kept reading just because of the stunning and atmospheric writing.

This isn’t a story full of big grand moments or with a build up of suspense, but it still pulls you in. The characters are each relatable in their own way and you’ll find yourself rooting for all of them. I really think fans of Historical Fiction and the nature lovers out there will be swept up by this story.

I read 25% of this book before I finally decided I could not finish it. It was just so slow and was not for me. I appreciated the atmospheric descriptions, that part of the story was very immersive for me. I just could not relate to the characters, could not find myself pushing through the dryness of the relationship between Marie and Lawrence. I’m sure that they grow and break and grow some more during the course of this story, but I struggled to get through it despite multiple efforts.

Bottom line: This book wasn't for me, but I can definitely see its appeal for others.

The focus of homesteading in Alaska was what drew my attention to this book. Not that I have any desire to ever do that myself, but it's fascinating to imagine. Reading a story about a family doing it is a great way to really liven the imagination. It takes courage, confidence, and a drive that I don't possess to ever do such a thing, which is why I wanted to read about it from the comfort of my own couch!

The book's tone is serious, somewhat somber, almost monotone. I'd liken it to John Williams' or Steinbeck's work, from what I've read of theirs. You read this for a straightforward story, with staccato writing. There are many contemplative passages, descriptions of scenery or thoughts, all in brief sentences rather than any lengthy, purple prose.

One main character is struggling with mental trauma from having been in a war while he's looking to build a family and a life in Alaska, which brings in the other main character who also wants to build a life of her own. Their relationship is not romantic, it's more of a means to an end, a partnership.

I'm sure that many readers would get lost in the telling of this story, find it intriguing and compelling. For me, it was a struggle to get through because of the constant strife and the slow pace. Some stress and struggles are to be expected in a story about building up land in the Alaskan wilderness, but the internal and relational issues with the characters were nonstop on top of the homesteading storyline, and I just don't enjoy that. There were some parts that didn't make sense as to what characters did, said, or thought, which may be a consequence of the writing style or may just be a drafting/ editing issue that will be smoothed out before the book's release. The setting is fascinating, with Alaska on the cusp of becoming a state and the characters striking out to build homes there, but the characters and their particular story lost my interest. I'd have given this one more star if it was shorter and easier for me to get through.

Homestead has a great sense of place in its writing. I loved learning about homesteading and how Marie and Lawrence made it in Alaska. Overall, I enjoyed it, but the writing felt a little disjointed in its style at times.

Many thanks to both Flatiron Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Homestead.

Expected publication: February 28th 2023

Homesteading was a way people could obtain federal land virtually free if they met certain requirements, including living on the land and cultivating a portion of it. This book tells the story of Lawrence and Marie, who married in 1956, just a few days after meeting. Lawrence has claimed 150 acres in Alaska, and between planting potatoes and alfalfa, plus building their 30'x30' cabin, it seems their dreams can come true.

I read where Homestead was being described as "Immersive and wild-hearted, joyfully alive." I think I may have missed the joyfully alive part. In their relationship, it seemed that Marie and Lawrence took two steps back for every one forward. I struggled a bit, too, with how the book was written. It felt like stream of consciousness, where the sentences just went on and on and on.

Reading about Alaska becoming part of the United States was quite interesting, and I'm sure there are people who will love this book. It just wasn't a good fit for me.

An interesting book set in the mid to late 1950s about an Alaskan homesteading couple, Marie and Lawrence, their experiences and the people they meet. The book covers their lifestyle in the semi-wilderness, how they build a cabin and create a home. Like all people, there are reasons why Marie and Lawrence react the way they do (not always wisely), which creates conflict. I enjoyed this well-written book and found myself drawn into the storyline.

The only thing that took away from my enjoyment is the lack of direct articles (such as “the” in the beginning of a sentence) and somewhat convoluted sentences, both of which interrupted my reading flow. Dropping the direct articles seemed to be a method indicating the thought and oral parts of the prose, but I found it distracting and not how I experience most people speaking, even casually. I didn’t follow several of the long and winding sentences and had to reread them several times to get what I think is the message. These are not major issues and the writing overall very good.

I would totally be on board with this idea – but my husband would not survive. He is the type of person who needs to interact with others daily, whereas I’m more of a leave me be type of person.

Its 1956 when Marie and Lawrence first meet and are drawn together. They decide to marry days later and homestead in Alaska. Lawrence sees his newfound land as an opportunity to belong in the world, Marie sees it as an escape from the empty future she sees before her. Over the next few years they work the land hoping to secure the deed to the homestead, while facing everything they don’t know about each other. As Alaska moves towards statehood, can Marie and Lawrence create something new, or will they break apart trying?

This one is an immersive amazing read. I fell in love. I grabbed this one because it said if you like The Great Alone by Kristen Hannah, you’d like this one. I love Kristen Hannah novels, so I knew I had to grab this one, and I am so glad I did. This one is a gorgeous representation of what it means to love and grow.

If you’re looking for a fully immersive Alaskan experience, then check this one out February 28th of next year! The publisher, Flatiron Books, @flatiron_books, and @netgalley, provided me this e-arc copy for review