North to Alaska

North to Alaska, the latest in The Memoirs of H.H. Lomax series, is sure to fully engage any reader who spends time between its covers. The character of H.H. Lomax – who really did exist in the nineteenth century – is one of my all time favorites.

In this story, Lomax finds his way to Denver, and then travels on to Alaska to strike it rich. As with the other adventures of H.H. Lomax, the only thing preventing him from achieving his dream is his own bad luck.

I don’t know how much is true and how much the author “filled in” from the Lomax papers he studied – but I don’t care either way. Preston Lewis has a wonderful way of presenting H.H. Lomax and his adventures. Lomax is a character that brings out complete empathy from the reader. However, I doubt that any reader will have luck as bad as Lomax’s luck.

Two of the reasons that Preston Lewis does so well with these stories are his description and his attention to detail. They may be one in the same, but I think they deserve separate credit. His descriptions bring a reader right into the story. Lomax spends an extraordinary amount of time in saloons and brothels. In these scenes, I can fully see the cloud of smoke floating above the crowd in saloons, as well as the garb of the ladies of the night. Those are only two examples of many that I could mention.

Attention to detail is that little extra part of the description that really enhances the reader’s experience in the story. As an example, in the latter part of the story, Lomax carries around a sawed-off shotgun for protection. Not only does the author remember to include this in each of those scenes, but he also lets the reader know where it’s pointing, when it’s relevant.

Another reason I love these stories is that each one, including this one, stands on its own. The author provides enough backstory so that a reader is aware of how previous exploits brought Lomax into his current situation and mindset. Even if you never read any of these stories, you’ll be able to read any of them – including this one – and fully enjoy it.

In each of these stories, the author includes meetups with some of history’s more notable characters. I believe these meetups – or at least most of them – are actually included in Lomax’s papers. In this story, Lomax meets with the great suffrage advocate, Susan B. Anthony. He also has a chance meeting with Jack London, the author of Call of the Wild. Of course, as Lomax tells the tale, he provided London with the storyline and protagonist for that famous book.

Lastly, I love the humor the author interjects. Sometimes the humor is indirect. For instance, as Lomax is preparing for his trip to Alaska, the third person narration gives us a hint at what he may be getting himself into, which typically elicited a chuckle and groan from me. Most of the humor, however, is a direct result of Lomax’s continual bad luck.

I can’t speak highly enough about this series. This story is a worthy edition, and I highly recommend you spend some time between its covers.