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North of the Sunlit River: A Novel
From the author of
This Impossible Brightness
comes a heartrending trek through grief, hope, and the Alaskan wilderness as a young woman seeks the truth that will heal her.
Eila Jacobsen is adrift, reeling from her father’s recent death and still suffering from the loss of her best friend. When invited to join a research trip to a remote part of Alaska, she takes the chance to refocus her life and perhaps unravel the mystery behind the dwindling caribou population.
But as Eila buries herself in data, she stumbles across something remarkable. Concealed in the pages of her father’s journal is a discovery with life-changing possibilities. So why was it abandoned?
Unable to ignore its potential, Eila ventures deeper into the Alaskan tundra in search of healing and answers. But she’s not the only one in need of a new beginning, and she’s not the only one looking.
Pursued across the landscape and haunted by secrets, Eila presses on, unearthing the regrets of those closest to her, and revealing the joy and forgiveness that bind them together.
Eila Jacobsen is adrift, reeling from her father’s recent death and still suffering from the loss of her best friend. When invited to join a research trip to a remote part of Alaska, she takes the chance to refocus her life and perhaps unravel the mystery behind the dwindling caribou population.
But as Eila buries herself in data, she stumbles across something remarkable. Concealed in the pages of her father’s journal is a discovery with life-changing possibilities. So why was it abandoned?
Unable to ignore its potential, Eila ventures deeper into the Alaskan tundra in search of healing and answers. But she’s not the only one in need of a new beginning, and she’s not the only one looking.
Pursued across the landscape and haunted by secrets, Eila presses on, unearthing the regrets of those closest to her, and revealing the joy and forgiveness that bind them together.
Audible Audio
Published September 9, 2025
351 people are currently reading
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About the author
Jessica Bryant Klagmann
2 books105 followersJessica Bryant Klagmann grew up in New England and studied writing in Fairbanks, Alaska. Her short fiction and nonfiction have appeared in environmental journals like Whitefish Review and Terrain.org, among others. She is the author of the novels This Impossible Brightness (2024) and North of the Sunlit River (2025).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
September 9, 2025
Happy Publication Day!
4 Alaskan wilderness stars!
An intricately woven exploration of nature, animals, grief and relationships with a touch of folklore.
Eila was raised by her single father in a remote cabin in the Alaskan wilderness. Feeling more connected to nature than people, they live a contented life wanting nothing more than to be self sufficient and to expand their nature-focused research. Eila becomes a caribou researcher, where she tracks and chases their migration across the Alaskan tundra. Eila’s father passes away, leaving his diary and many unanswered questions.
I love books set in the remote locations with strong animal and nature themes. Alaska is a setting that I always enjoy reading about and this one was highly atmospheric. The author creates a strong palpable setting with well developed characters that I cared for. This was a slow burn, quiet story that had a mysterious element pulling the plot forward.
I kept thinking about Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy while I read this, as it was a remote location nature themed mystery as well. While the atmosphere was a main part of this story, I found the relationships equally fascinating. There are several unique and thought-provoking relationships explored within these pages, between characters as well as with nature. Folklore is a small but strong theme that was a clever addition. It added an intriguing layer but didn’t overpower the story.
Loss, longing, grief, loneliness and heartache are explored. Love and loyalty are also examined and presented in thought-provoking ways.
I recommend this to readers who enjoy quiet, contemplative stories revolving around nature. Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book! All opinions are honest and my own.
4 Alaskan wilderness stars!
An intricately woven exploration of nature, animals, grief and relationships with a touch of folklore.
Eila was raised by her single father in a remote cabin in the Alaskan wilderness. Feeling more connected to nature than people, they live a contented life wanting nothing more than to be self sufficient and to expand their nature-focused research. Eila becomes a caribou researcher, where she tracks and chases their migration across the Alaskan tundra. Eila’s father passes away, leaving his diary and many unanswered questions.
I love books set in the remote locations with strong animal and nature themes. Alaska is a setting that I always enjoy reading about and this one was highly atmospheric. The author creates a strong palpable setting with well developed characters that I cared for. This was a slow burn, quiet story that had a mysterious element pulling the plot forward.
I kept thinking about Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy while I read this, as it was a remote location nature themed mystery as well. While the atmosphere was a main part of this story, I found the relationships equally fascinating. There are several unique and thought-provoking relationships explored within these pages, between characters as well as with nature. Folklore is a small but strong theme that was a clever addition. It added an intriguing layer but didn’t overpower the story.
Loss, longing, grief, loneliness and heartache are explored. Love and loyalty are also examined and presented in thought-provoking ways.
I recommend this to readers who enjoy quiet, contemplative stories revolving around nature. Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book! All opinions are honest and my own.
August 29, 2025
“Not all those who wander are lost…” – J. R. R. Tolkien
After dealing with the sudden death of her best friend and the death of her father, Eila Jacobsen feels lost and alone. So when she is invited to go on a research trip to a remote place in Alaska, she jumps at the opportunity to not only distract herself from her grief but to uncover the mystery behind the population decrease of the beloved caribou.
But when she uncovers a life-changing secret her father and their friends had kept from her for several years, she sets out on her own to not only discover the truth of what they were doing, but to rediscover who she is and that she is never really alone. Besides, Eila isn’t the only one to embark on a journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, second chances, and new beginnings.
I was not expecting to be so touched by this book, especially the ending. I teared up, and even though it wasn’t what I was expecting, it felt right, and I had all the closure I needed to feel satisfied with the end. 🥲😌
The writing was simple yet beautiful. I loved the tidbits of wisdom from Eila’s father, Stefan. Jessica Bryant Klagmann did a perfect job of showing how much of an impact he made in the lives of his daughter and his friends. The characters embarked on their own journeys, making mistakes and successes. And the setting? Gosh, I knew Alaska was beautiful, but now I want to go visit it for myself and see the Northern Lights painted across the vast, dark sky. I could feel the chill of the harsh winter and smell the crisp, snowy air. 😍🥶
I don’t have any complaints. It was such a moving and intriguing story. I had a hard time putting it down. Yes, it was all pretty predictable, meaning I knew who was connected to whom and what was going to happen to so and so because it was written in between the lines. But in this instance, I don’t mind it at all. Sometimes predictability is needed in life to make it easier and bearable.
I highly recommend this book if you love themes like new beginnings, forgiveness, and self-discovery. If not, you should just read it for the secret mentioned throughout the book and for the beauty of Alaska. 🩵
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the arc! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Loss of a parent, death, and mentions a loved one suffering from dementia.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: No (just kissing)
#NorthoftheSunlitRiver #NetGalley
After dealing with the sudden death of her best friend and the death of her father, Eila Jacobsen feels lost and alone. So when she is invited to go on a research trip to a remote place in Alaska, she jumps at the opportunity to not only distract herself from her grief but to uncover the mystery behind the population decrease of the beloved caribou.
But when she uncovers a life-changing secret her father and their friends had kept from her for several years, she sets out on her own to not only discover the truth of what they were doing, but to rediscover who she is and that she is never really alone. Besides, Eila isn’t the only one to embark on a journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, second chances, and new beginnings.
