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The Alaskan Laundry by Brendan Jones

The Alaskan Laundry

by Brendan Jones

  • Critics' Consensus (7):
  • Readers' Rating (22):
  • Published:
  • Apr 2016, 400 pages
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There are currently 22 reader reviews for The Alaskan Laundry
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Sue Ellen S. (Cedar Falls, IA)

"Getting All That Dirt Washed Out"
At one point in this book, Tara Marconi's new friend Newt tells her: "So we're all tumbling around in the Alaskan laundry out here. If you do it right you get all that dirt washed out, then turn around and start making peace with the other shit. Maybe even make a few friends along the way."

In this his first novel, author Brendan Jones utilizes first-hand experience of making a life for himself in Alaska as a commercial fisherman and tugboat owner. His metaphor of a laundry is apt as he describes Tara, a resilient, tough, determined nineteen-year-old from Philadelphia attempting to cut ties with her father andmore
Valerie C. (Chico, CA)

A good yarn with a strong female lead
A little slow to start, but then proceeded to gain momentum and grasp my attention. A good book, but I do question the reality of many of the scenarios. I look forward to this author's next book.
Barbara K. (Brooklyn, NY)

Growing Up Ain't Easy
The detailed descriptions of Alaska and the Pacific/Alaskan fishing industry are background to the story of a young Philadelphia girls' adjustment to a new life. Tara leaves a pain filled life in Philly only to find struggles to overcome in her new environment, However, she is strong and determined to make it in this wild world.
How Tara overcomes adversity in the harsh Alaskan environment holds this well written story together and I would therefore recommend it.
Sandra H. (St. Cloud, MN)

Not a tourist's Alaska
Tara Marconi is drifting through life. She has a boyfriend but isn't totally committed. She has lost the mother who was her lifeline and she doesn't get along with her father who blames her for his wife's accidental death. So Tara runs away to a life as far away and as different as a life in the big city could be. She is 18, feisty and scared but determined to succeed in a man's world working on fishing boats in Alaska. She first learned self preservation when her dad took her to a gym to learn boxing after she had been taken advantage of sexually. Now alone with no way to run home if life gets tough, Taramore
Jan Z-R

The Alaskan Laundry
The author, Brendan Jones, has set up for himself a hard act to follow with this absorbing debut novel when he writes another book! I loved the weird, quirky Alaskan characters, flaws and all. I loved the main character, spunky Tara. And I loved the sensitive and beautiful descriptions of the Alaskan landscapes, weather, and atmosphere.
Tara leaves her Philadelphia home in sorrow, anger, and confusion to go to Archangel Island, Alaska to work and rid herself of the emotional demons following her. She was a boxer in So. Philly and I think this training gives her a confidence and dogged resolve which in turn helpsmore
Sandra L. (Delray Beach, FL)

The Alaskan Laundry
I enjoyed this book very much as I have long been interested in the 'Alaskan' way of life and the fishing industry. The author has put his reader right in the midst of a novice's struggling efforts to find a place of her own in this unorthodox and challenging of places.

Mr. Jones' descriptions of the woods and wildlife are very well done; the area takes on a life of it's own. I particularly like his depictions of the Tlingit natives and their folklore. There is much to be gleaned from this novel.
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.
Power Reviewer
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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