Alaska became the 49th U.S. state on January 3, 1959.
Our story begins in June 1956 as Lawrence Beringer, 27 of Blackduck Minnesota, in the Bureau of Land Management, chooses lot 041180 in Point MacKenzie, in the territory of Alaska.
"...his land, his homestead...Where he
…more will cut timber and till the ground and build a cabin of his own measure. He will claim what he is owed, And by the work of his hands this will all be his." (150 acres)
In July 1956, Marie 18yrs old from Conroe Texas visits sister Shelia in Anchorage, Alaska with the firm intent to never return home.
This debut explores beautifully the complexities of Lawrence and Marie as individuals and as a married couple and takes us on a heartrending journey as they work this land in an attempt to secure a deed. The wilderness is both breathtaking and terrifying. I highly recommend you take the time for this adventure.
Thank you to Flatiron Books for an advanced readers copy. (less)