Black Woods, Blue Sky

Excuse me a second whilst I just wipe the tears away from my eyes.
I'm not even sure who I'm crying for Emaleen, Birdie, Arthur or Warren.
Possibly all of them.
Ivey's books always have a magical quality about them, and she is consistently amazing in her storytelling.
There's such warm hearted moments in this book, and heart breaking one's.
It's beautiful.

I really enjoyed The Snow Child so.i.had high hopes for this book

I truly was not disappointed what an immersive great read. I loved it

Thanks again for the opportunity to review

Birdie is something of a "wild child" (and got the nickname because she wanted to fly) but she has a child of her own, Emaleen. They live at an Alaskan roadside lodge where Birdie works tables and the bar. Drink and drugs are part of Birdie's life though she dotes on her daughter. Arthur is the quiet silent type and a recluse who rarely comes to town (such as it is). However he appears to know the land very well indeed. Many avoid him but Birdie becomes interested in him. He lives at a remote cabin in a wild area.

I was a little unsure of this book and the idea of "Beauty and the Beast reimagined" made me wonder just what this would be like. Equally I'd not read anything else by this author however I do like to find books that are fresh to me. The book follows the coming together of Arthur and Birdie and the consequences of that. I try and avoid reading much about the review copy books I get before I start them so that I am approaching them as an ordinary reader. Equally I do prefer not to give much away in reviews - I like to "discover" books for myself so my comments are quite general.

The setting of remote Alaska worked very well for me - wildlife, flowers and simply the grandeur of the country. However the real story is the people. There is quite a small cast in this book. Three I have already referred to however Warren must get a mention in this too. He is Arthur's father through adoption and his is a story that gradually gets told. Also featured are Syd and Della - they are not major parts but are significant in their ways.

While Birdie and Arthur are major players I have to say my favourite is Emaleen without doubt. All three of the main characters are very well written but I just loved Emaleen. This was a book that built up steadily for me and my enjoyment increased with that. I thought the last third of the book was exceptional. The feeling of completeness and development was wonderful and it just made me go "WOW". It really did seal my 5 star rating.

An adult fairy tale ,if you loved the snow child this one is for you .We all need to believe in fairy tales .Love it .

This novel by Eowyn Ivey is a beautifully crafted novel that delves deeply into the complexities of human relationships and the realities of single parenthood. Ivey creates characters that feel entirely real, with each of them carrying their own set of flaws, fears, and desires. The story doesn’t shy away from showing these imperfections, making the characters relatable and raw. Their struggles and resilience pull readers in, making it easy to connect with them on an emotional level.

The portrayal of single parenthood in this novel is particularly striking. Ivey approaches it with both sensitivity and honesty, shedding light on the hardships and moments of doubt, as well as the love and strength that come with it. This grounded depiction brings a sense of authenticity to the story, honoring the emotional and practical challenges faced by single parents without romanticizing or oversimplifying them.

The setting in "Black Woods, Blue Sky" is equally captivating, with Ivey’s signature style bringing the natural world to life. Her descriptions of the landscape add depth and atmosphere, mirroring the characters' internal struggles and moments of peace.

Overall, "Black Woods, Blue Sky" is a moving and realistic exploration of family, resilience, and self-discovery. With flawed yet relatable characters and a vivid sense of place, Eowyn Ivey has crafted a story that lingers with you long after reading.

Eowyn Ivey has such a wonderful way with words: the characters, the plot, and the descriptions of the Alaskan wilderness that draw you in and make you feel like you're right there in the Alaskan tundra too. There's a haunting quality to Ivey's writing, and her books are guaranteed to stay with you (I read The Snow Child ten years ago, and it still creeps into my thoughts regularly).

It's difficult to review Black Woods Blue Sky without spoilers, and I've had to wait a few days to full digest what I read. At the time, I wasn't sure of the ending, but now I can see it was the right ending to the story Ivey wanted to tell. I thought I'd sussed the plot at least three times, only to be completely wrong - this book will definitely keep you on your toes.

The perfect book to read by candlelight whilst snuggled under a blanket on a cold winter evening.

Eowyn Ivey is one of the greatest story tellers of this generation, her books and style of writing has me transfixed and almost feeling like a child.

The world building, the characters, the feelings that came with every turned page, Black Woods Blue Sky held my entire attention throughout. Emaleen is such a strong character, and being able to see her grow from a child to a young adult through Ivey’s detailed prose, creates a great connection for the reader, as we end up only wanting the best for her.

I do wish, we had found out more about Arthur, and how he came to exist - but there is definitely some magic in the unknown, allowing the reader to really use their imagination.

Thank you Headline, Tinder Press, and of course the author, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I will be recommending this to everyone when it is published 🖤💙