Huskies, History and Hope

In Madison College professor Andrea Thalasinos‘ debut novel, An Echo Through the Snow (Forge Books), the tale of troubled teen Rosalie from Red Cliff, Wisconsin, in 1992 is entwined with the story of Jeaantaa of the persecuted Chukchi people in the Soviet Union in 1929. Through skillful storytelling, a rescued dog named Smokey and a chance entry into the world of sled-dog racing, it becomes clear that Rosalie and Jeaantaa are linked by much more than their love of dogs.

The novel has as many unexpected turns as an untraveled sled path, as much anguish as a lost race and as much anticipation as the moment before the starting gun sounds. But it also delivers the emotional appeal of rooting for the underdog to readers who may not have an interest in the Iditarod race. The story is filled with the familiar imagery of northern Wisconsin, as well as hope and determination.

Allegra Dimperio is a former editorial intern for Madison Magazine. 

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