Customer Reviews

Shadows on the Koyukuk: An Alaskan Native's Life Along the River

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was given this book by my father, who met Sidney and said he was a heck of a guy. That alone is a glowing review. I have been born and raised in Alaska and even though I lead a more urban life, I could relate to and picture most of the accounts in this book. I think the more time you spend in the wilderness, the more you would appreciate this book. Hopefully, those of you who have not been in the wilds of Alaska will still get a lot out of this book. This book is without question one of the best books I have ever read (And I'm comparing it to classic literary works as well). I am not an emotional reader, but I had tears in my eyes more than once while reading it. One should pay special attention to the section on wolves - it is the real story - the one the animal rights activists don't want you to know. Sidney bridges the native and white cultures so well - I think both cultures would be better off if we lived to his ideals.

It's my understanding that as of this review, our main character Mr Sidney Huntington is still with us and soon to be honored, along with the co author, at a University of Alaska graduation ceremony. He's 90 years old God bless him. I'd be proud to shake his hand after reading this wonderful book.

The author wrote this book I think for many reasons. One big one is that he had a little Brother named James (Jimmy) who wrote a very good book many years before this one called "On the Edge of Nowhere". If you are going to read them both (which you should) start with Jimmy's book. This book is a little better in my opinion. But they are both terriffic!

Jimmy's book had a few inaccuracies that Sidney cleared up as they shared most of their youth. They were half Indian half white kids who both grew up to be quite accomplished. In Sidney's case he seems to have met with some financial success through his hard work and entreprenuerial spirit as well. Jimmy won some big sled dog races and was successful in many ways too. They both served in elected or appointed positions and helped to make Alaska a better state.

There were just so many great stories.

My favorite story was about his Uncle and Aunt who brought Sidney Beaver hunting in Winter the Indian way. They blocked up escape routes and chopped through the top of the Den. Then his Aunt went into the Den and passed the live Beavers out to her Husband who dispatched them with a club. There is more to it than that of course. You must hand out the Beavers in a certain order and must talk to them a certain way. You'll have to read this to get the details. I hope this intrigues you because I thought it was pretty cool.

How about the old Indian way of Hunting Grizz? First of all you go secretly. No one must know. And you can't call the animal a bear because that is disrespectful. If anyone, especially a wife finds out your plans, you must cancel. When you do finally sneak away with your few companions you might be gone for a few months and frankly you may never come back. You have to stand near a den entrance with the butt end of your spear planted in the ground, showing no fear while a huge Grizzley comes rushing at you cause you disturbed his slumber. You hope he comes the right way and must be pure of soul so God will grant you this prize. If he does, you may never talk about the hunt because that is disrespectful. Amazing!

Really interesting history, rituals and sociology are included in these tales that are related in a very relaxed and readable way. If you ever wondered how those Trappers survived living in the middle of nowhere, or you ever wanted to do it yourself, you'll probably like this book.

I wish there was a sequel. It was just a great story.

Sidney Huntington grew up along the Koyukuk River in Alaska's harsh interior over 80 years ago. After his legendary mother suddenly dies, 3 year old Huntington protects & cares for his younger siblings during two weeks of isolation before rescue comes. As a teenager he plies wilderness traplines with his father, nearly freezing to death several times.

Shadows on the Koyukuk is a plain & simple memoir with unpretentious recounting of arduous survival interwoven with memories of cheerful, wholehearted contentment of where Sidney found himself in a fabled & beautiful land.

With names like Weaselheart & Schilikum, Monkey John & Cosmos Mountain, Sidney tells of his life on the edge & what happened when civilization arrived & bureaucracy took over. These are the memories of when Anchorage was a city of about 2,000 souls, after the great the Alaska Railroad system was built & the railroad crews had left. You will also find out what "tundra daisies" are. A pleasing memoir of a full life!

I arrived to work in the Bush for my first summer of '99. Immediately, this book was recommended. Simultaneously, I ended up visiting most of the villages mentioned in the book; very accurate, informative and fun! Sydney is still alive, fishing and living the Yukon River...

This is one of the best books I have ever read. I was fascinated the entire time I was reading this book, and I didn't want to put it down. I have decided to read this story to my children. I hope to find the story of James Huntington called "On the Edge of Nowhere". A compelling story and I would recommend this story to anyone.

This story takes you along the journey of a man and his great and courageous people, in a land that was beautiful, bountiful, but harsh. To our modern day standards, we wonder how they ever survived. To survive they had to be smart, inovative, ingenious, careful, and plain tough. If you want to know how honorable people lived life in the real frontier, read this book.
Tom, Belgrade, Montana

The experiance this man has growing up in the Koyyakuk is almost to unbelievable, but true. From losing your mom at age 7 and taking care of 2 younger siblings for days until they were discosvered, to killing a Grizzly bear by hand, this was the norm before civilization hit the region. A truly remarkable book. YOu will want to re-read again and again.

I've been reading a lot of Alaskan frontier non-fiction and this book is near the top of the list. I learned so much more about the interior cultures. Truly a must read for anyone interested in this topic.

I am an Alaskan. I've read most things "Alaskan". This is the best!

Sidney Huntington was the opening speaker at a teacher job fair I attended in Anchorage this spring. I was immediately impressed by his humor, his wisdom, and the experience which so obviously underlies both. The book reads like a well worn pair of boots, carrying you comfortably through the colorful life of one Alaskan native. I highly recommend this book to any and all who admire people of adventurous and unconquerable spirit!