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There are those among us who like to read adventure novels, and those who like to read
stories that are about love and family ties. THE ICE CHILD, in which Elizabeth McGregor
weaves together three story lines, is an interesting mix of both.
The first is of London journalist Jo Harper, who falls in love with maverick archaeologist
Doug Marshall and his obsession: the disappearance of the Franklin Expedition. Sir John
Franklin and his crew sailed two ships to the Arctic in 1845 and were never seen again.
Marshall has spent his career in search of what happened to them, sacrificing everything
along the way --- including his first marriage and his relationship with his son. As he
and Jo plan their future together, a shocking accident changes all their lives. Most
significantly affected is John, Doug's son, who becomes haunted by Franklin and ventures
into the Arctic, while Jo frantically searches for him --- to not only save his life but
that of another he doesn't know is in jeopardy.
The second story is about Gus Peterman, a young sailor aboard the last Franklin
Expedition. Sharing his tale gives readers an understanding of Marshall's obsession and
points to clues on how the remains of this journey can be found.
The final story is of a male polar cub, whose mother will do anything she can to protect
him.
All the characters are wanderers of one sort or another. They wander the sea as
swimmers or captains, wander the world as journalists or archaeologists. Each is seeking a
goal that proves elusive. The men aboard the ships are sometimes easy to confuse,
but add a nice flavor to what could be stark territory. Crozier alone stands out among
them. Sympathetic, lovelorn, nice to children...he is the one Doug Marshall is really
looking for, and it is obvious why. He is well-developed as a character, and what happens
to him is near heart wrenching.
Interesting to me was the characterization of Eskimos as savages. I am sure that this is
the way they were viewed in Franklin's time, but it did shock me. The other characters
steer towards being stereotypical; the surly adult child, the eagle-eyed journalist, the
bitter ex-wife --- but they do carry the story along in an effective manner. And perhaps
the character I enjoyed most was Alicia, the ex-wife of Doug Marshall. She lacks redeeming
qualities and is as cold as the Arctic winter, and everything she does is obsessive and
dramatic. Even when she breaks down in the end, she does so in dramatic fashion.
The early reading materials, and the heart of the story it seems, promote the fact that
"The greatest force of nature is a mother's love." I found this to be true of
all but one of the mothers in the book, including Swimmer the polar bear.
The transitions between the chapters, as well as the connections between them, is
exceptional. Especially adept is the blood connection. It is slight but important, and
extremely well-crafted. This single thread --- and that of the mothers --- creates the
heart of the book. As well as being an interesting story line, the Aplastic Anemia is a
nice call-to-arms for bone marrow donation. (The author even mentions the need in the
Author's Note and Acknowledgment section.)
I cannot say enough good things about the Author's Note and Acknowledgment, which follows
the postscript. I enjoyed knowing the truth of the Franklin Expedition and where the
author took liberties. Do not, I implore you, read it before its rightful place in the
book. Keep it like a surprise or reward for reading.
Although I would not call this book literary, it is an enjoyable read. It would be great
on the beach --- all that talk of ice might keep you cool. As McGregor herself states,
"There is always hope. Especially in fiction."
--- Reviewed by Delilah Hill
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