Flight of the Goose: A Story of the Far North ISBN 0967884217, Far Eastern Press Paperback, 432 pp. Distributors: Partners/West; Todd Communications FIRST PLACE WINNER of the 2006 National Federation of Press Women Communications Award FIRST PLACE WINNER of the Washington Press Association Communicator of Excellence in Fiction Award FIRST PLACE WINNER of Alaska Press Women Communications Award Nominated for the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award 2005 Ten 5-star rave reviews by top Amazon Reviewers! I was faculty at Kachemak Bay Writers Conference 2007 Flight of the Goose is recommended by John Marshall, book critic for The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Endicott Studio of Mythic Arts, Sacred Hoop Magazine,and Bookslut Recommended by North Slope Borough School District for Inupiaq Values curriculum Listed as a source or publication of note in Cultural Survival Quarterly and Shaman's Drum Journal Studied for graduate class in theology at Boston University in 2008 Go to raves from top Amazon reviewers See the story Alaska Writer Laureate Anne Hanley wrote about me in the Anchorage Daily News a review in Sacred Hoop Magazine an interview in Homer News an interview at University of Washington an interview in Homer News an article in Alaska Press Women newsletter an article in First Alaskans magazine a review by Alaska Native storyteller Jack Dalton in Insurgent49 a recommendation by Terri Windling at The Endicott Studio of Mythic Arts a review in ornithologist blog a review by Shana Loshbaugh in the Kenai Peninsula Clarion the mention in Washington State Congressman Jim McDermott's newsletter on climate change Alaska Public Radio interview a review in Curled Up With A Good Book a review in Bookslut a review in New Connexions: A Journal of Conscious Living a review in In the Library Reviews a review in Front Street Reviews a review in Compulsive Reader a review in BookLoons a review in Armchair Interviews a review in Mythology Blog a review in Pele Publications AuthorTrek interview a review in BookBuffet My review for Dr Barbara Tedlock's "The Woman in the Shaman's Body" My review for Kevin Patterson's contemporary Arctic epic novel "Consumption" An article about far northern spirituality and climate change I wrote for "Sacred Hoop Magazine" Look for upcoming review of "Flight of the Goose" in Baiki, The International Sami Journal Calendar of author events below

Flight of the Goose: A Story of the Far North
February, 2005

Flight of the Goose is award-winning literary fiction studied in a Boston University's theology seminar, chosen for North Slope School District's Inupiaq values curriculum, and described by anthropologist Dorothy Jean Ray as "one of the best novels of Alaska that I have read".

1971, the Alaskan Arctic. Kayuqtuq, "the red fox", an orphan traumatized by her past, seeks respect in her traditional Inupiat village through the outlawed path of shamanism. Things get complicated when she interferes with scientist Leif Trygvesen, who has come to research the effects of oil spills on salt marshes - and evade the draft. Told from Kayuqtuq's and Leif's perspectives, Flight of the Goose is a tale of cultural conflict, spiritual awakening, redemption and love in a time when things were, to use the phrase of an old arctic shaman, "no longer familiar".

"This is an absolutely gripping tale – actually a skillful braiding of tales. I was moved by the characters and their fates as I have not been by a novel in a long time. The telling is masterful, the authenticity palpable, and the writing – its pace, color, tone - is exquisite. A remarkable work…a joy, a big broad deep river of a book, a work of substance and great beauty of both vision and style." ~Alaska Press Women Contest judge Richard Hoffman, award-winning author of memoir Half the House

"Lucid and complex...enormously compelling (and) offers numerous avenues for theological reflections. I came across Flight of the Goose while looking for stories that conveyed a deep take on the natural world, without idealism or abstraction. But this book was so much more than that. It had a big effect on our class. They strongly identified with many characters. I am grateful that Thomas wrote such a graceful and difficult novel, and particularly want to compliment her on the skill with which she presented the two perspectives, weaving them together." ~ Wesley Wildman, professor of theology at Boston University

