Death on the Barrens: A True Story of Courage and Tragedy in the Canadian Arctic

by George James Grinnell

Book Overview

Set in the remote arctic region of Northern Canada, this book takes readers on a harrowing canoe voyage that results in tragedy, redemption, and, ultimately, transformation. George Grinnell was one of six young men who set off on the 1955 expedition led by experienced wilderness canoeist Art Moffatt. Poorly planned and executed, the journey seemed doomed from the start. Ignoring the approaching winter, the men became entranced with the peace and...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1556438826
• ISBN13: 9781556438820
• Release Date: April 2010
• Publisher: North Atlantic Books
• Length: 296 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.5" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

A Canadian Adventure

Being a woman, I thought that this book might be filled with too much tetosterone, and male bravado, however this turned out to not be the case. Well written and beautifully illustrated, I enjoyed every page, and was left hanging on several others. Published by the small Heron Dance Press, I found the books to be very enjoyable and a wonderful addition to my library.

Great Canoe Story

Anyone who has ever done a canoe pack trip in the great north or who has run rapids in a canoe will appreciate the beautiful descriptions of autumn tundra scenery and the harrowing tale told. The story flows beautifully between the physical descriptions of the canoe trip and the invisible bonds forming, dissolving, and reshaping between the paddlers. It is also a cautionary tale for anyone tempted to enter the great north unprepared. Consider buying this as a gift to anyone who is into canoe trips or nature writing / essays.

Engaging

I read this book years ago and now will order it for my personal library. An excellent book in my opinion. I am also a wilderness canoeist but have never done a trip as ambitious as this. I love the far north, can't wait to get back there for another trip next summer.

Death on the Barrens

A a story of tragedy and self-discovery. Haunting and poignant. Grinnell jumps around a bit, and sometimes it is hard to know where he is--on the river or in his head. But all and all, a great read. And the water colors are wonderful. Bob Muth Flathead Valley Montana

Gripping story of man versus nature!

This book is very well written. It tells about a journey that many men would love to take but do not dare. These men dare, or at least attempt, to conquer nature only to learn that it is nature and the power of God which controls us. Grinnell has a gifted way of telling what will happen yet leaving the reader wondering how it will happen. He also cleverly points out different worldviews and how they can change and be manipulated when humility before God is the only option. If you take this journey along with Grinnell under the leadership of Art Moffat, you may never return as the same person.