The Long Dark: An Alaska Winter's Tale

by Slim Randles

Imagine a place where people know each other by the color of their parkas, where dogs are citizens, and where a handshake is as good as currency. Imagine a time when the wild went on forever, and the only link to the outside was a brave pilot with a shy smile. Imagine a world blanketed in snow and warmed by people… In the season of the long dark, fending off the isolation and cold of winter near the top of the world, it is the small town that can save Alaskans from themselves. The romantic image of the hardy loner braving the wilderness dominates popular thinking about life in the north, but the little towns of Alaska ar the last great secret of the Last Frontier. True Alaska living is found in small villages of scruffy cabins and odd characters, presented here as the ficitional town of Kahiltna. In this classic of Alaska fiction, the array of mushers and pilots, cheechakos and sourdougs who call Kahiltna home are exuberantly true to life, from the hilarious to the horrible.

152 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Kristin McClendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite read of the year! I wish I remembered how this obscure little book landed on my "want to read" list, but it has been there for 4 years and I finally procured a copy from the University of Alaska and boy was it worth it. I loved these characters and this place. I will admit it feels very close to home now, so that surely adds an element of attachment, but I desperately wished this story could go on once it was finished and I think this would make a great tv show. The dialogue was fantastic. Reiley and I read it together and both laughed out loud on multiple occasions. If you have ever lived the small town life you will love it and if you have ever wanted to know what it would be like, find a copy. I will definitely revisit!

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Alaska read. A couple corny sweet spots, otherwise spiced with good humor!

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vivid, entertaining funny and sad storytelling, sometimes a bit too fanciful for me.

[Marley Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple and entertaining read.

[Hez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really sweet, well-written book about the relationships, adventures, and challenges of the inhabitants of a remote, Alaskan village and Alaskan bush. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and will recommend it to others.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. Having lived in Alaska so much of it was true to life. Reminds me a lot of the old "Northern Exposure" TV series, which I love.