I was not expecting to be so touched by this book, especially the ending. I teared up, and even though it wasn’t what I was expecting, it felt right, and I had all the closure I needed to feel satisfied with the end. 🥲😌
The writing was simple yet beautiful. I loved the tidbits of wisdom from Eila’s father, Stefan. Jessica Bryant Klagmann did a perfect job of showing how much of an impact he made in the lives of his daughter and his friends. The characters embarked on their own journeys, making mistakes and successes. And the setting? Gosh, I knew Alaska was beautiful, but now I want to go visit it for myself and see the Northern Lights painted across the vast, dark sky. I could feel the chill of the harsh winter and smell the crisp, snowy air. 😍🥶
I don’t have any complaints. It was such a moving and intriguing story. I had a hard time putting it down. Yes, it was all pretty predictable, meaning I knew who was connected to whom and what was going to happen to so and so because it was written in between the lines. But in this instance, I don’t mind it at all. Sometimes predictability is needed in life to make it easier and bearable.
I highly recommend this book if you love themes like new beginnings, forgiveness, and self-discovery. If not, you should just read it for the secret mentioned throughout the book and for the beauty of Alaska. 🩵
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the arc! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Loss of a parent, death, and mentions a loved one suffering from dementia.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: No (just kissing)
#NorthoftheSunlitRiver #NetGalley
September 8, 2025
3.5 ⭐
“You were made for this place, made of this place.”
A journey through grief and understanding set in one of my most favourite places in the world. I was reminded that sometimes we need to journey back in time to understand the present and move forward. I enjoyed the author’s focus on forgiveness, both for ourselves and others, and on new beginnings. The love of place shines through this work, so be patient.
I was gifted this copy by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
“You were made for this place, made of this place.”
A journey through grief and understanding set in one of my most favourite places in the world. I was reminded that sometimes we need to journey back in time to understand the present and move forward. I enjoyed the author’s focus on forgiveness, both for ourselves and others, and on new beginnings. The love of place shines through this work, so be patient.
I was gifted this copy by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
October 6, 2025
This novel is really an ode to the natural world of Alaska. With lovely writing and great detail, the reader is treated to descriptions of Alaskan flora, fauna, insect life and animal life. Caribous are of particular interest. The reader also feels the Alaskan weather, from the deepest cold to the pleasure of short summers. Of course, there are humans in the story, and we watch as they meld their interests and lives into the Alaskan wilderness. The chosen simplicity of their lives and the way they met the challenge of their environment were very well portrayed. There were themes of grief and loneliness as well. My only issue was plot-related: I found some choices made by characters to be rather unlikely. However, the incredible natural setting, and the depth of the author’s description of it, made this novel worthwhile for me.
July 25, 2025
Don’t judge a book by its cover? How can you not with this one?! Charolette McConaghys wild settings mixed with a touch of Fredrik Backmans character connections, this book hooked me from the start and tugged at my heart the entire journey.
Thank you so much to Jessica Bryant Klagmann for sharing this Advanced Readers Copy, this one has all my love and all the stars!
#BTPTravelingARC
#BTPBookClub
Thank you so much to Jessica Bryant Klagmann for sharing this Advanced Readers Copy, this one has all my love and all the stars!
#BTPTravelingARC
#BTPBookClub
September 19, 2025
I love books set in Alaska and this one was so well done. This is a slow burn, emotional story. It deals with loss, grieif , and healing . Ella is a caribou researcher that has lived in Alaska with her father, and after his passing, she dives deeper into her research. She sees that the caribous population is dwindling and she sets out to find the cause. I learned things about the caribou in Alaska that I never knew or thought about. The setting of Alaska was so vividly described. The author did a great job portraying Ella's raw feelings and the hard time that she was having after losing her dad and friend. There is some mystery, romance, and suspense to keep you invested. A great read.
Thank you to the publisher, author and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher, author and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
September 9, 2025
A breathtaking, unforgettable journey of grief, discovery, and resilience
Reading North of the Sunlit River felt like being swept into the raw, untamed beauty of Alaska while also being gently led through the fragile landscape of the human heart.
Jessica Bryant Klagmann has written a novel that is both thrilling in its mystery and deeply tender in its exploration of loss, healing, and connection.
Eila Jacobsen’s story resonated with me on such a personal level. Her grief, still fresh from losing her father and the absence of her best friend, was palpable, but never heavy-handed. Instead, it unfolded in quiet moments, in the way memories tugged at her while she searched for answers in the wilderness. I found myself aching with her, rooting for her, and ultimately celebrating with her as she began to discover not just the hidden truths in her father’s journal, but also her own strength and capacity for renewal.
The Alaskan setting is almost its own character here - wild, dangerous, and breathtakingly beautiful. I could feel the crunch of snow, the chill of the wind, and the vast loneliness of the tundra pressing in, mirroring Eila’s inner isolation. And yet, woven through that landscape is a warmth, a reminder of the ways love and forgiveness can guide us back to ourselves, even in the harshest places.
What struck me most was how seamlessly Klagmann blended adventure and suspense with intimate, emotional storytelling. The mystery of her father’s work and the question of why his discovery was abandoned kept me turning pages late into the night, but it was the emotional payoffs; the moments of quiet grace, of choosing joy and forgiveness, that left me breathless.
This is the kind of book that lingers long after you close it, one that reminds you of the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty of second chances. For me, it was not just a reading experience but a journey, both into the Alaskan wilderness and into the heart’s ability to heal.
Jessica Bryant Klagmann has written a novel I will be pressing into the hands of friends for years to come. North of the Sunlit River is a radiant debut that deserves every bit of praise it will no doubt receive.
Reading North of the Sunlit River felt like being swept into the raw, untamed beauty of Alaska while also being gently led through the fragile landscape of the human heart.
Jessica Bryant Klagmann has written a novel that is both thrilling in its mystery and deeply tender in its exploration of loss, healing, and connection.
Eila Jacobsen’s story resonated with me on such a personal level. Her grief, still fresh from losing her father and the absence of her best friend, was palpable, but never heavy-handed. Instead, it unfolded in quiet moments, in the way memories tugged at her while she searched for answers in the wilderness. I found myself aching with her, rooting for her, and ultimately celebrating with her as she began to discover not just the hidden truths in her father’s journal, but also her own strength and capacity for renewal.
The Alaskan setting is almost its own character here - wild, dangerous, and breathtakingly beautiful. I could feel the crunch of snow, the chill of the wind, and the vast loneliness of the tundra pressing in, mirroring Eila’s inner isolation. And yet, woven through that landscape is a warmth, a reminder of the ways love and forgiveness can guide us back to ourselves, even in the harshest places.
What struck me most was how seamlessly Klagmann blended adventure and suspense with intimate, emotional storytelling. The mystery of her father’s work and the question of why his discovery was abandoned kept me turning pages late into the night, but it was the emotional payoffs; the moments of quiet grace, of choosing joy and forgiveness, that left me breathless.
This is the kind of book that lingers long after you close it, one that reminds you of the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty of second chances. For me, it was not just a reading experience but a journey, both into the Alaskan wilderness and into the heart’s ability to heal.
Jessica Bryant Klagmann has written a novel I will be pressing into the hands of friends for years to come. North of the Sunlit River is a radiant debut that deserves every bit of praise it will no doubt receive.
April 6, 2025
4.5⭐️
I was fortunate enough to read the eARC and WOW this was beautiful!! I was expecting this story to just be about Eila and to begin following the passing of her father: two things which were incorrect assumptions and that made the book exceed all of my expectations. WOW this book went above and beyond the scope I had anticipated and I loved all of it, from the characters to the settings to the world to the little tidbits of knowledge I learned about caribou and birds and migration.
