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There are currently 22 member reviews
for The Alaskan Laundry
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Catherine H. (Nashua, NH)
A promising author
Although this book has its imperfections such as chapter construction and some characters not developed enough, I loved Tara's story moving from Philly to Alaska.
The landscape's description is well done. The author introduces us to a bunch of rowdy and unforgettable people. I hope to learn what happened to Tara, Connor and Keta.
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Catharine L. (Petoskey, MI)
A Different kind of Heroine
"Everyone coming north to get clean of their past" is how one character describes Alaska. That's why 19 year old Toni Marconi is in Sitka, Alaska. She is independent, fierce, short-tempered, but the reader wants her to succeed. The book is filled with unique individuals. I would never have read this on my own, but I enjoyed learning about the commercial fishing industry and Sitka, Alaska. I would not want to live there, but admire those that do.
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Daniel A. (Naugatuck, CT)
The Alaskan Laundry
Overall, I thought this book was a good read. The story was riveting, and I learned a lot about Alaska with all its flora and fauna. The characters seemed to be alive and standing next to me as the story unfolded.
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Chris H. (Wauwatosa, WI)
Alaskan Laundry
I was very interested in reading this book when I read the description. I loved the idea of the story! The characters are interesting, but felt they were never really developed. That's where the book fell flat for me.
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Becky M. (Crumpler, NC)
Not the Alaska of Cruise Ships!
Gratefully, the title "The Alaskan Laundry" is explained twice in this debut novel by Brendan Jones though the reader must wait until halfway through the story to find it. And, it makes perfect sense. Tara Marconi heads to Alaska to escape the pain and guilt of her past and to find a redemption of sorts in the wilds (laundry) of this northern most state. She makes her way in a "man's world" of fishing, work crews, and native ruggedness. I admire Tara--she is tough and proud and eventually willing to admit her own failings while struggling to reunite with those she left back in the Lower 48. I must admit the book was often tedious--so much nautical and fishing detail that left me lost and eager to move on. The basic premise of the novel is engaging, and Tara is certainly a force to be reckoned with, but I grew weary of page after page of terminology and details that were alien to me. I wouldn't mind hearing more about Tara and her tugboat but not if I have to google every other word.
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Freya H. (Phoenix, AZ)
The Alaskan Laundry
The descriptions of Alaska were wonderful, the theme of a strong woman surviving in a rough environment admirable, however, I never really got into this book. As it turns out, I guess the commercial fishing industry and its rough personnel are just not my cup of tea however much I admire their grit and determination.
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Sharon B. (Rome, GA)
Unbelievable
I requested this book because I like reading about life in Alaska and how a person perseveres and survives hard times. However, I had a hard time getting interested in The Alaskan Laundry. The main character was not very likable or believable to me and there was too much detail about commercial fishing. It was evident from the author's information that he used a lot of his life and interests for the main character – living on a tugboat, working in the fishing industry, and boxing – but somehow those traits didn't work for an 18-year-old woman. The love story was compelling though and the plot moved quickly enough to keep me reading to the end.
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