4 stars for The White Dawn: An Eskimo Saga by James A. Houston.
The White Dawn is a thought-provoking and insightful novel that explores the complexities of cultural clashes and the devastating consequences of increasing foreign influences.
The story takes place in 1896 in the Canadian Arctic where three shipwrecked whalers are rescued by an Eskimo tribe, and nursed back to health by the Inuit community who share their food and way of life. As the three outsiders integrate into the community, they cause disturbances to the delicate social fabric of the tribe, leading to a downward spiral of cultural destruction. To quote "From the first day we brought the strangers to the village, everything started to change for us. We began to look at our own lives through their eyes. For the first time we started to see ourselves."
Told in first person by Avinga, the Eskimo leader's half son who is half cripple and a half slave to his household, the narrative offers a unique insider's perspective on the tribe's values, traditions and way of life. The author's vivid descriptions of the Arctic landscape and his thoughtful portrayal of the Eskimo people demonstrates his deep respect and understanding of their culture. Through this story, the author sheds light on the destructive nature of increasing foreign influences and the importance of preserving cultural identities.
The White Dawn is a captivating and educational read that will resonate with readers who are interested in cultural heritage, historical fiction and the Arctic region.