The writing style is really well done. I LOVE how the author chooses not to disclose everything at once, and leaves little clues and cliffhangers throughout the chapters making it feel more like a mystery than a literary fiction novel. It kept the story thrilling and enticing.
The language was very literary-fiction-esque and was beautifully descriptive and full of depth and symbolism. The author perfectly captured the beauty and magic of Alaska and its natural flora and fauna. The story and its plot weren’t boring and it was a surprisingly quick read for me, as I didn’t want to put it down and spent an entire Saturday afternoon reading it.
Some of the pacing was a little off for me nearing the passing of Eila’s father (this isn’t a spoiler as it’s in the synopsis of the book). One paragraph he is declining and the next he is gone. It was brief and not discussed with a lot of emphasis so it felt lackluster when it was in actuality an extremely significant moment to the story. I wish there had been more surrounding what happened with his passing rather than a vague and meaningless sentence. Despite it being sad to read, it does hold a lot of significance for Eila’s journey so I feel as if there needs to be more emphasis on this section and better pacing regarding the end of his life and his passing specifically. The pacing was really consistent everywhere else so this is a really small note, but I did think it was worth mentioning.
It took me a while to get used to the chapters staying in one persons pov for a few chapters in a row, despite only being labeled as their chapter on the first one. I did get used to it eventually so it was fine, but I feel like perhaps there could be subsections in each Part of the book to notate which person’s pov the reader will enter (for example: Part 1: Section 1: Eila, Part 1: Section 2: Stefan).
The time jumps were also really well done and I loved them. I think that some readers may get confused without labels though, so I would have liked to see time labels for the chapters that highlighted past events, such as “Five Years Ago” for Jackson’s story, and “X Years Ago” for Vern’s backstory, so on and so forth.
THE CHARACTERS
Eila experienced a lot of major life changes and came out a stronger and better version of herself as a result. I loved her journey and how she continued to overcome her grief. I was expecting to see a lot more from her based on the synopsis and her role as the main character, but honestly I don’t think she needs more writing time than she got. She still got the majority of the book in her pov and had a lot of development, but the side characters were such a pleasantly unexpected addition that I really didn’t have any notes on character development.
In a few short chapters, Vern had so much character development, a backstory that had me wanting to know more, and growth and hope for a better future for him. The fact that Vern is not the main character and that this all happened within the first 20% of the book was INCREDIBLE, and it had me wanting more of his character. I wanted to know what brought him to Alaska, his relationship with his wife and daughter, and why he has so much emotional damage and a desire to run when things get scary for him. I was so glad that we got more backstory from Vern and some other side characters as the story progressed - there was SO much character development and growth in this book which was great to see.
I absolutely LOVED the authors retelling of a past event from two different character’s perspectives (Vern and Jackson) and noting the differences in the words used in the conversation, the things in the setting worth noting, and the perspective of each individual during the event. This showed that each historical pov was slightly unreliable as time went on in the tiny nuances, yet the events had the same outcomes. This was really smart to include and I enjoyed it a lot.
THE ROMANCE
While I wouldn’t call this book a romance by ANY means, I did want to mention the love of Jackson and Eila because it was so sweet and made my heart so warm and fuzzy. I loved how Jackson took notes on wildlife patterns while Eila was in the hospital IN HER DATA COLLECTION STYLE so her data was consistent and she wouldn’t have to start over given the time-gap of her hospitalization. Despite being best friends and brief lovers before Jackson’s disappearance, their love was deep and was shown through the little things. The author went above and beyond in showing these things in the historical flashbacks and it warmed my heart and made me reminisce on my personal time growing up as best friends with my now-spouse.
QUOTES: THE CHARACTERS
"Facts are boring. They're dead. They have nowhere else to go. Theories are more interesting. They're alive."
“She asked for the story, perhaps to reassure him that he still has stories in him.
That even if he doesn't live much longer, he did live, once. He met people and had conversations and made choices and traveled the paths created by those choices.”
“the one he called "The Sunlit River"-and she listens carefully to the lyrics. She knows she's hearing them for the last time. The song is full of imagination and exploration and burnt-parchment maps. It's full of cold, rushing rivers and endless valleys of fireweed and the haunting blush of summer nights on the tundra.”
“If we're going to survive in this world, we need wild imaginations. And we need to wander to cultivate those imaginations, and we need wild places to wander in. And we need to imagine a future in which those wild places are still here. It's all a cycle.”
“You have to believe in people, Sadie said, no matter what. There's no moving forward for humanity otherwise.”
“it's a beautiful idea until it isn't. Only until you realize that no matter how long you might live, you'll never get to do everything you wanted. And if you got to live forever, you still wouldn't get a chance to go back and do things over.
When the end of your life is an imminent thing, suddenly all of your flaws are more visible. Your scars, the scars you've given others. And your secrets pound on the inside of your skull. You want to confess everything all at once.”
“The fires burn so the forest can regrow.
The antlers fall every spring so they can return, new again, each winter.”
QUOTES: THE ROMANCE
“It was impressive, what he'd managed to learn simply by watching her father. But in that moment, she didn't give him enough credit for his carpentry. She'd always wished she could go back and praise him more, spend at least a few more seconds focused on him. But all she saw was that microscope. That field notebook.
That space that belonged to her-to them-because he had listened and taken her seriously.”
I was fortunate enough to read the eARC and WOW this was beautiful!! I was expecting this story to just be about Eila and to begin following the passing of her father: two things which were incorrect assumptions and that made the book exceed all of my expectations. WOW this book went above and beyond the scope I had anticipated and I loved all of it, from the characters to the settings to the world to the little tidbits of knowledge I learned about caribou and birds and migration.
The writing style is really well done. I LOVE how the author chooses not to disclose everything at once, and leaves little clues and cliffhangers throughout the chapters making it feel more like a mystery than a literary fiction novel. It kept the story thrilling and enticing.
The language was very literary-fiction-esque and was beautifully descriptive and full of depth and symbolism. The author perfectly captured the beauty and magic of Alaska and its natural flora and fauna. The story and its plot weren’t boring and it was a surprisingly quick read for me, as I didn’t want to put it down and spent an entire Saturday afternoon reading it.
Some of the pacing was a little off for me nearing the passing of Eila’s father (this isn’t a spoiler as it’s in the synopsis of the book). One paragraph he is declining and the next he is gone. It was brief and not discussed with a lot of emphasis so it felt lackluster when it was in actuality an extremely significant moment to the story. I wish there had been more surrounding what happened with his passing rather than a vague and meaningless sentence. Despite it being sad to read, it does hold a lot of significance for Eila’s journey so I feel as if there needs to be more emphasis on this section and better pacing regarding the end of his life and his passing specifically. The pacing was really consistent everywhere else so this is a really small note, but I did think it was worth mentioning.
It took me a while to get used to the chapters staying in one persons pov for a few chapters in a row, despite only being labeled as their chapter on the first one. I did get used to it eventually so it was fine, but I feel like perhaps there could be subsections in each Part of the book to notate which person’s pov the reader will enter (for example: Part 1: Section 1: Eila, Part 1: Section 2: Stefan).
The time jumps were also really well done and I loved them. I think that some readers may get confused without labels though, so I would have liked to see time labels for the chapters that highlighted past events, such as “Five Years Ago” for Jackson’s story, and “X Years Ago” for Vern’s backstory, so on and so forth.
