“With descriptions so vivid, they transfer you to a different time and place. . . . Armstrong weaves an unforgettable tale of unconditional love and the powerful bond of siblings. A remarkable story, sparkling with brilliance."
- Amanda Peters, author of The Berry Pickers
“This is a poet’s novel, beautifully drawn and yet as succinct and addictive as any adventure story.” - Zoe Whittall, author of Wild Failure and The Fake
“Pearly Everlasting wraps you in a blanket, lights the fire beside you, and regales you with tall tales, one marvel after another. A bewitching story of life in the New Brunswick woods.” - Gail Anderson-Dargatz, author of The Almost Widow
"Pearly Everlasting is at times hauntingly beautiful, at times sad, yet also laugh-out-loud funny in other moments. There’s a dose of fairy-tale magic in the wood­land setting… This tender tale of hope and the redeeming nature of human kindness is also about com­ing home, literally and figuratively.” - Historical Novel Review
“A spirited teenage girl sets off through the woods of 1934 New Brunswick, Canada, to rescue the bear she considers her brother in this enchanting U.S. debut from Canadian poet Armstrong (Take Us Quietly)… The adventure brims with folklore and superstition, as Pearly musters the courage to overcome her fears, and there are many lighthearted moments, such as when Pearly convinces Bruno to climb into the backseat of a car. This gentle story is sure to win Armstrong new fans.” - Publishers Weekly
“Poet and novelist Armstrong paints a vivid picture of the rough life in lumber camps of the time, deftly capturing the nature of life in the forest and the love of a girl for her family. VERDICT: A charming and highly recommended story about family ties, the embrace of the natural world, and love.” - Library Journal (starred review)
“Armstrong’s prose is shot through with Pearly’s unique vernacular, and readers will feel the bone-cold winter and taste the blood of many blows that befall almost everyone. Meeting Pearly will change readers’ minds about who is civilized and who is not.” - Booklist
“In this magical read, Armstrong charms readers while drawing from rural folklore, superstitious beliefs and adventure in a suspenseful coming-of-age novel.” - Los Angeles Times
"Armstrong...tells [this] tale in lyrically striking prose and makes its fairy tale elements work by grounding them in the grim realities and stunning beauties of life in a Depression-era logging camp." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Armstrong describes camp life and deep-woods adventures with a gritty cadence evoking a world before the Acadian forest became endangered.” - Washington Post