4.25 ⭐️

In Eowyn Ivey’s latest novel BLACK WOODS, BLUE SKY Birdie is 26 years old and taking care of  her 6 year old while working at a lodge in Alaska. Birdie comes across as a bit immature, as she leaves Emaleen alone more than most readers might, but she has to earn money to keep up with expenses. The Alaska nature writing is exquisite, as you would expect from Ivey. 

Birdie meets reclusive and odd Arthur. The part I struggled with most in the novel is Birdie’s and Arthur’s relationship. I didn’t “feel” their chemistry. Pretty quickly Birdie decides to move herself and Emaleen in to Arthur’s cabin, and Arthur’s father flies them all to the remote cabin that doesn’t have electricity or plumbing. Carrying pails of water around, keeping food away from bears, very rugged. 

Arthur seems to be acting stranger and stranger, being gone a lot. The novel morphs into one of magical realism/fantasy, which I expected. The setting and isolation felt very vivid, and this quiet novel is one to curl up with, as it is very immersive. However, I didn’t always think Birdie made the decisions that I would had I be in her position.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. 

BLACK WOODS, BLUE SKY publishes February 4, 2025. 

#blackwoodsbluesky #eowynivey  #netgalley #netgalleyreviewer  #bookstagram