THE CHARACTERS
Eila experienced a lot of major life changes and came out a stronger and better version of herself as a result. I loved her journey and how she continued to overcome her grief. I was expecting to see a lot more from her based on the synopsis and her role as the main character, but honestly I don’t think she needs more writing time than she got. She still got the majority of the book in her pov and had a lot of development, but the side characters were such a pleasantly unexpected addition that I really didn’t have any notes on character development.
In a few short chapters, Vern had so much character development, a backstory that had me wanting to know more, and growth and hope for a better future for him. The fact that Vern is not the main character and that this all happened within the first 20% of the book was INCREDIBLE, and it had me wanting more of his character. I wanted to know what brought him to Alaska, his relationship with his wife and daughter, and why he has so much emotional damage and a desire to run when things get scary for him. I was so glad that we got more backstory from Vern and some other side characters as the story progressed - there was SO much character development and growth in this book which was great to see.
I absolutely LOVED the authors retelling of a past event from two different character’s perspectives (Vern and Jackson) and noting the differences in the words used in the conversation, the things in the setting worth noting, and the perspective of each individual during the event. This showed that each historical pov was slightly unreliable as time went on in the tiny nuances, yet the events had the same outcomes. This was really smart to include and I enjoyed it a lot.
THE ROMANCE
While I wouldn’t call this book a romance by ANY means, I did want to mention the love of Jackson and Eila because it was so sweet and made my heart so warm and fuzzy. I loved how Jackson took notes on wildlife patterns while Eila was in the hospital IN HER DATA COLLECTION STYLE so her data was consistent and she wouldn’t have to start over given the time-gap of her hospitalization. Despite being best friends and brief lovers before Jackson’s disappearance, their love was deep and was shown through the little things. The author went above and beyond in showing these things in the historical flashbacks and it warmed my heart and made me reminisce on my personal time growing up as best friends with my now-spouse.
QUOTES: THE CHARACTERS
"Facts are boring. They're dead. They have nowhere else to go. Theories are more interesting. They're alive."
“She asked for the story, perhaps to reassure him that he still has stories in him.
That even if he doesn't live much longer, he did live, once. He met people and had conversations and made choices and traveled the paths created by those choices.”
“the one he called "The Sunlit River"-and she listens carefully to the lyrics. She knows she's hearing them for the last time. The song is full of imagination and exploration and burnt-parchment maps. It's full of cold, rushing rivers and endless valleys of fireweed and the haunting blush of summer nights on the tundra.”
“If we're going to survive in this world, we need wild imaginations. And we need to wander to cultivate those imaginations, and we need wild places to wander in. And we need to imagine a future in which those wild places are still here. It's all a cycle.”
“You have to believe in people, Sadie said, no matter what. There's no moving forward for humanity otherwise.”
“it's a beautiful idea until it isn't. Only until you realize that no matter how long you might live, you'll never get to do everything you wanted. And if you got to live forever, you still wouldn't get a chance to go back and do things over.
When the end of your life is an imminent thing, suddenly all of your flaws are more visible. Your scars, the scars you've given others. And your secrets pound on the inside of your skull. You want to confess everything all at once.”
“The fires burn so the forest can regrow.
The antlers fall every spring so they can return, new again, each winter.”
QUOTES: THE ROMANCE
“It was impressive, what he'd managed to learn simply by watching her father. But in that moment, she didn't give him enough credit for his carpentry. She'd always wished she could go back and praise him more, spend at least a few more seconds focused on him. But all she saw was that microscope. That field notebook.
That space that belonged to her-to them-because he had listened and taken her seriously.”
April 3, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this book!
North of the Sunlit River follows Eila, a caribou researcher living in Alaska. Still haunted by the disappearance of her best friend, Eila is hit with another loss, her father passing away. Struggling with her grief, Eila must find the strength to continue her research and uncover the reasons behind the declining caribou population.
Jessica’s writing sweeps you off your feet and places you in the middle of Alaska. I could feel how cold it was, hear the birds singing, and taste the peach pie. This story teaches you about the importance of environmental conservation, how people handle grief differently, and that running away from your problems doesn't always lead to healing.
The story shifts between different character POVs, both in the past and present. I think this is an interesting insight into all the different characters and how everyone ties into each other.
The story is wrote in third-person, which isn’t my favorite, but works really well for this story. There are so many different descriptions, sights the characters see, and feelings that I think in first-person would be dull and wouldn’t help the story flow.
I loved all the details and information about the wildlife and fauna of Alaska. It makes me want to book a trip to see everything and experience the feeling of Alaska for myself.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves a character driven story, nature, and has a sense of adventure.
North of the Sunlit River follows Eila, a caribou researcher living in Alaska. Still haunted by the disappearance of her best friend, Eila is hit with another loss, her father passing away. Struggling with her grief, Eila must find the strength to continue her research and uncover the reasons behind the declining caribou population.
Jessica’s writing sweeps you off your feet and places you in the middle of Alaska. I could feel how cold it was, hear the birds singing, and taste the peach pie. This story teaches you about the importance of environmental conservation, how people handle grief differently, and that running away from your problems doesn't always lead to healing.
The story shifts between different character POVs, both in the past and present. I think this is an interesting insight into all the different characters and how everyone ties into each other.
The story is wrote in third-person, which isn’t my favorite, but works really well for this story. There are so many different descriptions, sights the characters see, and feelings that I think in first-person would be dull and wouldn’t help the story flow.
I loved all the details and information about the wildlife and fauna of Alaska. It makes me want to book a trip to see everything and experience the feeling of Alaska for myself.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves a character driven story, nature, and has a sense of adventure.
September 5, 2025
Eila Jacobsen is going through a lot she’s still reeling after the sudden disappearance of her best friend and the death of her father. She’s a caribou researcher living in Alaska she’s hoping that this chance will help her to refocus her life and uncover what is happening to the caribou. While researching she uncovers a mystery in her fathers work a discovery that could change everything . Unable to ignore her discovery she embarks on a journey with life changing results on that could lead to healing and self awareness. Unaware she’s not the only one looking Pursued across the landscape and haunted by secrets, Eila presses on and what she finds is more meaningful than she could imagine!
September 1, 2025
3 ⭐️ I really enjoyed the ending, but the journey to get there was a little boring. I wish there were more scenes that leaned into Eila transversing the Alaskan wilderness and less of the introspective stuff.
September 2, 2025
I am very glad I read this one! I didn’t really know what to expect but really liked it. At first, I had a difficult time connecting with the characters, but it got easier as I went through the novel. What I liked most about the novel was the writing for sure! Here are some of my favourite quotes:
“It’s the first one I write. If we’re going to survive in this world, we need wild imaginations. And we need to wander to cultivate those imaginations, and we need wild places to wander in. And we need to imagine a future in which those wild places are still here. It’s all cycle”
“Maps hang on the walls — not of prospective cabin sites or places he planned to visit one day. These are maps of rivers he’d once traveled along, of mountain ranges he’d driven through, all probably before she was born. Each yellowing sheet marks a point of transition. They are pictures of change, of his deliberate migrations. Elia has never looked closely before, and she’s surprised to see how far he’s gone — the extent of his travels and the impressive reach of his life”
“We have to imagine it, Vern. That’s what imagination is for — to show us what might be if. As far into the future as we can possibly comprehend”
“How they settle in or try to keep moving. How the darkness is like a blanket that becomes more and more comfortable over the long months, hard to crawl back out of come spring. She wants to be part of it”
“Everyone enters Alaska the same way — with no idea how it’s going to change you. It’s different from other places, maybe because of the space, the expansive emptiness just waiting to be filled. You can fill it with your desires, or expel what you no longer want, but it will never be full. It is big enough to hold all of you. Everything your heart no longer needs. You’ll find something here that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s a place of wild contradictions. That’s the gift that this land gives you”
“In the North, there are no edges, no boundaries. Direction is meaningless. Trust it, though. One way or another, you will get where you need to go”
“It wasn’t up to any of them to begin with. Nature didn’t need them deliberating and making decisions. Nature was prepared to take care of itself”
“Imagination is powerful. There is much order in nature. But there is also a lot of magic”
Thank you to Jessica Bryant Klagmann and NetGalley for sending me a digital ARC!