"Lesley Thomas has done what would seem to be the impossible -- taken us deep inside the Inupiat world, in the voice and mind of an extraordinary young woman with still more extraordinary powers. I know of no book like this. Smilla's Sense of Snow is a distant second. But two movies come to mind: Fast Runner, and Dersu Uzala. If you love either of these movies, you'll be stunned by the depth and scope of this novel and the unique and unmistakably true voice of its heroine. And if you've never seen them, read Flight of the Goose first!" ~ Lesley Hazleton, award-winning journalist and author of Jezebel: The Untold Story of the Bible's Harlot Queen

"What an extraordinary novel...written with poignant and often amazing insight into the Inuit culture. Lesley deals with the shamanism and sorcery in a very realistic way so that not once did I feel I had wandered into a fantasy novel where the author was trying to portray 'ancient magic' without any real idea what it actually was...In fact the whole book is congruent, the storytelling is compelling, and quite frankly I couldn't put it down - and I bet you won't be able to either." ~ Sacred Hoop Magazine

"Mesmerizing and timely...An immensely interesting and important story...A blindingly realistic love story...Flight of the Goose is a novel so rich that it deserves to be in the library of everyone who values fine storytelling while simultaneously respecting the threats and conditions of change that are only now being brought to our attention by the environmentalists. To manage to accomplish this service to mankind in as fine a book as this establishes Lesley Thomas as an important author. Highly recommended." ~ Grady Harp, top ten Amazon reviewer

"Thomas applies her extensive knowledge of the culture, use of language, shamanism and way of life of the Inupiat people. The ecological destruction wrought by hunting and mining in the Alaskan system is a focal point. The spiritual enlightenment and how two people from different cultures find love brings balance to the story. Enriched with quotes from shamans and poets,Flight of the Goose is a story that will enlighten you to way-up North Country." ~BookBuffet

"What a powerful story!...I tore through it. I was so moved...so many amazing images and descriptions. This book deserves the marketing and promotion that are too often wasted on inferior titles." ~ National Federation of Press Women Communications Contest judge

"Unique and beautiful...an absolutely splendid book. It is a great pleasure for me to "go" to places such as Flight of the Goose describes, and to "live" for a time in those environments. Thomas knows her subject very well, and describes it very well, and writes very well, and when this is all put together the results are superb." ~Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, The Old Way: A Story of the First People

"Provocative...reminds me of growing up in the 1950s and '60s in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Deltas..." ~John Active, Yup'ik, Tundra Drums

"A remarkable achievement...Flight of the Goose is a novel about loss and loneliness, alienation and fear, acceptance and forgiveness, the natural and supernatural. Its memorable characters, believable setting, and complex treatment of problems that face us all in a world of unavoidable change and contact...will haunt the reader long after the covers have been closed." ~Fred Bigjim, Inupiaq author of Plants: A Novel, and Echoes from the Tundra

"A wonderful tale." ~Randall Howell, editor of Arctic Sounder

Flight of the Goose, as listed with The Kids from Nowhere by George Guthridge:

"Two (books)stand out this year as exquisite examples of storytelling. Both focus on rural Alaska. Both focus share deeply some critical aspects of Alaska Native life…Both are authored by gifted writers who have a sense of Alaska Native culture and tradition…Both are well-written page-turners that will warm your heart and the hearts of those with whom you share the stories this winter." ~ First Alaskans: a statewide magazine of Native business and culture

"Complex, thought provoking and moving...Flight of the Goose puts a human face on the much debated issue of oil drilling in the Alaskan wilderness...A must read for anyone that wants to learn more about Alaska than is in the headlines...It should be required reading by Congress." ~Heather Lende, If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name

"Stunning..." ~Seattle Metaphysical Library

"Haunting...rich with nuance and ambiguity...The theme of star-crossed lovers is as old as any in the world's storytelling traditions.(Thomas)conjures up a startling new variation in her impressive debut.(She)weaves a strong and complex story (and) conveys authenticity and sympathy. Through it runs an electric current of eroticism. Flight of the Goose challenges our worldview and touches the heart." ~ Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

"A deep rich novel that will leave readers eager for more of the truth about the 49th state. Thomas knows Alaska and... illuminates all of (its) complications in a breathtakingly sweet and sad manner. Flight of the Goose is a heartbreaker, but only in that special sort of way that makes you grateful for the hurt." ~Bookslut

