"It was getting late.
I decided I would spend the night on the ice
and try to fix my snowmobile in the morning.
I needed to stay dry."
This graphic novel is a page taken from the author's life. An Inuk stone carver and former mechanic, Serapio was on his way back from a fishing camp north of his home in Igloolik. The pull cord on the engine of his snowmobile was broken, and there was no way for him to continue his travel toward home. Little did he know that he would have to use everything he had been taught about living through dangerous times on the polar ice. While optimistic that he would be fine because of those teachings, he knew to fear the situation that would take all those skills to ensure survival in the harsh climate.
His first-person retelling is as calm as he appeared to be while spending those four long days and nights alone in the Arctic wilderness. His first real concern was thirst. Using traditional knowledge, he had to pay attention to his need for safe water. Improvisation and constant attention to staying dry and as warm as possible was his main task. For most of the days and nights he stayed on his snowmobile, doing his best to keep his own spirits up, and also understanding help would come. Would it be too late?
Glistening light and deep, dark shadows match the tone of the telling, with blue and grey tones accompany the text to give context to the passing time. Pages of white wilderness add to the feelings of how trully alone the storyteller is. The engaging design, and a well-told survival story are sure to garner attention with readers who enjoy true tales of adventure and survival.
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