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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."