"A beautiful and compelling story of Arctic Alaska on the edge of cultural and environmental upheaval...cuts through sentimental notions of Native culture and arctic wilderness with a clear and powerful honesty. An extraordinary weave of the complexities of culture, environment, family, and - finally - love." ~Marybeth Holleman, The Heart of the Sound

"A dreamlike flow of images and language, impeccably crafted and deeply rooted in an authentic sense of place...Thomas' first novel brims with promise." ~Nick Jans, The Grizzly Maze and The Last Light Breaking

"Memorable...One of the best novels I have read of Alaska...primarily a love story of a man and a woman from very different cultures but also a love story of the Earth and a village...With the author's unerring knowledge of anthropology and environmental and social issues, it could fit any rural Alaskan village." ~Dorothy Jean Ray, A Legacy of Arctic Art

"A truly glorious manifesto...an amazing understanding...When the stories of the ancestors begin, we sit quiet, forego comfort for as long as we must to learn something powerful, and yet, love every moment of it. This is one of those stories. It is difficult to be an ambassador, especially between two unbelievably different worlds. However, Thomas seems to be the perfect ambassador." ~Jack Dalton, Alaska Native storyteller, Yup'ik

"The story took my breath away...I wept my way through it, identifying profoundly with both protagonists...All of the characters are thoroughly believable. The author has a fine grasp of the complexity of human relations and culture in such a village...She also writes beautifully. I was caught up from the first page." ~Jean L. Briggs, Never In Anger and Inuit Morality Play


"Moving and revelatory...at once elegiac and adventurous...Flight of the Goose immerses us in the magical, but fragile world of the Alaskan Arctic to tell a powerful love story between two people of very different cultures. Thomas portrays the Inupiaq people in their struggle to survive, as well as the beauty of their spiritual kinship with their ancient homeland. This is a story we must all know before we make any decisions about the Arctic that will forever haunt future generations." ~Brenda Peterson, Build Me an Ark and Living By Water

"For mythic fiction about the Far North, I recommend Lesley Thomas’ Flight of the Goose. I was completely enchanted by this atmospheric novel about life in the Far North…Thomas explores themes of myth, cultural conflict, environmentalism, and spirituality against the spectacular backdrop of the Arctic tundra." ~Terri Windling, The Endicott Studio for Mythic Arts, award-winning author of The Wood Wife and editor of the Snow White, Blood Red series

"Remarkable...Beautifully written, original and fascinating...I pray there will be other novels bearing Thomas' byline." ~John deYonge, former editor of The Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"Fascinating...Rich in content and emotional satisfaction..." ~Kantha Wijeratne, Curled Up with A Good Book

"Stunning...so powerful it pulls you in and won't let you go." ~BookLoons.com

"…A wonderfully written, engaging story…the author brought real world issues into a novel, which really brought the characters to life." ~ Front Street Reviews

"Memorable and highly recommended (5 stars). A sophisticated story enriched by an impressive personal background...infuses realism and accurate detail into this work." ~Midwest Book Review

"Flight of the Goose soars beyond the physical realm to touch the spiritual with an aching caress…(and) captures the reader with the confidence of a hunter and the pathos of the prey. As a novel, the characters and the plot are genuine; as a story, these words open up the mind to a limitless horizon. Eloquent writing, vivid descriptions and a plot pulsing with passion…" ~ In the Library Reviews

"Unforgettable...rings as true as bell metal. Gretchen is one of the strongest, most authentic characters I have had the pleasure of encountering in a long time. Thomas tackles some very big stuff—anthropology, myth, gender, science, institutionalized religion, the spirit world, ecology, colonialism, and more—and not only never falsifies but manages to bring them all into a fruitful relationship with each other. Thomas has my admiration." ~Eugene Garber, award-winning author of The Historian and Beasts in Their Wisdom

"Thomas creates a vivid arctic landscape, and explores the equally real psychic terrain that is connected to it. This powerfully written love story draws forth the spirit of the north like the sun pulls vapor from the ice, arousing a new understanding of what it means to be human." ~Kelpie Wilson, environmental editor of Truthout and author of Primal Tears

