We were thrilled to be invited to participate in the blog tour for Andrea Thalasinos‘ debut novel, An Echo Through the Snow. I loved getting under the covers at night and getting lost in the beautiful story of two women and the dogs who impact their lives and mysteriously connect them a century apart. The story combines history, family, love and dogs, and will make you long to get on that sled and let those gorgeous Huskies take you on their journey.
As a huge dog lover, An Echo Through the Snow was so my kind of book. I was riveted by the story and fascinated by the whole premise of the Guardians – the huskies who looked over the Chukchi people of Siberia. Tell us a little about them – are the dogs a real part of their mythology?
Yes, their huskies were a central part of the Chukchi way of life. The dogs were their transportation, they trusted their loyalty, their hard-working nature, and the Chukchi people believed that a husky’s feet were so sensitive that they could feel the bottom of a trail, whether it was solid or melting ice below. If a lead dog stopped, the team stopped. The person on the sled would then chart a different course because they knew the trail beneath was unsafe.
Spiritually speaking, the dogs were believed to be their Guardians. In death, a person’s dog’s who’d passed would show up to guide the person through a dangerous labyrinth into the Land of the Living. It was also believed that upon death, a person’s dogs would greet them to testify to “The One Who Makes All” of that person’s deeds in this life. If the dog gave a good testimony that the person had been kind, caring, etc., the dog would then lead the person through a labyrinth into the Land of the Living on the Other Side of the Sun. If a person had been harsh and cruel in life, the dog would viciously guard entrance to that passage and a person would be left to wander, lost for eternity in the labyrinth.
Why did you decide to bring together the stories of Jeaantaa, a Chukchi woman who was the Keeper of the Guardians, and Rosalie, who, almost a century later, saves a junkyard dog? Why was that sense of history and connection so important?
To be honest, I’m not really sure. From the beginning of the story, these two women were tied together in some way in my mind. People would try to convince me to write either one book or the other, yet there was a connection between the two that, although I didn’t understand, I knew all along had to be maintained. My agent, Marlene Stringer, understood how their lives were inextricably linked and I was so happy she did!
What kind of role do dogs play in your own life? What got you into dog-sledding, and how much a part of your life is it now?
For over a decade I ran a sled dog team of six Siberian Huskies. I’d never thought of myself as a ‘dog’ person, only that once we had a house and a yard, I wanted to get a dog. Once I got my first dog, my kids wanted a second, and before we knew it we were talking dog sleds. Living in the Upper Midwest of the United States, there are many dog teams, races and people who love the sport. All of my dogs lived in the house with my family; they were all well-trained and were family members, sleeping in my kids’ beds, begging for half their dinners. If you would have told me 25 years ago we would have done this, I would have told you that you must have me confused with someone else. I think it sort of picked me and, from there, evolved.
One of my biggest regrets is that, when we were visiting Alaska, our family’s dog-sled ride was cancelled due to bad weather. My kids loved learning about Balto when they were young, and I am still determined to experience this one day! Can you describe what dog-sledding is like? What has it taught you?
The Great Serum Run was an amazing thing. You can visit www.baltostruestory.net for an exhaustive ride through the Serum Run. Every time I read about the bravery and determination of the dogs and the mushers, I choke up. My first ride on a dogsled was like nothing I can describe. It’s not like an amusement park ride, not like a bike ride — dog power is different. To see them excited, running with such joy and enthusiasm, it’s such an ancient and historic dance between human and husky, it gives you a thrill that is difficult to describe. It’s primal. I have to warn everyone that one ride can get you hooked! Plus, you get to live with and come to love the most amazing dogs.
Why did you decide to write this story as a novel rather than as non-fiction, either about the history of the Huskies or about your own experiences as a dog-sledder?
I had been writing fiction at the time and when I began reading into my own dog’s background and ancestral home of Chukotka, I immediately envisioned characters, a story, plotline and that was it — I started writing. I’m not a non-fiction writer although I do extensive research to add into the creative mix. As for my own experiences as a dog-sledder, I did incorporate much of that into the fictional context.
How are Huskies different than other breeds?
Huskies are different from other breeds in that they are a very ancient dog, downsized from a wolf. They have been bred to run for hundreds of miles needing very little food, and are one of the more efficient breeds. They have also been bred to work as a team, to get along, not fight, and also to have good temperaments since in the Arctic they were frequently brought into the family yaranga, or house, to sleep with the family, including babies and small children. So they were bred for purposes that fit the needs and lifestyle of the Chukchi people. They have a double coat that keeps them warm, as well as a third eyelid that retracts to protect their eyes in powerful Arctic storms. They are very wolf-like in many of their mannerisms, including not barking. They sort of howl rather than bark like most dogs, and they tend to be most democratic in their love and loyalty. They’re not one-person dogs where they’re protective of just one person, but rather of their people, who might be a whole family, including friends. And because their drive to run is so strong, they must always either be on a leash or in an enclosed fenced-in yard with a fence high enough to keep them from jumping or climbing. Their drive to be free is stronger than even their love for us!
What are your children’s relationships with the dogs?
My children are both grown now, but when they were at home, dogsledding was an activity we all did together, four or five times a week. My kids have such wonderful, precious memories of running beautiful snowy trails with frosted trees, bright autumn leaves on a packed dirt trail using our rig. These are the things we all cherish as a family, and our dogs and their memories are a part of it.
What’s next for you?
I just finished writing a second novel that will be released in July 2013 and it centers on a woman and man who do wildlife rehabilitation of raptors — mainly eagles, hawks, owls and other birds of prey — as well as mammals. The story is set up in Grand Marais on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Obviously, I love that lake. I am currently in the beginning stages of a third novel at the moment.
This post originally appeared on my former blog, StyleSubstanceSoul.com.
Great interview! Very informative. I can’t wait to get the book.
This sounds fascinating to me. I’m anxious to read it.
Congratulations on your novel! I love a good dog story and will add this to my ever expanding to read list.
And good for you for writing the book you wanted to write.