Northwind; Gary Paulsen

Stories of survival and battling against the odds are always popular and Gary Paulsen is somewhat of an expert in delivering thrilling and enthralling tales that resonate with readers who fancy their own journeys into the wilderness. 

Before arriving at the fishing village, orphan Leif had spent most of his twelve years aboard fishing boats, being worked to the bone and beaten for any indiscretions. When a cholera outbreak sweeps through the village, Old Carl instructs Leif to head north to safety. Equipped with a few essentials and forced to take Little Carl with him, Leif finds himself back in a boat in very different circumstances. For the first time in his life he is the master of his own destiny but whilst he may have escaped a deadly disease every day at sea will be a battle to survive…

In his author’s note, Paulsen reveals a life of adventures off the US coast and the stories shared by his Norwegian grandmother as the influences that helped bring this story to fruition. Set in Scandinavia’s distant past and with links to Viking times and Nordic mythology, Paulsen’s final book follows Leif and the challenges he faces on a wildness survival adventure.

Northwind is a raw and very real struggle against hunger, the elements and fatigue set amongst the most stunning scenery. Whilst Paulsen's vivid descriptions immerse readers into the beautiful landscape, it is not without its difficult and gruesome scenes, Paulsen is not averse to sharing the grim reality of dying from cholera. This is not a read for sensitive souls. It is for those who are excited by the likes of Bear Grylls and want to understand what it takes to survive; building camps, lighting fires, hunting salmon, encountering the great animals of this world - bears, whales, orcas, dolphins and eagles.

Frequently things get edgy and Leif faces death on more than one occasion. Survival is not easy, the ocean is unforgiving, Leif and his boat are small. In order to survive, hardships must be suffered, the fragility of life must be exposed and Leif must learn. And learn he does. With each passing day he hones his survival skills, understands the animals he encounters, becomes at one with the ocean, learns to just be.

Written in a very poetic way and for the most part featuring only a single character, Northwind will not appeal to everyone. It is not your typical survival story, it is more quiet and contemplative and basks in the true beauty of nature, learning to appreciate each and every moment and to grow from experiences. Details and description are what matter to Paulsen and Northwind will leave readers with the feeling that the salt water is on the skin, that the taste of smoked salmon is in their mouths and will have the adventurous few itching to go out and test their survival limits.

With huge thanks to Pan Macmillan for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.

Recommended for 10+.