Ice Palace

Edna Ferber's book, Ice Palace, is a well told story of Alaska and its long journey to statehood. This book written in 1958, was just one year before Alaska did become a state. Christine, is the granddaughter of two men who are very influential in Alaska; both who represent totally divergent points of view. One loves Alaska for its beauty, its native people, its wildlife and all it represents as America's last frontier. The other is interested only in making a profit from it, and retaining political power. Through these fictional characters, Mrs. Ferber, reveals much history of Alaska and the people who inhabit it. Though dated, it still provides the reader with an appreciation of Alaska. I understand that the book was influential in the vote outcome which allowed Alaska to become a state at long last.