| "Ice to Fire" examines the dichotomy between accepting other cultures and maintaining a sense of self within a native culture.
New Historical Novel Based on Interviews with Southeast Alaskan Elders
Ice to Fire, a new historical novel by Marty Strauss, tells a story that is both familiar and new: that of Native Alaskans struggling to maintain cultural identity in the face of globalization. A refreshing account of a unique culture, Strauss' story uses historical themes that affect societies across the world. Showing himself to be both a master of description and action, Strauss captures the often harsh realities of Native Alaskan life spanning 200 years and leading up to the mid-20th century. He draws a parallel between physically harsh climates in which only the strong survive and the emotional strength and turmoil that distinguishes his characters as forward thinkers and instruments of cultural change. Basing events loosely on the oral history of Native Alaska, the author weaves romance, rebellion and grief into the values of an isolated society struggling to survive its growing awareness of the outside world.
A novel for history-lovers looking for something new, Ice to Fire is written with passion, authenticity, and depth. Strauss has written a book that promises to enrich the historical fiction genre with a story that will challenge, satisfy, and impart valuable knowledge.
A freelance writer for over 20 years, Marty Strauss hosted a weekly radio program on Native Alaskans and won honorable mention on National Radio with his play Fire, which resulted in Ice to Fire, his first novel. Strauss currently divides his time between a full time job and working on two upcoming historical novels and a children's book.
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