"Canada's North has long held a fascination for many people the world over."

Readers will be edified and fascinated by editor and publisher Toni Graeme's unique collection of essays pertaining to Canada's North entitled Women Who Lived and Loved North of 60.

As Graeme mentions in her introduction, "Canada's North has long held a fascination for many people the world over, most of whom never ventured there but love to hear and read about it."

These 36 essays draw fully on the experiences of women coming from all walks of life who invite us to share their memoirs.

Moving word pictures depict people, places, events, creatures, expectations and beliefs as witnessed in Canada's Northland. Employing the technique of you-are-there scenarios, tiny towns with strange names such as Tasiujaq, Aklavik, Povungnituk, and Iqaluit, are illuminated enabling Canada's North to come alive.

These candid and unforgettable essays are as various beyond enumeration, however, many of them emphasize that no matter how harsh the climate may have been or the difficulties they had encountered, each woman felt richer for her experience.

Every tale constantly brings up the question why would you want to live in the North where the temperature sometimes drops to --50Celsius and where you have to endure from time to time loneliness, long periods with too little sunlight, storms, isolation, and adapting to a foreign culture.

Helen Ross who was employed by the Canadian Government in Iqualit in human resources development-aboriginal training and education best sums it up:

"There are those who run to the North to escape. Some flee the law, the past, relationships or themselves, seeking isolation as a shelter or shield from the world. But you cannot do that here. There is little room to hide. The towns and social circles are too small. You are forced to reconcile with yourself, and, hopefully, be happy with who and what you are. It forces you to recognize your abilities, strengths (including physical, values and moral convictions) and the responsibilities of adulthood. I have seen many miss that point-Inuit and non-Inuit- leaving too soon before they have learned some of the greater lessons that the tundra has to offer."

The essays in themselves may not be exhaustive, however, they do serve as a solid introduction about the North as perceived by women. They certainly are a real treat permitting us to appreciate the distinct beauty and uniqueness of Canada's north.

Reviewed by Norman Goldman
Posted December 11, 2002