First published 2024
Cecilia Blomdahl lives in Longyearbyen on Svalbard, an Arctic archipelago near the North Pole. She shares her home with partner Christoffer and dog Grim in this remote settlement where polar bears wander freely and northern lights illuminate the sky. Since 2015, Cecilia has learned to navigate the extreme conditions of Arctic living. Her account opens during the months of polar night, when darkness blankets the landscape completely. She documents the gradual return of sunlight and the transformation it brings to her frozen world. Through personal anecdotes and practical guidance, Cecilia reveals both the difficulties and rewards of choosing such an isolated existence. She captures the striking winter scenery and endangered Arctic wildlife through photography and vivid descriptions. The book explores how humans adapt to hostile climates and find meaning in challenging circumstances. Cecilia's story demonstrates the appeal of extreme environments and suggests that any location holds undiscovered wonder for those willing to look closely.
Genres: nature, adventure, non-fiction, biography-memoir
Vibes: atmospheric, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, personal-journey
Setting: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Period: 2015-present
256 pages · Hardcover · DK