As Caribou Island begins, the reader is introduced to Gary and Irene as they load logs onto a boat. These logs are going be taken to Caribou Island where Gary has always dreamed of building a cabin. The weather is bad and it quickly becomes apparent that Irene does not share Gary’s dream of building this cabin.

The next chapter provides a glimpse of their two children – Rhoda and Mark. Rhoda is going home after a day at work to her boyfriend that she lives with. Mark and Karen are at their house with some friends (Carl and Monique) enjoying a combination of sauna, icy plunge in the lake, and pot.

The majority of Caribou Island is centered on the efforts to build a cabin on the island before winter. Gary is determined to get the cabin built despite the physical and mental pain that his wife is experiencing. Gary comes across mostly as stubborn and uncaring which makes him an easy character to dislike.

This main plot is broken up with tales of what their two children are doing. The break between the main story and subplots were sometimes so spread out that I had to look back in earlier chapters to understand the relationship between the characters.

Though most of the book was fairly interesting reading, I thought the ending was very unsatisfying. It left many questions in my mind.

There is a fair amount of vulgar language in the book as well as some adult scenes that make this book inappropriate for children or teens.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Tags: 3 STARS, alaska, fiction, language warning