Das Licht der Arktis.

by Jonathan Waterman

An amazing tale of a breathtaking journey across the top of the world. (SEE QUOTES.)

Genres: Nonfiction, Adventure, Memoir

Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Amara Gardner · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems I am not the first one to run out of library renewals to attempt to finish this book. I really enjoyed the story of Waterman's journey, the idea of Oslo traveling the Arctic is incredible and beautiful and soul searching. Unfortunately the way he writes about politics and history is far too drawn out for me and I barely made it halfway before I decided I don't have to finish books if I don't want to plow through unforgiving chapters upon chapters of gritty numbers. Overall I wish I could have enjoyed it more.

[katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to finish this book and I almost did, but ran out of library renewals and grew a bit worn down by it. I feel weird about this book because I liked it; there's strong writing, great imagery, interesting facts and adventure throughout, but I thought Waterman needed an editor (or an editor who would edit further). He repeatedly talks about missing his fiance and then he's off on a plane heading north. He repeatedly talks about feeling alone and miserable during certain points of his journey. He makes astute observations that get buried in his own thinkiness and repetitiveness. Instead of a play-by-by, I would've liked to have seen a more cogent meditation on his travels.

[Toesnorth's mom]

boring!

[Kelly White · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Inuit are fascinating and I think much can be learned from their traditional ways of life. That being said, Mr. Waterman did not do the topic justice. Throughout the book, which I ended up skimming the later portion, I just feel he showed too much hubris and his ability to write the book was simply a benefit of "white privilege." I think you can probably find a similar book that is written with more respect and honor for the subject matter.

[Kyri Freeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful when he's writing about being alone in the Arctic, but so depressing whenever he's discussing the communities there and the horrible amount of trash and cruelty and oppression...

And this was actually written before climate change was widely known to be affecting the Arctic as it is, so there's that kind of looming over everything.

I really wonder what the humming noise was. I didn't hear it in Nome or around Utkiagvik, but I wasn't alone.

[Ingrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a record of an amazing journey, but as a book, too drawn out to be a page turner. I enjoyed his many insights, the information, the mix of history, anthropology, politics, conservancy, descriptions of the natural world, the characters....but I ran out of interest and library renewals.

[Tony · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't take this guys attitude. He calls the Inuit "The People" as if no others are real people. If you think this is just a travel adventure book, forget it. It's mostly a politically biased piece.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book about Waterman's solo expeditions through the Northwest Passage, predominately by kayak. Waterman is a good writer and his emphasis on the wildlife seen, the discomfort and danger of his travels, and interactions with Inuit are wonderful. Very thoughtful and informative about life in Nunavit and the problems/strengths of Inuit culture. He makes every effort to be honest about the complexity of the culture and his reactions. His conclusion - enough of solo travel as he returns home to get married.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked reading about this man's adventures in the artic, but sometimes his style was overly poetic and just plain weird and confusing. I actually didn't end up finishing it before it was due back at the library, but I probably will end up checking it out again at some later date. I was interested in his interactions with the Inuit people.

[Kelly Liu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really liked how the book started out. Educational, interesting, full of depth. But as huge writer's attention span waned so did mine. Couldn't finish the book, though I wanted to badly. The digressions got a bit long winded and eventually lost me.

[Jeffrey Barth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great winter read...would love to meet Ursa Major in the wild...