The Magnetic North

"The Magnetic North" by Elizabeth Robins is a compelling story about men in pursuit of wealth and survival amidst the Klondike gold rush. The book tells of a former bank clerk from Denver, a teacher who once stood before a class, an Irish-American trained in law, an experienced Kentucky Colonel, and a younger member known only as the Boy, who travel together through the dangerous Yukon wilderness seeking their fortune. The story begins with the characters facing difficult situations while they journey north, forcing them to face a winter in a lonely camp along the Yukon River. As these men struggle against nature and each other, the book shows differences in character, the will to survive, and the relationship between the experienced and newcomers. Through hardship, the group is tested both physically and mentally in a dangerous situation.