What do readers think of The Alaskan Laundry by Brendan Jones? Write your own review.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The descriptions of Alaska and life in the Alaskan frontier were detailed and creative, and brought that region to life. The characters were similar - rough, scrappy, course and crude - perhaps mirroring the lives they lead. The main character, Tara, running away from the hurt and loss and perceived blame of her family - just didn't ring completely true. I felt that the author came close, and was very courageous to write the story from the lead character, a female, but sometimes she didn't seem real. The story highlights her bravery, courage and willingness to be successful against great odds, but at times her reactions were distracting against the detailed authenticity of the author's experience in that environment. I wanted to cheer her on in her quest and challenges, but at times just felt distracted.