ESKIMO BOY

by Pipaluk Freuchen ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

By the daughter of the Arctic explorer, this beautifully conceived and understated story of the solemn courage and unassuming daring of a young Eskimo boy combines a generous human warmth with a first-hand knowledge of the lives of an Eskimo family in Greenland. When Ivik's father was killed before the little boy's eyes in a battle with a walrus, Ivik felt more lonely and helpless than ever before in his life, but there were his family, cut off from the Mainland until the sea froze, without a provider and in desperate need of food. There is much patient suffering on the part of Ivik's mother and grandfather -- less patience from the little brothers and sisters -- until the ice forms and Ivik begins the dangerous but necessary journey back to the Mainland to save his family. It is on this return trip that the ragged little boy miraculously kills the polar bear, and brings aid to his family and glory for his deed upon himself. The simple, economical speech with its ritualistic courtesy, modesty, and natural rhythm becomes an organic part of a story of Eskimo life in which every person must be a hero to survive. We predict that children will be as much affected by this book as their elders were by the documentary films. Hancock of the North.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1951

Categories: FICTION