"Intimate knowledge...a compelling portrait..." ~Bellingham Weekly

"An amazing story! Thomas is a brilliant writer. She weaves together a love story, a story about life in an Alaskan village, shamanism, spiritual awakening and deep ecology. I am recommending this book to everyone I know." ~Sandra Ingerman, Soul Retrieval and Medicine For the Earth

>"A haunting atmospheric tale...this truly amazing first novel has won well deserved praise and three literary awards. It’s a story of a young woman's coming of age and awakening to shaman powers. You could easily believe it was an autobiography told in the first person by two outsiders accepted into an ancient culture. The author's own multi-ethnic heritage and youth spent in an Alaskan village with native people gives the rich details depth and believability. This profoundly moving story will stay with you long after the last page is read. It is a unique and loving look at individuals and a culture about to be overtaken by the intrusion of the modern world." ~ Angelica Williams, New Connexion, a Journal of Conscious Living

"An amazing talent! One of the best books I've read - in a league with Barbara Kingsolver...I was really swept away..." ~Dr. Patty Gray, Dept. of Anthropology, University of Alaska Fairbanks

"A compelling narrative that evokes the universal human desires that transcend cultural differences...A rare combination of western and Native viewpoints..." ~Dr. George Divoky, Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks

"Honest and vivid…Entrancing blend of mysticism and realism…Should be of interest to birders and naturalists because of the central role that birds and other wildlife play in the everyday lives of the people portrayed…" ~ John Trapp, ornithologist

"Vibrant and genuine...a breathtaking landscape, poignant love story and unforgettable characters delivered with a keen insight into human nature makes Flight of the Goose a marvelously good read." ~ Saint Andrew's The Twig

"A gem...The reader is transported...As we witness the unfolding of the novice's inner world as a healer on a forbidden path, we realize how deep is the author's understanding of a slowly disappearing way of life...An impressive knowledge of circumpolar shamanism..." ~Gizelle Rhyon-Berry, The Foundation For Shamanic Studies

"A wondrous flight of the spirit... Showing a natural integration of mind, body and spirit through her characters, especially Gretchen, and the deep reverence for the animals in the natural yet stark environment of Alaska, Thomas gives insights to be treasured and applied to our own lives. Her sharing of the impact of Christianity on the Native people and the struggle to balance their Native spirituality with the Christian tradition is deftly handled. I'd love to see this one portrayed on the screen. She has much to teach about love, life, perseverance of spirit and what really matters in life. I will definitely recommend this one to other ministers and seekers on the spiritual path." ~Rev Sandra Soley Keep, Unity minister

"A truly beautiful literary achievement...Engrossing...Global warming and its tragic effects on the Far North have been on our minds these days,and Flight of the Goose is a great way to expand our knowledge of that remote region. What a landscape Thomas brings to life! What a sense of time and space, and what intimate knowledge of the human heart Thomas reveals!" ~Pacific Vision, Women's International League For Peace and Freedom

"Not just another ANWR book, Thomas takes on the spiritual and mystical aspects of the Arctic." ~Seattle Weekly

“Unforgettable…Beautiful writing, marvelous story, engaging characters…Turn off the stereo or the television if you have them on when you read. Listen, really listen, to these words as you read them. Flight of the Goose gives us an understanding of the ways of Inupiat culture, the impact of man on the environment, and a remarkable story of people you will come to care about. (It) paints a picture of the countryside and the culture of the people there in the way that only someone who has lived there would be able to do. This book is not a quick read. Nor will you want it to be. It's absolutely enthralling.” ~CompulsiveReader.com

"Heartrending…vivid…timely…I couldn’t put Thomas’ book down. Instead of being cold and bleak, her landscape teems with life, the people full of intelligence, humor and courage. (She) has filled her canvas with many powerful portraits and infused her writing with a sense of foreboding. This story of star-crossed lovers probes the most burning issues of our day: the rights of women…war versus peace; magic versus science; oil company greed versus the traditional — and sustainable — society of the Alaska native peoples." ~People’s Weekly World Newspaper

