Alaskans: Stories

Tanyo Ravicz
iUniverse, Inc. (2008)
ISBN 9780595447893
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (12/07)


Tanyo Ravicz is not just a rough outdoorsman; he is an award-winning author of two other novels (“A Man of His Village” and “Ring of Fire”). After graduating from Harvard University, he moved to Alaska. Living there for many years, he eventually moved to California where he lives with his family. Tanyo retains a residence in Alaska and goes up there often.

“Alaskans” is raw, violent, sad and sometimes funny. The antics of the characters in the book are something to be remembered. Adventures abound in such stories as, “A Fox in May,” “One Less Black Bear” and “Caribou Paxson Lake.” Tanyo Ravicz does a fine job of presenting the human side of living in the wilderness when he tells the tale of “Robbie Fox,” a half-White, half-Indian young man. Robbie’s story is a startling, complex and compelling account of his youth and the hardships he suffered as a half-breed teen. The hardships he overcame and his growth to manhood are very well portrayed.

Tanyo Ravicz excels in telling the stories of the north, stories that will touch the heart of anyone who can appreciate the beauty and serenity of the North Country. The sights and sounds, of the wilderness are all brought together in an exciting volume of colorful adventure. Tanyo Ravicz shows you the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness as only a writer can portray. This book will beg you to finish it in one sitting.

“Alaskans” has shown me that a good writer can take the reader to far away places and allow him to experience the thrill of those places, without even leaving his chair. With stories that are entertaining, humorous and exciting; this book is well worth taking the time to stop and peruse its pages. I enjoyed “Alaskan”s and thought it well worth the read. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who appreciates good outdoor stories and exciting adventure. I gave “Alaskans” an A; it was well written and a fine tribute to the expertise of Tanyo Ravicz.

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