Arctic Fury, The
Macallister, GreerWhen expedition after expedition fails to locate explorer Sir John Franklin and his crew who are searching for a Northwest passage, Lady Jane Franklin makes a bold move: she commissions experienced wilderness guide Virginia Reeves to lead an all-women expedition to confirm the fate of her missing husband. A year later this team of diverse women has unravelled and Virginia is on trial for murder.
Inspired by real events, this mesmerising 1850s story moves between the frozen north and a Boston courtroom, using multiple narrative strands to reveal the truth of their journey to the Arctic and the impossible choices faced by these intrepid women. [Larger font]
Pages
393
393
Year
2021
2021
Reviews
14-08-2024
This book was not a favourite for any of us. We were disappointed with the quality of the writing in what could have been quite a gripping thriller. We all felt the story improved as it progressed, with most of us continuing to read "to see what happened". But we all agreed that the quite common practice of alternating between now (the court case) and the narrative ( the expedition) was not well-handled. However it was an interesting concept to create a fictitious story around the well-researched historical events of the disastrous Franklin search for the N.W. Passage...
12-08-2024
Most members found this to be an engaging and well-written book. The plot is interesting and innovative and the characters are well developed.
29-04-2024
Forget about #Me Too. Macallister uses the historical backdrop of the search for John Franklin and his crew in the inhospitable Arctic Circle, to reinforce the strength and tenacity of women, warts and all. And here lies the books strength. As we moved between the court room in Boston to the perilous journey these women endured, we reflected on how lucky we are. Highly recommended.
06-03-2024
Well written - enjoyed by all.
28-02-2024
Very well-written and researched. Easy to follow the courtroom to the frozen north scenes. Enjoyed the ending - led to great discussion.
26-10-2023
Everyone enjoyed the book and its format with alternating chapters, which helped keep them engaged. But it was the main discussion, relating to Arctic exploration that fascinated them as most were more familiar with Antarctic explorers. The role of women in the mid 19th century was also discussed thoroughly.
16-10-2023
Most of the group found it less than credible but two of us really enjoyed the adventure story, well-written and nicely put together with the courtroom drama. Drew her characters well and suggests women can do anything.
13-10-2023
Thoroughly enjoyed.
16-08-2023
A book with many layers making for a lot of discussion amongst the group. Most felt that the time on the ship dragged on, but the ending was loved by all.
19-07-2023
Until our host and last speaker, 'The Arctic Fury" hadn't rated highly amongst our group. This lone voice found the book gripping, and he thoroughly enjoyed the interactions between the main characters. This is the beauty of a book group. Other members always present a fresh and unique viewpoint on a book which challenges and enhances ones prior opinions held. Most of us thought the story was not only implausible and far-fetched but it went on a bit! In the end, this BDS book was the catalyst for another lively and interesting night out.
22-06-2023
A very well-written book.
20-04-2023
All enjoyed this book.
30-03-2023
Mixed reactions to book. Some thought too far fetched, which it was to overwinter in the Arctic, but a good story enjoyed by most. Court scenes good. Didn't see the ending coming!
09-03-2023
An interesting, easy read. Many thought there were too many implausible events, and scant details in plot and character. Some thought the writing style was good. Questions did stimulate interesting discussions.
13-02-2023
The author's admitted lack of research prior to writing this book was, we thought, a contributing factor to its general lack of authenticity. An easy enough read, but an unbelievable plot - disappointing.
15-12-2022
One or two of our group found that the moving between time-frames was a little difficult to follow. Overall a wonderful read, well developed characters and exploring of themes - eg. between rich and poor, English and American, and a variety of newspaper opinions of the time. Interesting also to explore the actual true story afterwards of Lady Jane Franklin.
21-09-2022
Good lively discussion! It's not a great book but our conversations about women and the Arctic were good.
31-08-2022
Great book!
22-08-2022
After a very slow beginning, we found this to be an enjoyable read. Provoked much discussion on the two historical events referred to in the book.
23-06-2022
Loved this book, well-written and compelling reading!
16-06-2022
Generally we found 'The Arctic Fury' fascinating mainly because of the facts on which the story was based. Several hidden agendas.....
11-05-2022
Overall our group really enjoyed this book. Loved that the characters were based on real people. One member felt the ending wasn't as strong as all loose ends tied up. Despite the number of characters, it was easy to keep track of them all.