Heroes of the Frontier (ISBN9780451493804) is a 2016 novel by American Author Dave Eggers. Alfred A. Knopf published the book on July 26, 2016.[1] Set in the rugged wilderness of Alaska, the story follows Josie, a disillusioned single mother who goes on a road trip with her two children to escape her troubled past and societal expectations. The novel explores themes of parenthood, modern disillusionment, and the possibility of personal redemption.[2]
Synopsis
The protagonist, Josie, is a former dentist from Ohio who leaves her past behind following a series of personal and professional setbacks.[3] She impulsively travels to Alaska with her two children: eight-year-old Paul and five-year-old Ana.[4] They rent an old RV, referred to as "The Château," and embark on an unplanned road trip through the Alaskan wilderness.[5] The journey involves encounters with various characters and situations during their travels, including gun enthusiasts, folk musicians, extreme weather conditions. They also witness nature's raw power, such as a wildfire[3] and an eagle attacking a mountain sheep.[6][7][4]
Themes
Escape and Reinvention - Josie's journey to Alaska represents an attempt to break free from societal norms and expectations. The novel explores the tension between the desire for freedom and the need for stability, particularly in the context of parenthood.[8][7] Alaska is portrayed as "at once the same country but another country, was almost Russia, was almost oblivion," symbolizing Josie's desire for radical change and rebirth.[6]
Parenthood and Responsibility - The novel explores the complexities of parental responsibility through Josie's experiences.[9] It portrays her efforts to protect her children while making decisions that could be seen as neglectful or adventurous, challenging readers to consider the line between a bold adventurer and a parent being irresponsible.[10] The novel's exploration of motherhood and societal expectations received mixed feedback from critics. Some praised Eggers for challenging conventional notions of maternal behavior, while others found the portrayal of Josie's choices problematic.[4]
Nature and Wilderness - The Alaskan setting plays a crucial role in the novel, serving as a physical challenge and a metaphor for personal transformation.[8] The wilderness is portrayed as beautiful and dangerous, mirroring Josie's internal struggles.[11]
Style and structure
Eggers' writing in Heroes of the Frontier combines humorous elements with introspective passages. The novel has been described as reimagining the classic American man-vs-wilderness adventure, recast with a female protagonist.[6] It features an episodic structure reflecting Josie's journey's unpredictable nature. The novel's title is noted to be partly ironic but mostly sincere in its promise, echoing Eggers' approach in his earlier work, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius.
Literary context and comparisons
Heroes of the Frontier is part of Eggers' work chronicling American unease.[2] It draws on the tradition of wilderness adventure stories but subverts it by focusing on a single mother's experience.[11] Reviewers have noted its departure from more extreme survival narratives like The Revenant,[6] instead focusing on the mundane challenges of family life in an unfamiliar setting.[11]
Some reviewers have drawn comparisons between Heroes of the Frontier and other works:
Nell Zink's The Wallcreeper: For its exploration of a woman's journey of self-discovery.[10]
Jonathan Franzen's works: For its portrayal of contemporary American family life.[9]
Reception
Literary critics had mixed reviews of the novel. While many praised Eggers' storytelling abilities, opinions varied on the overall effectiveness and treatment of themes.
Michiko Kakutani, a literary critic for The New York Times, described it as "absorbing if haphazard," praising Eggers' storytelling ability but noting the lack of emotional depth compared to his earlier work.[9] In a review for The New Republic, Jo Livingstone found the novel "pretty absorbing" but noted "strange genre issues," describing it as a blend of Victorian novel elements with contemporary American family epic themes, stating "Imagine Maggie Tulliver as the protagonist of The Corrections".[10] Livingstone also criticized the use of pathetic fallacy in the novel's climax.[10] Critics particularly praised Eggers' portrayal of the children, Paul and Ana, with Kakutani calling these characterizations "the strongest and most deeply affecting parts of this absorbing if haphazard novel."[9] However, Livingstone found the children's dialogue occasionally "cloying."[10]
Reviewers noted the novel's unconventional approach to tension and danger, observing that the narrative maintains a sense of safety for its characters despite potential threats.[11] This aspect has been interpreted as part of Eggers' commentary on contemporary American life and the nature of courage.[12] While some critics praised its optimistic tone and exploration of bravery in modern America, others found its narrative structure meandering, and its conclusion could have been neater.[3] The novel's portrayal of Alaska and its commentary on contemporary American life have been recognized as notable aspects of the work.[2]
Heroes of the Frontier is considered a significant addition to Eggers' work, spanning various genres and themes. However, opinions differ regarding its impact and execution compared to his earlier novels.[4] Some view it as a departure from Eggers' more experimental work, seeing it as a more conventional narrative focusing on motherhood and American identity themes.[10]
