Andrea Thalasinos’s debut novel is a good winter read as much of the story involves dogsledding and is set in Wisconsin in winter and in Siberia. The story follows two women in different timelines. Rosalie is an 18 year old in 1992, and Jeaantaa, a woman of the native Chukchi people of Siberia, in 1919. Rosalie married young when she became pregnant, but she loses the baby and her marriage turns turbulent. She lacks confidence and direction in her life until she risks rescuing Smokey, an abused Siberian husky. She soon becomes enmeshed in the dogsledding lifestyle. Early in her life, Jeanntaa was given the honor of being a Keeper of the Guardians – the sled dogs. In the Chukchi culture, the dogs are the centre of their life and essential to survival. As Keeper, her first responsibility is to the dogs, above all else including herself and her family. As Stalin’s Russian Army moves into Siberia to forcibly “civilize” the natives, Jeanntaa has some difficult decisions to make about her family and the Guardians. Slowly through the story hints are given as to how the two timelines are connected. Near the end of the book, they converge and provide some closure for certain characters. The Siberia timeline is not sequential which can cause some confusion. Note the date and location at the beginning of each chapter to keep your bearings. If you enjoy learning some history while reading a novel, you will enjoy this one.
The Chestermere Public Library’s book club is a relaxed group of readers who meet on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00pm to discuss the current book selection. The only requirement is that you have a Library membership. The book is available to check out from the Library a month before the meeting, and will usually include a discussion guide. This guide is a list of questions for the group to discuss during our meeting, and it’s helpful to read them over a few times before and while you are reading the book. Book selections suggestions are always welcome!
The next meeting is on May 16 at 7:00pm to discuss “Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer. This is a true life account of the tragic events during the 1996 Mount Everest expedition. Pick up the book at the Library and come join us! You can also participate through our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CPLNovelbookclub/
