Customer Reviews

Harpoon of the Hunter

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

While I think this was a good book, I would caution people to read it before choosing it for young children. It is a realistic portrayal of life, and death, in an arctic environment. There are a number of fairly graphic descriptions of people and animals dying and a general attitude of despair. However, it is an authentic piece of Eskimo fiction describing life in the Canadian Arctic before the coming of the white man. I would recommend this book to people who want a more realistic depiction of life than what Disney provides.

The story starts with a bear. A polar bear that attacks and kills some dogs for no reason. The men decide the bear has to be killed. And so starts the story full of adventure, action, death, and basic survival. A grim ending awaits those who reads it. Or is it a peaceful one? All depends on how you look at it. Not sure young children should read it but it really depends on the parents. If you like this kind of story may I suggest The Fast Runner (Atanarjuat)?

I read "Harpoon of the Hunter" for a children's literature class, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. It's not a book that I would recommend to younger readers- not only because it really communicates in a strong, vivid manner the harshness and danger of Kamik's world, but also because there's a complexity to the way it deals with the themes of struggle and survival. The ending especially invites meaningful discussion, something that older readers may find more interesting. Mostly, however, the real treasure about the book, and what ultimately makes it satisfying, is how it is written. Plain, bare, simple words and style are appropriately chosen to convey the harsh, elemental nature of Kamik's struggle and world. In this way, Markoosie has written a book rich in atmosphere.