“It’s the first one I write. If we’re going to survive in this world, we need wild imaginations. And we need to wander to cultivate those imaginations, and we need wild places to wander in. And we need to imagine a future in which those wild places are still here. It’s all cycle”
“Maps hang on the walls — not of prospective cabin sites or places he planned to visit one day. These are maps of rivers he’d once traveled along, of mountain ranges he’d driven through, all probably before she was born. Each yellowing sheet marks a point of transition. They are pictures of change, of his deliberate migrations. Elia has never looked closely before, and she’s surprised to see how far he’s gone — the extent of his travels and the impressive reach of his life”
“We have to imagine it, Vern. That’s what imagination is for — to show us what might be if. As far into the future as we can possibly comprehend”
“How they settle in or try to keep moving. How the darkness is like a blanket that becomes more and more comfortable over the long months, hard to crawl back out of come spring. She wants to be part of it”
“Everyone enters Alaska the same way — with no idea how it’s going to change you. It’s different from other places, maybe because of the space, the expansive emptiness just waiting to be filled. You can fill it with your desires, or expel what you no longer want, but it will never be full. It is big enough to hold all of you. Everything your heart no longer needs. You’ll find something here that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s a place of wild contradictions. That’s the gift that this land gives you”
“In the North, there are no edges, no boundaries. Direction is meaningless. Trust it, though. One way or another, you will get where you need to go”
“It wasn’t up to any of them to begin with. Nature didn’t need them deliberating and making decisions. Nature was prepared to take care of itself”
“Imagination is powerful. There is much order in nature. But there is also a lot of magic”
Thank you to Jessica Bryant Klagmann and NetGalley for sending me a digital ARC!
April 24, 2025
3.5/5
Can we take a sec to just appreciate the stunning cover on this one? Not only does it fit the book perfectly, it's also beautiful as art!
The writing in this story is phenomenal and deserves all the stars. From capturing the fragile interplay of the natural world, to the animals that live in Alaska, the sense of place, people, and nature is artfully and intricately drawn. I was transported while reading this!
I enjoyed spending time with Eila. I found her commitment and connection with the caribou so moving. Her relationship with her dad was beautifully rendered too. Despite exiting the stage early on, Stefan's a key player throughout the book - powerful characterization. Sadie was a compelling character and I was disappointed we left her .
Where the book let me down was the actual story: I felt like it was trying to do too much overall. We had sections (like the loon episode) repeated in detail at least twice yet some of the other threads and time transitions felt rushed. I didn't really care about the Eila/Jackson thread compared to Eila's grief, the caribou, or Stefan's backstory. This reader didn't love the immortality thread or the blink-and-you-miss-it resolution to the lichen mystery. While I appreciated the idea behind illustration the fragility of nature's balance, it felt cloyingly simplistic and rushed. Like
Overall, this was 100% worth the read for the writing and beautiful love note to Alaska. I guess I wanted more of that and more about Eila/Stefan than the melodrama around Jackson.
Thanks to Lake Union for making this available to review on NetGalley.
Can we take a sec to just appreciate the stunning cover on this one? Not only does it fit the book perfectly, it's also beautiful as art!
The writing in this story is phenomenal and deserves all the stars. From capturing the fragile interplay of the natural world, to the animals that live in Alaska, the sense of place, people, and nature is artfully and intricately drawn. I was transported while reading this!
I enjoyed spending time with Eila. I found her commitment and connection with the caribou so moving. Her relationship with her dad was beautifully rendered too. Despite exiting the stage early on, Stefan's a key player throughout the book - powerful characterization. Sadie was a compelling character and I was disappointed we left her .
Where the book let me down was the actual story: I felt like it was trying to do too much overall. We had sections (like the loon episode) repeated in detail at least twice yet some of the other threads and time transitions felt rushed. I didn't really care about the Eila/Jackson thread compared to Eila's grief, the caribou, or Stefan's backstory. This reader didn't love the immortality thread or the blink-and-you-miss-it resolution to the lichen mystery. While I appreciated the idea behind illustration the fragility of nature's balance, it felt cloyingly simplistic and rushed. Like
Overall, this was 100% worth the read for the writing and beautiful love note to Alaska. I guess I wanted more of that and more about Eila/Stefan than the melodrama around Jackson.
Thanks to Lake Union for making this available to review on NetGalley.
April 24, 2025
There is so much depth to this book, and I loved every second of it. I’m sad I’ll have to wait so long to see what other people think of it! It was adventurous and whimsical, and a little mysterious. The writing is really unique and beautiful. It definitely takes some time to get into though. There is a LOT of buildup and some parts have a lot to them while others dont. Elia’s dad passing felt like it should have been a bigger part of the book, not just a couple of paragraphs. For a book about a character’s grief journey, I felt like I couldn’t fully feel it with her. The romance was also cute but not really the main event and I wished it got more depth. It was definitely a good read but it felt a little rushed and I had many questions still after finishing. The epilogue was also beautifully written.
April 30, 2025
I was drawn to this book by the cover and the title, but I fell in love with the author’s use of language to paint a landscape and convey characters’ desires and motivations. I liken my reading experience to my first time reading Stegner’s Angle of Repose, where I was surprised how deeply I cared for the characters and how fully I came to love the setting itself.
I found myself impatient whenever the greenhouse and its contents were mentioned; it felt like an unnecessary distraction from the story. I also found the ending too unbelievably tidy— also unnecessary. But I loved the book and will urge others to read it. I’ll also pick up anything else this author has written.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-copy for review.
I found myself impatient whenever the greenhouse and its contents were mentioned; it felt like an unnecessary distraction from the story. I also found the ending too unbelievably tidy— also unnecessary. But I loved the book and will urge others to read it. I’ll also pick up anything else this author has written.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-copy for review.
September 4, 2025
Alaskan Elia is one with the Caribou. She senses them deep inside her and is concerned about their dwindling numbers. When her father dies, she decides to join a research trip further north. She also reads her father’s journals and tries to piece together his secrets. Others in her hometown have secrets too. They are all entangled in the way small towns and caring people can be in each other’s lives. This story is lush in scenery and the details of nature: bees, lichen, permafrost, etc. with interesting characters. Well narrated and hopeful.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @BrillianceAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #NorthoftheSunlitRiver for review purposes. Publication date: 9 September 2025.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @BrillianceAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #NorthoftheSunlitRiver for review purposes. Publication date: 9 September 2025.
September 16, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Brilliance for this audiobook arc!