“Step into another world with this wonderful book about a scientist, a young woman shaman, and her Native family who bridge cultural divides in far northern Alaska. With rich, illuminating prose that displays a quiet respect for nature even in this harsh and forbidding climate,Thomas takes us on a unique journey to find what we all seek: human compassion, trust, a sense of belonging, and of course, love. I hope that this important and touching story makes it to the big screen, and soon.” ~PelePublications.com

"Flight of the Goose soars on wings of spirit...Sweet, sad, soulful, and transformative...An absorbing and fascinating tale, a profound demonstration of love imbued with a deep respect and reverence for the entire intricate network of life. A celebration of the soul of the shaman, the scientist, the woman, the man, the family, the community, the geese, the snow, and the ice..." ~Donna Henes, NYC urban shaman and author of Queen of Myself

"Excellent read (5 starred). Thomas brings her first-hand knowledge of growing up in the Arctic forward into a haunting story…I quickly devoured (this) fantastically told tale…" ~Armchair Interviews

"What a wonderful novel! Romeo and Juliet in the Arctic! A radical, subversive honesty...does not spare anyone from implied praise or blame. I can't remember when I've read a book so rich, so complicated but controlled, so moving. Thomas' detailing of the barbed-wire entanglements of culture, race, gender, family and politics in which the lovers are caught is unfailingly convincing, and gut-wrenching at times. If I had known of Flight of the Goose when I taught courses on the Goddess religions, I would have used it as a text. Thomas works her erudition into the novel seamlessly...A second reading would yield a whole new set of insights." ~William Keep, retired professor of English literature, and one-time Arctic resident

"Flight of the Goose hits universal truths about the power of understanding, forgiveness, and redemption to heal. Thomas has intricate knowledge of and respect for the people. Her book portrays the complicated interweavings of culture, 'progress', and how fear, love, and trauma coexist to shape experience. She does not romanticize these experiences as some writers do. While fiction,it feels more real and true than I can describe. It was such a pleasure to read a book with such depth, love, and understanding throughout. Flight of the Goose stays with me, moves me. I love LOVE this book and am going to tell everyone I know about it." ~Saidee M. Whitehorn, past Alaskan

"An extraordinary book…"~Rachel Epstein, University of Alaska Anchorage Campus bookstore

>"One of the best novels I have read over the past ten years or so. You will be richer having read this one! Thomas is most certainly a master story teller…(and) knows her ornithology! A well told story, wonderful use of the language, well researched, love, conflict, hate, greed, spirituality, and so much more. Highly recommend this one!" ~ D. Blankenship, top Amazon reviewer

"Masterful…Thomas reacquaints the reader with the too often forgotten truth that the 'deeper wisdom' in life is best conveyed through the art of storytelling. (An) intrinsic sacredness…lifts Thomas' tale to a higher level of storytelling, creating a harmony of unimaginable beauty that will not be forgotten soon." ~ Brian Erland, top Amazon reviewer

"What a cosmic,karmic, seismic shift the elders in Thomas' excellent epic have endured in their lifetimes. This haunting book is a love story, a paean to survivors, an ode to a land and civilization literally melting - disappearing while the Bush/Cheney/Coleman Global Big Oil Band plays on. Please read this book, and pass it on to all your sane friends and relatives." ~TundraVision, top Amazon reviewer

"I'm happy to recommend this intricate and poetic novel to those looking for more than a quick read or an easy story...more soulful...that leaves the heart transformed. What will it take to make the dominant culture less lethal to itself, to Earth, to people it regards as Other? The myths of many times and this novel offer a hint: the story must be rewritten from within it, starting with many small and large acts of sacrifice carried out in love strong enough to fly like the goose into the heavens." ~ Craig Chalquist, PhD, ecopsychologist, depth psychologist and top Amazon reviewer

"The author accomplished two nearly impossible feats. First, she managed to write very believably from both a female and male perspective. Secondly, she also managed to write believably and simultaneously from the perspective of a scientist and from that of a shaman. Having a little experience myself in both worlds I can testify that none of it rang false. I was amazed at how genuine it all felt." ~ Oak Shaman, top Amazon reviewer

