Rose is the youngest of seven children, meant to replace her dead sister. Maybe because of that, she’s never really fit in. She’s always felt different, out of place, a restless wanderer in a family of homebodies. So when an enormous white bear mysteriously shows up and asks her to come away with it—in exchange for health and prosperity for her ailing family—she readily agrees. Rose travels on the bear’s broad back to a distant and empty castle, where she is nightly joined by a mysterious stranger. In discovering his identity, she loses her heart-and finds her purpose—and realizes her journey has just begun. As familiar and moving as Beauty and the Beast, yet as fresh and original as only the best fantasy can be, East is a bold retelling of the classic tale “East of the Sun and West of the Moon,” a sweeping story of grand proportions.
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"I'm not sure if this story is based upon a traditional fairy tale or not, but it certainly has a fairy tale feel to it. There is an interesting delineation in the story between superstition that turns out to be real and that which turns out to be simply superstition. The author makes strong use of fore-shadowing. Overall a good albeit fairly long read."
— Julie (4 out of 5 stars)
" My favorite retelling of this fairy tale. "
— Traci, 2/16/2014" All the different perspectives really annoyed me, so much so i doubt i'll ever be finishing the book. It was nearly impossible to read :( "
— Helena, 2/10/2014" Fun adaptation of a favorite fairy tale, "East of the Sun, West of the Moon". White bears, troll queens, pure fun. She's no Robin Mckinley, but good all the same. Could have used a little less weird superstition, a little more fantasy. Really liked the trolls, with ridged skins and voices like rocks. "
— Erica, 2/4/2014" The fairytale of "East of the Moon, West of the Sun" beautifully retold. "
— Molly, 2/1/2014" Stupendous and endlessly creative!!!!!!!! "
— Estie, 1/27/2014" Probably one of my top 5 favourite books! I've re-read it many times. "
— Kimberley, 1/23/2014" This book was good, for young adult literature. I feel like the story had some holes, or at least resolved too suddenly in places. as if the author couldn't come up with better ideas, but the story and adventure in general was entertaining, though I don't see myself reading it again. "
— Katielin317, 1/15/2014" This was a great version of the fairy tale! Much more detailed and I loved it! "
— Jen, 1/11/2014" I totally LOVED this book of a mystery. "
— Cloudmane, 1/9/2014" A wonderful fairy tale. I loved that it was written from many points of view. I can't wait to read more of Edith Pattou's books. "
— Karen, 1/3/2014" A polar bear comes and tells Rose's family if she comes with him, the family's troubles will be over. The story is really good, I love the way it was told, I was in suspense for the whole book, from the very beginning. I really enjoyed the style of writing. I would highly recommend. "
— Julie, 1/3/2014" East is a great book for people who love to imagine and think outside of the box. This book has opened my eyes to imagine and dig deeper than ever before! If you have big imagination, you need to read this book! "
— Crystal, 12/20/2013" This story is a romantic adventure that is fantasy. "
— Courtlin, 12/16/2013" I really enjoyed this book. Such an easy read and great entertainment. It was a fun fantasy story which I couldn't put down. "
— MiRanda, 12/16/2013" Fascinating, Beauty-and-the-Beast-like story "
— Megan, 12/6/2013" A great book based on the old legend of East of the Sun and West of the Moon. An awesome adventure! "
— Melissa, 11/17/2013" loved it!! I couldnt put it down "
— Kat, 10/15/2013" I thought it was a really neat book to read at night before bed, sometimes you didn't want to put it down though "
— Crystal, 9/21/2013" I loved this book! I found it very engaging and found myself thinking about it throughout the day and looking forward to coming back to it in free time. I look forward to talking about it with the Triumph Book Club! "
— Desiree, 9/19/2013" I read this book as one of many my sister handed me, telling me I would love it. So far, she has not let me down. I loved East, the whole thing; but I especially loved Edith Pattou's characters. They were each special and unique. "
— Kat, 8/15/2013" East is one of my favourite books. The tale of Rose with the white bear is genuine. I was really impressed with the significance of the Compass Points. I really enjoyed it. However, the title is really intriguing. "
— Larosedepompadour, 8/6/2013" I... tried reading this book about 14 times in 5 years but never could get past the first 3 chapters. Bland, boring, so much exposition and too many character point of views. "
— Lara, 5/17/2013" This was just such a treat to read. It was whimsical and sweet. "
— Griselda, 3/20/2013" A good book. Fun to read and easy to follow. Appeals to a younger crowd. I bought this book for my 9 year old daughter who loves to read. I saw this listed as a good read for young teenagers. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed it. This caused me to read it as well as my mother. We all liked it. "
— Dave, 5/26/2012Edith Pattou is the author of three award-winning fantasy novels for young adults: East, a retelling of the Norwegian folk tale “East of the Sun and West of the Moon,” and the two Songs of Eirren, Hero’s Song and Fire Arrow. She is also the author of the New York Times bestselling picture book, Mrs. Spitzer’s Garden. Edith was born in Evanston, Illinois, grew up in Winnetka, and was a teenager in the city of Chicago where she attended Francis W. Parker School. She completed her BA at Scripps College in Claremont, California where she won the Crombie Allen Award for creative writing. She later completed a Masters degree in English Literature at Claremont Graduate School followed by a Masters of Library and Information Science at UCLA. She currently resides with her husband Charles in Columbus, Ohio.
Erin Bennett is an Earphones Award–winning narrator and a stage actress who played Carlie Roberts in the BBC radio drama Torchwood: Submission. She can be heard on several video games. Regional theater appearances include the Intiman, Pasadena Playhouse, Arizona Theatre Company, A Noise Within, Laguna Playhouse, and the Getty Villa. She trained at Boston University and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
Lee Adams has been a voice artist for many years. Her work for the Educational Television Network can be heard on an array of videos, television series, station identifications, and commercials. She is also an accomplished singer/songwriter and lends her talents to various animation projects whenever possible. Lee has narrated both fiction and nonfiction audiobooks.
Robertson Dean has played leading roles on and off Broadway and at dozens of regional theaters throughout the country. He has a BA from Tufts University and an MFA from Yale. His audiobook narration has garnered ten AudioFile Earphones Awards. He now lives in Los Angeles, where he works in film and television in addition to narrating.
Kirby Heyborne is a musician, actor, and professional narrator. Noted for his work in teen and juvenile audio, he has garnered over twenty Earphones Awards. His audiobook credits include Jesse Kellerman’s The Genius, Cory Doctorow’s Little Brother, and George R. R. Martin’s Selections from Dreamsongs.
John H. Mayer, author and Earphones Award–winning narrator, is a character actor whose voice has been heard on numerous commercials, animated programs, audiobooks, and narrations including E! Entertainment’s Celebrity Profiles. He was a five-year member of the Groundlings comedy theater company in Los Angeles. He is also the co-author of Radio Rocket Boy, an award-winning short film.
Renée Raudman is an actor and Earphones Award–winning audiobook narrator. She has performed on film, television, radio, and on stage and can also be heard in several video games and hundreds of television and radio voice-overs.
Blair Underwood is an author and award-winning actor, director, and producer. He lives in Los Angeles, California.