Frozen Tears is the story of a woman as she struggles to survive in Alaska as well as honor the herotage of her husband. It is about the bond that exists between mother and son and family. It is about the relationship between man and nature. It is well written. Good character development. ( )

Frozen Tears is set in a small, remote town in the interior of Alaska. The protagonist Kale Weaver is a young woman who's life takes shape in some unexpected ways. Her work protecting water quality predisposes her to a close connection to nature and this connection strengthens through the years as she learns about Ennuit beliefs and rituals. She falls in love with Elliot, an Alaskan native who is a pilot. As the story progresses Kale has to face some very difficult and tragic events that test her to her limits physically and emotionally. She is able to get through these things by searching for meaning in the natural environment and by finding purpose in caring for mistreated wolves. Wolves become a personal symbol in Kale's life journey. The lessons she learns about Ennuit culture from her father-in-law provide her with the wisdom she needs to make some very hard choices.

In Frozen Tears Mary Ann MacAfee transports the reader to such a beautiful and harsh setting in which the tragedies that occur in the narrative are quite likely to occur in reality. When I began the book I was concerned that the theme of protecting the Alaskan environment may overwhelm the story and be the sole focus of the novel. I was pleasantly surprised that it was not this simplistic at all. The theme was present as part of a more complex story that engaged with many different moral dilemmas and life challenges. Kale is a strong and intelligent character who has to deal with both the best and worst of another culture. I enjoyed immersing myself in the Alaskan wilderness and learning about the type of courage and stamina required to live in such an isolated and harsh place. ( )