"…An incredible book and one that I would not hesitate to recommend to any book club or anyone else...lyrical and lush...Thomas does a great job of carrying me across the whole nation into a different world - a world of ice and beauty, fraught with danger and redemption. One of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read." ~ "Busy Mom", Ohio, top Amazon reviewer

"I lived in the land where Flight of the Goose takes place...Read other reviews to confirm Thomas' fine mastery of language, character, and plot. (I'm stunned that this is her first novel.)She has captured the land, culture, better than anyone else I've read or spoken with, bar none…I take my hat off to her. As an author, she has driven deeper into the global and personal realities of cultural transition than anyone I know. And she's done it with genius, with a love story that will take your breath away. Thank you, Lesley Thomas! ~Lars Clausen, past Lutheran pastor in Alaska; award-winning author of Straight Into Gay America

"As a cultural anthropologist studying hunting ontologies in northwest Alaska I was deeply impressed with both the detail and range of Thomas’s book. She provides a rich description of the understatedness and subtlety of contemporary Inupiaq culture while avoiding the pitfall of creating an exotic “Other." ~Josh Wisniewski, University of Alaska, Fairbanks

"I was impressed by the quality of the writing...The story and language seemed true to Alaska. It was a joy to read a real book about Alaska and the Native experience instead of the commercial touristy cliche version."~ Patricia Richardson, Alaska Press Women

"A spiritually and environmentally resonant tale..." ~In Other Words, Women's Books and Resources, Portland

"I couldn’t put it down.I will read Flight of the Goose more than once! Sámi scholar Rauna Kuokkanen calls shamanism 'the Indigenous paradigm' and resurrects the word oainnádat to explain it.'(It) describes the Sami paradigm or special point of view. It means clear weather or a clear light that makes it possible to see things in nature. I believe the new meaning of oainnádat is to clear your ideas and thoughts in order to see properly.' Kayuqtuq does that." ~ Faith Fjeld, Sami scholar and editor of Baiki: the International Sami Journal

"Flight of the Goose is one of the most rare and precious finds for any avid reader interested in indigenous cultures. Gripping, soul-wrenching and defiant, (it) soars above the wasteland norm of most contemporary writing and bravely, sincerely explores issues of culture, gender, shamanism, love, abuse, environmental degradation, and political rape...Brilliant...one of the most indelible novels I have ever read." ~Paula Vaughan, OneWomansMind.net

"One reason that we liked the book so much was that it portrayed Alaska as we know it and not some fake fantasy that others make up." ~ Glenallen bookclub

Upcoming Events
See publisher Web site for full calendar

AUTHOR DISCUSSION AND OTHER EVENTS

August, 2008, Pacific Northwest Library Association Conference

March 30, 2008; Glenallen Alaska book club (author teleported via wormhole)

February 7, 2008; 7:00 pm - All For Kids (and Adults Too) bookstore : meet the author; Seattle

September 26, 2007, 7-9:00 pm Snow Goose Art Gallery, free, 8806 Roosevelt Way NE Seattle, (206) 523-6223,http://www.snowgooseart.com/;

September 6, 2007; 7:00 pm, free, Seattle Metaphysical Library, 2220 NW Market St, L-05 Seattle,(206) 329-1794, http://www.seattlemetaphysicallibrary.org/events.html

June 2007; Presenter at Kachemak Bay Writers Conference,

March 28, 2007; Santoro's Books , 7216 Greenwood Ave. N. Seattle, (206) 784-2113,

February 13, 2007; 10th Mountain Infantry Division (World War veterans) Seattle Yacht Club

April 16, 2007; University of Washington Extension Reading Club

November 18, 2006; Nome Book Club; teleconference and remote signing

September 9, 2006; National Federation of Press Women Annual Conference; book signing, selling, award ceremony; 3:30-8:00 pm; Adams Mark Hotel, Denver, CO

September 13, 2006 In Other Words Bookstore; Portland, Oregon;

Reprint, Translation, Film/TV and Electronic Rights handled by Cine/Lit Representation (Contact Mary Alice Kier at cinelit@msn.com)