I struggled with this one but overall think this is more of a me problem than the book's or the writing. This style just isn't for me. I found the constant jumping back and forth through timeline and POV switches a huge hinderance for me when trying to connect to these characters. By about 40% in it became clear it was more of way the information was doled out to the reader in incremental pieces than the story itself that was holding me back. Because of this, I never felt truly invested in the grief plot or the mysterious nature element. That said, I did enjoy a lot of the imagery and the setting. The wilderness of Alaska really shined. Things just moved way too slow for me plot wise.
Overall I feel like this is a solid 2.5 stars, rounded up because I did enjoy the audiobook narrator.
I struggled with this one but overall think this is more of a me problem than the book's or the writing. This style just isn't for me. I found the constant jumping back and forth through timeline and POV switches a huge hinderance for me when trying to connect to these characters. By about 40% in it became clear it was more of way the information was doled out to the reader in incremental pieces than the story itself that was holding me back. Because of this, I never felt truly invested in the grief plot or the mysterious nature element. That said, I did enjoy a lot of the imagery and the setting. The wilderness of Alaska really shined. Things just moved way too slow for me plot wise.
Overall I feel like this is a solid 2.5 stars, rounded up because I did enjoy the audiobook narrator.
September 21, 2025
This incredible story pulls you in with interesting characters, fascinating wildlife, and beautiful descriptions of the landscape in the almost indescribable, wondrous, magical place that is Alaska. The cover itself captivates with the images hinting at the rugged beauty found within the pages. Fortunately Jessica was able to capture it in prose so I could imagine it all as if I was there. The rawness of grief, the discovery of secrets, the relief and joy found in forgiveness and healing. This novel will take your breath away and I don't have the words to express the depth of emotion it touched in my soul. All I can say is, read it.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2025
I really enjoyed the multiple points of view in this book that include nature, science, and a bit of magical realism.
The book is set in Alaska. It has a daughter, Ella, who is trying to save the caribou while at the same time is mourning her father’s rapid death from brain cancer.
There is a bit of mystery as Ella’s soulmate, Jackson, has been missing for 5 years.
Other aspects of the book include a greenhouse full of bees that may answer the question to immortality and a character who left his family in the lower 48 states years ago.
All of these components come together for an enthralling read.
The book is set in Alaska. It has a daughter, Ella, who is trying to save the caribou while at the same time is mourning her father’s rapid death from brain cancer.
There is a bit of mystery as Ella’s soulmate, Jackson, has been missing for 5 years.
Other aspects of the book include a greenhouse full of bees that may answer the question to immortality and a character who left his family in the lower 48 states years ago.
All of these components come together for an enthralling read.
October 30, 2025
Really solid 4/5 for me, maybe even 4.5…..more review to come!
November 17, 2025
won a book
Won this book off Goodreads… wasn’t too sure at first… ended up being pretty good. Of course the end is only the beginning and I do hate when books do that to you
Won this book off Goodreads… wasn’t too sure at first… ended up being pretty good. Of course the end is only the beginning and I do hate when books do that to you
September 25, 2025
This slow-burn, emotional read set in the wild beauty of Alaska is about grief, healing, and second chances. Eila, a caribou researcher, is reeling from loss when she stumbles into a mystery tied to her father’s work. What unfolds is part suspense, part romance, and full of breathtaking descriptions of nature—caribou, lichen, bees, permafrost—you name it.
It’s one of those books that stays with you long after the last page, reminding us of resilience, forgiveness, and the power of discovery.
It’s one of those books that stays with you long after the last page, reminding us of resilience, forgiveness, and the power of discovery.
September 7, 2025
First off, I have to applaud the cover! At first I saw just a beautiful cover, and then a couple days later a caribou appeared. Then a couple days after that my daughter told me she saw a bear on the cover! Wow!!! Once you see them, you can’t unsee them!!
Second, this book is like the cover, I didn’t see the depth of the story until I was deep into the journey. Then once you see it, you are completely living it with them.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audio ARC.
Second, this book is like the cover, I didn’t see the depth of the story until I was deep into the journey. Then once you see it, you are completely living it with them.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audio ARC.
September 1, 2025
North of the Sunlit River is a tale of grief and contemplation, coupled with short sparks of hope in between. The story is set in Alaska's winter. For the uninitiated, Alaskan winters have over two months of darkness and no sunlight at all. I coincidentally learned more about this when I recently watched the latest season of the HBO show True Detective starring Jodie Foster. Totally unrelated, I know, but the Alaskan winter that is shown there played a very important role in the way I pictured and consumed the story bit by bit. There were constant references to the moonlit blue skies, and of kids playing in the 'morning' and 'sunny breakfasts' being had, all in what appears like the hush of midnight.
What I loved about the novel was Eila's connection with the Caribou. The very first scene, when the eyes of the caribou and its predator wolf meet, is a spectacular introduction to the story. I also liked the constant references to different birds, the huskies, and the tree houses in the story. Then I painted the picture in black, and suddenly it was a gloomy feeling throughout.
What they say about Alaskans is their firm fortitude in the place they call home. Despite its harsh winters, most Alaskans would still prefer to live there and do not want to move to a sunnier state like California. The comfort of calling a place 'home' is ever so aptly explained through this novel. Also, the nostalgia that ties all the lifelong experiences one has makes that compelling homeliness, despite the disagreeable living conditions. One example I can immediately think about is when an old illustrated folktale book called “The Antler Woman” brought back memories of when Eila was ten. Similarly, when her father takes her to the old pub where he played the guitar and a four-year-old Eila would play nearby, listening to her Dad's music. Nostalgia in the face of illness is a rare spark that can make you realize the importance of memories in our well-being.
Eila has never left Alaska as an adult. Despite being captivated by the idea of migration, she has remained here, gathering this landscape and everything that comes with it— all its bitter cold and endless darkness and incredible radiance— deep within her. Stefan has wondered if she is pulled by other places, as her beloved caribou are drawn to move, but regardless, she has stayed here, with him.
“You were made for this place,” he says, then reconsiders his words and says, “Made of this place.” He realizes this probably seems disconnected from the present moment. She probably thinks he’s lost his words again.
North of the Sunlit River will make you cry, it will make you hopeful, and, importantly, it will remind you to be grateful and thankful for the people in your life—good and bad, your parents—however good or bad they are to you today. Be grateful nonetheless because you might not remember their sacrifices and strife when they were raising you as a child.
I would like to thank Jessica Bryant Klagmann, NetGalley, and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC - a fresh, different, beautiful, and well-written story.
What I loved about the novel was Eila's connection with the Caribou. The very first scene, when the eyes of the caribou and its predator wolf meet, is a spectacular introduction to the story. I also liked the constant references to different birds, the huskies, and the tree houses in the story. Then I painted the picture in black, and suddenly it was a gloomy feeling throughout.
What they say about Alaskans is their firm fortitude in the place they call home. Despite its harsh winters, most Alaskans would still prefer to live there and do not want to move to a sunnier state like California. The comfort of calling a place 'home' is ever so aptly explained through this novel. Also, the nostalgia that ties all the lifelong experiences one has makes that compelling homeliness, despite the disagreeable living conditions. One example I can immediately think about is when an old illustrated folktale book called “The Antler Woman” brought back memories of when Eila was ten. Similarly, when her father takes her to the old pub where he played the guitar and a four-year-old Eila would play nearby, listening to her Dad's music. Nostalgia in the face of illness is a rare spark that can make you realize the importance of memories in our well-being.
