The Alaskan: A Novel of the North

"The Alaskan" by James Oliver Curwood is an excellent novel describing the character and trials, tribulations and aspirations of a bygone generation. In it Alan Holt, a keeper of reindeer and cattle and a "man's man" is pitted against John Graham, a greedy opportunist and profiteer. The story becomes really complex when the beautiful Mary Standish enters the scene. The action is fast paced, the characters are real and memorable, and it is especially interesting that Mary Standish considers herself an American while Alan Holt sees himself as an Alaskan. "The Alaskan" has the kind of surprises you find in James Hilton's "Random Harver," but with a suspenseful conclusion of the kind that can be imagined of a time when Alaska was young and a good man with two good pistols can make a difference. There is also much information about Alaska, capitalists and the beauty of "uncivilized" territory. The character Mary Standish is fascinating, as well as her faith in "The Alaskan." "The Alaskan" is must reading for people who are curious about Americas recent past and the price it had to pay in becoming an Empire and the people that made it happen thru blood, sweat & tears.