The Pack
By Connie Larson
Connie’s new book “The Pack” is full of mini adventurers from the first page to the end. I didn’t expect this, in this story about a couple leaving so-called civilization to live for years on an island in Canada’s far north Lake of the Woods. Connie has a definite knack for developing sub plots, short and fascinating, and yet weaves them all together to develop the story as the years pass. This starts in the first few pages with her and Jim’s efforts to save the ancient boathouse in a howling northern windstorm. This effort was successful, and they eventually learn to park their boat facing the wind, something every
northerner knows.
Their beautiful Alaskan malamute Sekima may not be the star of the book, but most readers can’t wait to see what his next adventure will be. Every episode that includes this trouble-finding pooch ranges from the ridiculous to the terrifying. A small tribute to Connie’s writing skills. Overall, I got caught up in this story of their struggles and successes, but we do
need a sequel to this book. Please.
David Hamilton
Cambridge-Narrows, NB
Hi Connie
You may have to jog my memory as I was speaking extemporaneously for the most part.
The novel/ you explored the role of women and their inability to have control of their lives due to social and financial circumstances. This parallels so much of present day experiences for many women especially in rural communities as well as globally where women fight for control over their reproductive rights , their choices of clothing / Iran’s Masha Amini. Rape victims come to mind with the clothing issues as well. Roe versus Wade .
You were a mentor and a councillor to that young gal who was stuck financially, socially and who was a victim of emotional abuse. To be honest, I kept waiting for you tell that you found her beaten up .
Connie, there are so many parallels that keep the story very apropos, current and on topic that the novel will not be easily dated.
The contrast between indoor and outdoor was another well done stylistic feature .
The outdoors / nature soared with majesty, beauty and untold daily marvels . It could also kill you.
Indoors , the dysfunctional family never shared any of the beauty but always the threat of exclusion and violence.
Another note: that dysfunctional family gave the illusion of having a family “pack” but on closer inspection never did. I bet the sports that visited their lodge never really saw the cracks in the facade.
Your pack did have the solidarity of a tightly knit team from every perspective. Issues were solved.
Good luck with future writing.
Phyllis
Hi Connie,
I'll try to give you a summary of my thoughts that were expressed at book club. The following is what I remember;
The ending of your book left me guessing. Not so much as to the path you had chosen to follow but more so on whether Sekima returned to you or met a fateful end. The title of the chapter was "Disappearance ", plus your thoughts of a wolf pack circling the dog and viewing him as prey led me to believe he may not have returned. But then , there was a recounting of the dog returning through the fog. I thought it could have been a more mystical vision. It leaves the reader to wonder where you might go from there, especially if the "Pack" lost one of its group.
I truly loved your description of the storm at the beginning of the book. It was easy to picture myself there. You have a talent for describing nature's force and beauty. Some people share a connection to nature and I believe you have that connection.
There is definitely an element of empathy towards women's struggles in your book. It's interesting that women will bond together in time of need and perhaps form a "Pack"of their own. A message was very clear to me that the ability to recognize the difference between people who bring good things to the table versus those that bring negativity is empowering.
I loved how your descriptions of Sekima's unbridled enthusiasm and joy of life were portrayed. If we could all follow in his example and shed the baggage that has taught us to forget how simple things can bring happiness.
Finally, I was amazed by your courage. The decision to live in a remote, isolated and harsh environment without luxury of some very basic perks showed your determination and your faith in yourself. The decision to live as you did could have been life ending and tragic. However, you stepped up to the challenge and embraced the obstacles. I was curious to meet you in person after reading the book and was surprised to see what a petite woman you were. I guess courage comes in many sizes!
Connie, I don't know if I accurately captured what was said at the meeting, but this is what I recall. Hope it is of some value to you. Good luck with your future writings!
Sue
By Connie Larson
Connie’s new book “The Pack” is full of mini adventurers from the first page to the end. I didn’t expect this, in this story about a couple leaving so-called civilization to live for years on an island in Canada’s far north Lake of the Woods. Connie has a definite knack for developing sub plots, short and fascinating, and yet weaves them all together to develop the story as the years pass. This starts in the first few pages with her and Jim’s efforts to save the ancient boathouse in a howling northern windstorm. This effort was successful, and they eventually learn to park their boat facing the wind, something every
northerner knows.
Their beautiful Alaskan malamute Sekima may not be the star of the book, but most readers can’t wait to see what his next adventure will be. Every episode that includes this trouble-finding pooch ranges from the ridiculous to the terrifying. A small tribute to Connie’s writing skills. Overall, I got caught up in this story of their struggles and successes, but we do
need a sequel to this book. Please.
David Hamilton
Cambridge-Narrows, NB
Hi Connie
You may have to jog my memory as I was speaking extemporaneously for the most part.
The novel/ you explored the role of women and their inability to have control of their lives due to social and financial circumstances. This parallels so much of present day experiences for many women especially in rural communities as well as globally where women fight for control over their reproductive rights , their choices of clothing / Iran’s Masha Amini. Rape victims come to mind with the clothing issues as well. Roe versus Wade .
You were a mentor and a councillor to that young gal who was stuck financially, socially and who was a victim of emotional abuse. To be honest, I kept waiting for you tell that you found her beaten up .
Connie, there are so many parallels that keep the story very apropos, current and on topic that the novel will not be easily dated.
The contrast between indoor and outdoor was another well done stylistic feature .
The outdoors / nature soared with majesty, beauty and untold daily marvels . It could also kill you.
Indoors , the dysfunctional family never shared any of the beauty but always the threat of exclusion and violence.
Another note: that dysfunctional family gave the illusion of having a family “pack” but on closer inspection never did. I bet the sports that visited their lodge never really saw the cracks in the facade.
Your pack did have the solidarity of a tightly knit team from every perspective. Issues were solved.
Good luck with future writing.
Phyllis
Hi Connie,
I'll try to give you a summary of my thoughts that were expressed at book club. The following is what I remember;
The ending of your book left me guessing. Not so much as to the path you had chosen to follow but more so on whether Sekima returned to you or met a fateful end. The title of the chapter was "Disappearance ", plus your thoughts of a wolf pack circling the dog and viewing him as prey led me to believe he may not have returned. But then , there was a recounting of the dog returning through the fog. I thought it could have been a more mystical vision. It leaves the reader to wonder where you might go from there, especially if the "Pack" lost one of its group.
I truly loved your description of the storm at the beginning of the book. It was easy to picture myself there. You have a talent for describing nature's force and beauty. Some people share a connection to nature and I believe you have that connection.
There is definitely an element of empathy towards women's struggles in your book. It's interesting that women will bond together in time of need and perhaps form a "Pack"of their own. A message was very clear to me that the ability to recognize the difference between people who bring good things to the table versus those that bring negativity is empowering.
I loved how your descriptions of Sekima's unbridled enthusiasm and joy of life were portrayed. If we could all follow in his example and shed the baggage that has taught us to forget how simple things can bring happiness.
Finally, I was amazed by your courage. The decision to live in a remote, isolated and harsh environment without luxury of some very basic perks showed your determination and your faith in yourself. The decision to live as you did could have been life ending and tragic. However, you stepped up to the challenge and embraced the obstacles. I was curious to meet you in person after reading the book and was surprised to see what a petite woman you were. I guess courage comes in many sizes!
Connie, I don't know if I accurately captured what was said at the meeting, but this is what I recall. Hope it is of some value to you. Good luck with your future writings!
Sue
