“I am loving you. As if love, once it came into existence, radiated backward and forward, encompassing all of time.”
I went into Black Woods, Blue Sky without any expectations and found myself utterly captivated. Eowyn Ivey has a way of making the Alaskan wilderness feel almost otherworldly—both dreamlike and dangerous. This book had moments of pure magic, heartbreak, and deep contemplation, weaving together themes of survival, love, and identity in ways that lingered long after I turned the final page.
The story follows Birdie, a young single mother raising her six-year-old daughter, Emaleen, while working as a bartender in a small Alaskan lodge. Struggling to find stability, Birdie meets Arthur—a quiet, enigmatic man—and eventually moves with Emaleen to his off-the-grid cabin deep in the wilderness.
At first, their life is idyllic—free from society’s rules, dictated only by the rhythm of the land. But the wilderness is not forgiving, and as Birdie learns more about Arthur, unsettling truths begin to emerge. The novel slowly shifts from a quiet domestic drama into something more uncanny, infused with folklore, magical realism, and a chilling exploration of the blurred lines between human and animal nature.
Themes
- Survival vs. domestication: The novel examines what it means to truly live in nature—free from clocks and constraints—but also the costs of such an existence.
- Female autonomy & sacrifice: Birdie’s journey is one of agency, but also vulnerability. How much of herself does she lose in her pursuit of freedom?
- Myth & magical realism: Folklore is woven into the narrative, leaving readers questioning what is imagined and what is real.
- Human-wildlife connection: The novel challenges our perceptions of nature—romanticizing it while reminding us of its raw power and unpredictability.
What Worked Well
- Hauntingly beautiful writing: Ivey’s prose is lush, almost hypnotic. She makes Alaska feel alive, as if the landscape itself is a character.
- Emaleen’s perspective: Writing children convincingly can be tricky, but Emaleen is vivid, inquisitive, and full of spirit.
- The atmosphere: The setting is immersive, giving the novel an eerie and timeless quality that keeps you glued to the pages.
- Thought-provoking themes: The book raises important questions about freedom, control, and the thin line between love and obsession.
Who Will Enjoy This Book?
If you love books with a deep, evocative setting, complex relationships, and speculative elements, this is for you. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy slow-burning literary fiction with a touch of folklore and an unsettling edge.
Conclusion
Black Woods, Blue Sky is mesmerizing and atmospheric—both enchanting and deeply unsettling. It’s a book that requires tolerance but compensates readers with rich prose, immersive storytelling, and themes that linger. While not a straightforward fairy tale, it carries echoes of Beauty and the Beast yet feels distinctly its own.
It’s one of those stories that will mean different things to different readers—whether it’s about survival, love, or the primal nature within us all. I didn’t expect it to affect me the way it did, but by the end, I was left haunted, heartbroken, and in awe of Ivey’s talent.
Thank you to Exclusive Books for the opportunity to read this book.
Book Themes: Alaska, Magical realism
About the author: Eowyn Ivey
@roelia_reads New on the bookshelf! Hot off the Press! #EBRecommends for the best and latest for your reading pleasure ❤️ Sirens by Emilia Hart Black Woods, Blue Skies by Eowyn Ivey Leeumens deur Rudie van Rensburg May All Your Skies by Fiona Scarlett Where to start? What do you think? #RoeliaReads #ExclusiveBooks #bookrecommendations #EmiliaHart #EowynIvey #RudieVanRensburg #FionaScarlett ♬ Will to Live – Jacob Yoffee