Eila has never left Alaska as an adult. Despite being captivated by the idea of migration, she has remained here, gathering this landscape and everything that comes with it— all its bitter cold and endless darkness and incredible radiance— deep within her. Stefan has wondered if she is pulled by other places, as her beloved caribou are drawn to move, but regardless, she has stayed here, with him.
“You were made for this place,” he says, then reconsiders his words and says, “Made of this place.” He realizes this probably seems disconnected from the present moment. She probably thinks he’s lost his words again.
North of the Sunlit River will make you cry, it will make you hopeful, and, importantly, it will remind you to be grateful and thankful for the people in your life—good and bad, your parents—however good or bad they are to you today. Be grateful nonetheless because you might not remember their sacrifices and strife when they were raising you as a child.
I would like to thank Jessica Bryant Klagmann, NetGalley, and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC - a fresh, different, beautiful, and well-written story.
May 14, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC! North of the Sunlit River by Jessica Bryant Clagmann is an inspiring and beautifully crafted novel that takes readers on a journey through the rugged wilderness and the complexities of human relationships. With vivid descriptions and well-developed characters, this book earns its place as a memorable read. The story follows Emma, a talented wildlife photographer, who retreats to the remote northern wilderness to find solace after a personal loss. As she immerses herself in capturing the beauty of the untouched landscape, she unexpectedly encounters Liam, a local river guide with a mysterious past. Their paths intertwine amidst the breathtaking scenery of snow-capped mountains, rushing rivers, and dense forests, setting the stage for a story of healing and connection. One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is how Clagmann vividly portrays the natural environment. Her descriptions of the sunlit river carving through the landscape, the quiet serenity of the forest, and the vibrant wildlife create an almost cinematic experience. It’s easy to feel as though you’re right there alongside Emma and Liam, experiencing their adventures and challenges firsthand. Emma’s internal journey is just as captivating as her external one. Through her photography and interactions with Liam, she begins to confront her grief and open herself up to new possibilities. Liam, with his guarded demeanor and deep knowledge of the land, adds layers of complexity and warmth to the story. Their evolving relationship is tender and authentic, marked by moments of vulnerability and mutual understanding. The plot takes some interesting twists as secrets about Liam’s past come to light—particularly regarding his connection to a nearby indigenous community and the impact of environmental threats to their way of life. These elements add depth and relevance to the narrative, emphasizing themes of respect for nature and cultural heritage. While the story is rich and emotionally engaging, a few subplots—such as Emma’s internal struggles—felt slightly rushed in comparison to the detailed outdoor descriptions. However, this doesn’t detract significantly from the overall experience, which remains heartfelt and inspiring. In summary, North of the Sunlit River is a powerful story about resilience, love, and the healing power of nature. Jessica Bryant Clagmann’s lyrical writing captures the spirit of the wilderness and the resilience of the human heart. I give it four stars and recommend it to anyone who appreciates heartfelt stories set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the great outdoors.
May 18, 2025
Review: North of the Sunlit River by Jessica Bryant Klagmann
🌄 Overview
Jessica Bryant Klagmann’s North of the Sunlit River (releasing September 9, 2025) is a luminous exploration of grief, resilience, and the untamed beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. Following Eila Jacobsen—a woman shattered by the loss of her father and best friend—the novel traces her journey northward, where the harsh landscape becomes both a refuge and a crucible for healing. Klagmann’s prose shimmers with poetic precision, weaving themes of ecological wonder and human fragility into a narrative as expansive as the tundra.
✨ Key Strengths
🌿 Nature as Character – Alaska’s wilderness is rendered with visceral detail, echoing the emotional rawness of Eila’s journey.
💔 Grief with Nuance – Avoids clichés, portraying sorrow as a slow unraveling and reknitting of self.
🖋️ Lyrical Craftsmanship – Klagmann’s background in atmospheric storytelling (This Impossible Brightness) shines in her vivid, sensory prose.
🔍 Mystery Threads – Subtle unanswered questions about Eila’s past add tension without overshadowing the introspective core.
⚠️ Considerations
⏳ Pacing – Deliberately slow; readers seeking brisk plot turns may crave more momentum.
🌌 Niche Appeal – Best suited for lovers of literary fiction and nature-infused narratives.
⭐ Score Breakdown (0–5 Stars)
✍️ Prose & Voice → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) (Language that breathes like frost on glass.)
🗻 Setting & Atmosphere → ★★★★★ (5/5)
🧠 Character Depth → ★★★★ (4/5)
🔄 Originality → ★★★★ (4/5)
Overall: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
An aurora of a novel—achingly beautiful, impossible to look away from.
🎯 Perfect For Fans Of
📚 The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah or Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
🌲 Stories where place and psyche intertwine
🖋️ Klagmann’s signature blend of ecological reverence and human tenderness
🙏 Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Jessica Bryant Klagmann for the advance copy. North of the Sunlit River is a testament to the transformative power of wild spaces—and the stories we carry into them.
(Note: Review based on an uncorrected proof; subject to change before publication.)
🌄 Overview
Jessica Bryant Klagmann’s North of the Sunlit River (releasing September 9, 2025) is a luminous exploration of grief, resilience, and the untamed beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. Following Eila Jacobsen—a woman shattered by the loss of her father and best friend—the novel traces her journey northward, where the harsh landscape becomes both a refuge and a crucible for healing. Klagmann’s prose shimmers with poetic precision, weaving themes of ecological wonder and human fragility into a narrative as expansive as the tundra.
✨ Key Strengths
🌿 Nature as Character – Alaska’s wilderness is rendered with visceral detail, echoing the emotional rawness of Eila’s journey.
💔 Grief with Nuance – Avoids clichés, portraying sorrow as a slow unraveling and reknitting of self.
🖋️ Lyrical Craftsmanship – Klagmann’s background in atmospheric storytelling (This Impossible Brightness) shines in her vivid, sensory prose.
🔍 Mystery Threads – Subtle unanswered questions about Eila’s past add tension without overshadowing the introspective core.
⚠️ Considerations
⏳ Pacing – Deliberately slow; readers seeking brisk plot turns may crave more momentum.
🌌 Niche Appeal – Best suited for lovers of literary fiction and nature-infused narratives.
⭐ Score Breakdown (0–5 Stars)
✍️ Prose & Voice → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) (Language that breathes like frost on glass.)
🗻 Setting & Atmosphere → ★★★★★ (5/5)
🧠 Character Depth → ★★★★ (4/5)
🔄 Originality → ★★★★ (4/5)
Overall: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
An aurora of a novel—achingly beautiful, impossible to look away from.
🎯 Perfect For Fans Of
📚 The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah or Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
🌲 Stories where place and psyche intertwine
🖋️ Klagmann’s signature blend of ecological reverence and human tenderness
🙏 Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Jessica Bryant Klagmann for the advance copy. North of the Sunlit River is a testament to the transformative power of wild spaces—and the stories we carry into them.
(Note: Review based on an uncorrected proof; subject to change before publication.)
August 27, 2025
There's something that brings pure calmness while pondering the randomness of Nature as well as its specificity. The seasons come and go and change happens quickly as well as within centuries in the making. Breathless awe follows.
North of the Sunlit River brings us to the achingly beautiful frontier of Alaska. I've been there myself and have panoramic views still lodged in my mind. The air is sharp and clean. The mountain ranges stand majestically. And yet, we humans sprout up in sheer wonderment.
