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Book Review of Arctic Dreams

Arctic Dreams
Arctic Dreams
Author: Barry Lopez
Genres: Travel, Outdoors & Nature
Book Type: Paperback
reviewed on


Barry Lopez provides an insightful look into the world of the Far North. The book was focused more upon the anthropological and human geographical aspects of the region rather than the physical aspects, which was surprising. Lopez provided beautiful imagery of the arctic throughout the novel and gives some really interesting perspectives on the native Eskimo culture. A particular quote on the Eskimo people was "On a day-to-day basis, they have more fear...They are afraid because they accept fully what is violent and tragic in nature. It is a fear tied to their knowledge that sudden cataclysmic events are as much a part of life, of really living, as are the moments when one pauses to look at something beautiful." Lopez has a very poetic style of writing, but at times gets a bit carried away with his in depth descriptions on the landscape. However, through this poetic writing style he really captures the awe and wonder of the land.