Summary and Reviews of The Ice Child by Elizabeth McGregor

The Ice Child by Elizabeth McGregor

The Ice Child

by Elizabeth McGregor
  • Critics' Consensus (3):
  • Readers' Rating (1):
  • First Published:
  • May 1, 2001, 400 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Sep 2002, 448 pages
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About This Book

Book Summary

Takes readers on an epic journey into the heart of the Arctic--and into one of history's most fascinating mysteries--to tell a breathtaking story of faith, courage, and a mother's indomitable love.

In The Ice Child, Elizabeth McGregor takes readers on an epic journey into the heart of the Arctic--and into one of history's most fascinating mysteries--to tell a breathtaking story of faith, courage, and a mother's indomitable love.

When Jo Harper falls in love with maverick archaeologist Doug Marshall, she also falls into Doug's obsession: the disappearance of the Franklin Expedition. In 1845, Sir John Franklin and his crew sailed two ships to the Arctic and were never seen again. Doug has spent his career in search of what happened to them, sacrificing his first marriage and his relationship with his son, John, along the way. But as he and Jo plan their future together, a shocking accident forever changes their lives.

Devastated by the accident, John goes into self-imposed hiding. Desperate to find John, Jo soon learns that his fate is curiously tied to the Franklin Expedition. Haunted by Franklin and his own past, John has ventured into the ice floes of the Arctic in search of answers to what happened to Franklin's crew and to his own life. Unbeknownst to him, a frantic search is on, not only to save his life, but the life of another he doesn't know is in jeopardy.

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Reviews

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Booklist
The resonance of history is hardly an unusual theme, but in McGregor's adept hands it becomes the stuff of a riveting narrative certain to hold the attention of fiction readers across genres.... Readers will have no desire to escape this all-consuming novel until the last page is turned.

Publishers Weekly
This dramatic, fast-paced tale of adventure, survival, romance, and enduring parental love...should reach a broad audience here.... Bearing all the hallmarks of a great summer read, this novel hits all the bases.

Kirkus Reviews
See the author do her hardest to tie this triple-threat plot together in every possible way. The polar bear is a mother too, with a sick cub. Hopelessly contrived.

Author Blurb Lauren Belfer, author of City of Light
What an extraordinary novel! The Ice Child seemed to take over my life during the days I read it.

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