Eila Jacobsen is a biologist researcher who finds that awe in the rushing movement of the caribou. But Eila notices that their numbers are dwindling. Her scientific background alerts her, but her heart speaks quite a different language. She presses her way into a particular research team in the hopes that she'll be able to find the causal factors. And then Eila goes rogue.....
Jessica Bryant Klagmann opens the scope wide in this one. We'll come to see just how Eila was raised by her father, Stefan, after her mother abandons her. Eila is like a barefoot wood nymph fluttering between rock and tree. Stefan becomes a handyman who has a remarkable talent. And together, they form such a stellar bond of father and daughter.
But Klagmann injects the weight of grief within this one with its many shades and textures. Eila meets this grief head on with immersion into her research. But it follows her with every breath that she takes. It wraps itself around the heart like a cocoon. And still it pressures her to follow the rhythmic movement of those caribou.
North of the Sunlit River is beautiful in its telling, but its pacing had some concerns. At times, there was a deep lull while situations happened. Reflection was definitely there, but it lingered with a slower movement. Regardless, this is a wonderfully written novel. I can't wait for more from this talented writer.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and to the talented Jessica Bryant Klagmann for the opportunity.
North of the Sunlit River brings us to the achingly beautiful frontier of Alaska. I've been there myself and have panoramic views still lodged in my mind. The air is sharp and clean. The mountain ranges stand majestically. And yet, we humans sprout up in sheer wonderment.
Eila Jacobsen is a biologist researcher who finds that awe in the rushing movement of the caribou. But Eila notices that their numbers are dwindling. Her scientific background alerts her, but her heart speaks quite a different language. She presses her way into a particular research team in the hopes that she'll be able to find the causal factors. And then Eila goes rogue.....
Jessica Bryant Klagmann opens the scope wide in this one. We'll come to see just how Eila was raised by her father, Stefan, after her mother abandons her. Eila is like a barefoot wood nymph fluttering between rock and tree. Stefan becomes a handyman who has a remarkable talent. And together, they form such a stellar bond of father and daughter.
But Klagmann injects the weight of grief within this one with its many shades and textures. Eila meets this grief head on with immersion into her research. But it follows her with every breath that she takes. It wraps itself around the heart like a cocoon. And still it pressures her to follow the rhythmic movement of those caribou.
North of the Sunlit River is beautiful in its telling, but its pacing had some concerns. At times, there was a deep lull while situations happened. Reflection was definitely there, but it lingered with a slower movement. Regardless, this is a wonderfully written novel. I can't wait for more from this talented writer.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and to the talented Jessica Bryant Klagmann for the opportunity.
September 30, 2025
Eila is reeling from the recent death of her father and has never finished grieving the past death of her best friend. As a biologist, she has been studying why the caribou population in Alaska is dwindling and is eager to join a research trip to the remote area. When reading her father's journal, she begins to believe there may be life-changing information hidden in the wilderness that her father knew of. Eila's pursuit of answers leads her unearthing secrets of those around her and she soon questions why a possibly major discovery would have remained a secret all these years.
This work is told using multiple POVs, and with how the author writes characters, this was a bonus. I liked the characterization in this one a lot. For example, I loved that Eila is a biologist and deep into science but still had a romantic/philosophical side. This made her feel realistic, easy to relate to, and avoided depicting her like a caricature. Flashbacks and journal entries were also incorporated throughout the plot. The journal entries were spaced out throughout the plot, but the author provided a valid reason for the character reading the journal so slowly (always a bonus). There were only a few places near the end of the work where we got a bit of repetition: a scene or two was repeated from a different POV with minimal changes.
Another strong aspect of this work is the setting. The author did an excellent job writing a descriptive setting and finding ways to incorporate it throughout the plot and exposition in an immersive way. The author's writing overall was strong and compelling, including introspection and powerful moments but never feeling overwritten to me. Also, was there the tiniest bit of magical realism incorporated?
Overall, I highly enjoyed this quiet but strong work of contemporary fiction that examined themes of grief, hope, belief, and yearning. Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This work is told using multiple POVs, and with how the author writes characters, this was a bonus. I liked the characterization in this one a lot. For example, I loved that Eila is a biologist and deep into science but still had a romantic/philosophical side. This made her feel realistic, easy to relate to, and avoided depicting her like a caricature. Flashbacks and journal entries were also incorporated throughout the plot. The journal entries were spaced out throughout the plot, but the author provided a valid reason for the character reading the journal so slowly (always a bonus). There were only a few places near the end of the work where we got a bit of repetition: a scene or two was repeated from a different POV with minimal changes.
Another strong aspect of this work is the setting. The author did an excellent job writing a descriptive setting and finding ways to incorporate it throughout the plot and exposition in an immersive way. The author's writing overall was strong and compelling, including introspection and powerful moments but never feeling overwritten to me. Also, was there the tiniest bit of magical realism incorporated?
Overall, I highly enjoyed this quiet but strong work of contemporary fiction that examined themes of grief, hope, belief, and yearning. Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
September 25, 2025
So much heart. Beautiful flawed characters, running to or running from; some strong, some less so; some demonstrating kindnesses that left me stunned. And grief—so much grief, and bereavement (they’re different), and grit. Klagmann has a gift for depicting loss. Gently, calmly, corner-of-the-eye. The grief we live with every day; that forms us.
Not everything worked for me. Klagmann’s form of magical realism is a challenge: at each introduction of a magical element my first reaction is “no, no, it doesn’t work that way” before I remember to engage my Suspension of Disbelief Engine. (This Impossible Brightness had much the same effect on me. I find my response curious and wonder if others feel similarly.) And halfway through, the parts with the journal, felt a little clunky. Beautiful language, but clearly an exposition tool.
No matter. I am overwhelmingly glad to have kept going, just like with Impossible Brightness. These are characters I wanted to talk to. To listen to. Near the end, thirty pages left to go, I felt myself tensing up: in part wondering how she was going to wind everything up, but then realizing that I was dreading that possibility. I didn’t want the book wrapped up; wanted to live in it a while longer. Still do.
[ Tangent: At the book launch two weeks ago Klagmann remarked on how surprised she felt about the novel's progression, how it went in directions she never imagined when she started writing. After hearing that, it was impossible for me not to read the novel with that in mind: every development had me wondering about paths not taken. It added a thoughtful, but not overly distracting, dimension to my reading. I recommend it. ]
Not everything worked for me. Klagmann’s form of magical realism is a challenge: at each introduction of a magical element my first reaction is “no, no, it doesn’t work that way” before I remember to engage my Suspension of Disbelief Engine. (This Impossible Brightness had much the same effect on me. I find my response curious and wonder if others feel similarly.) And halfway through, the parts with the journal, felt a little clunky. Beautiful language, but clearly an exposition tool.
No matter. I am overwhelmingly glad to have kept going, just like with Impossible Brightness. These are characters I wanted to talk to. To listen to. Near the end, thirty pages left to go, I felt myself tensing up: in part wondering how she was going to wind everything up, but then realizing that I was dreading that possibility. I didn’t want the book wrapped up; wanted to live in it a while longer. Still do.
[ Tangent: At the book launch two weeks ago Klagmann remarked on how surprised she felt about the novel's progression, how it went in directions she never imagined when she started writing. After hearing that, it was impossible for me not to read the novel with that in mind: every development had me wondering about paths not taken. It added a thoughtful, but not overly distracting, dimension to my reading. I recommend it. ]
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