The truth is, I was aware of this book even before it came out because I adored Ivey's first book so much. But because the premise of this one didn't sound particularly appealing--I'm super-picky about historical fiction and don't read it all that often--I just didn't pick it up. But then I read Ivey's most recent book, and decided I had to try this one.
I'm so, so glad I did. This may be my favorite of Ivey's works now, though I've loved all of them.
To the Bright Edge of the World uses the epistolary form to the absolute pinnacle of its potential, focusing on the diaries and letters kept by husband and wife as he explores Alaska and she waits at home for him and attempts to learn photography while also dealing with personal matters and the sexism of the mid to late 1800s. Meanwhile, though, Ivey also brings in news clippings (perhaps expectedly) and, more importantly, some few letters from others, which I won't say more about for fear of ruining the surprise--but they add to the story wonderfully. Meanwhile, though, Ivey's gorgeous writing allows us to get to know the characters through their letters and diaries, and the form makes for fast reading which is all the more powerful as a result.
I absolutely adored this book.