[Ad-gifted] With the cold winter upon us this week, it is only apt that I share our next book review with you to showcase Annals of Solitude (A Year in A Hut in the Arctic) by Stephen Pax Leonard.
Published by Resource Publications, this book is a philosophical travelogue which records the joys (and frustrations) of disconnecting from our complicated, modern existence and living, at a time of climate upheaval, a simple life as close to nature as possible.
Eager to know what life might be like if we choose another path, Stephen lived for a year in a cabin in the most remote Arctic settlement he could find and discovered how the paraphernalia of modern living conspires to eliminate our dreams. In the manner of a flat-earther, he went to the High Arctic not just in search of the ice edge, but also to examine the boundaries of our human psyche.
No longer ruled by time and blessed by transcendences that flashed him the totality of life, he found harmony with the external world led to an inner dialogue that challenged everything he had known before. Whilst sitting aloof at the top of the world watching humanity having gone astray with our actions threatening to literally change the colour of the map, he put the small and great into perspective with the aid of a poetry volume.
What I thought of the book
I am not a fan of the cold and would never in my wildest dream would think of visiting the Arctic even if it was Free yet alone live there for a year, so you can imagine my curiosity when I was asked to review this book.
The book is written similar to a diary entry where the author, Stephen decides to exile himself, on his own accord, to the Arctic to document his experience for a year. He shares his reason as wanting to escape the noise, the daily chore of modern living and swap it for the quiet peaceful life, going back to basics and living a simple life.
He shares that time and priorities have a different meaning there and in the quiet he could actually hear his inner thoughts better.
Not only does he share the way of life with the locals but he also documents what he eats such as seal blubber and how he adapts to the local people and their way of life.
Some days, his diary entry is long with plenty to be shared while on other days, there is just a short entry. As a reader, I could tell when he was having a good day and when his was experiencing a low. I could feel the cold which he described while I was warm and cosy at home enjoying a hot brew.
He shares poetry and little words of wisdom from the book he reads as words keep him company when the winter days are long. His cabin seems very basic with very minimal heating facilities and I found it bewildering that he would undergo such torturous circumstances but the author did not seem to care much about the material world, and all it had to offer, although he mentions that he misses it at times.
I enjoyed reading the book as the author took me on a journey into the wilderness, a place I know I would never venture into on my own accord, hence the book was enlightening and very interesting to read and one which should piquant your interest as well.
How much is the book and how can you buy it?
The hardcover copy of the book retails for £26.72 while the paperback copy retails for ££16.34 and the kindle copy is priced at £8.23. You can purchase a copy of the book from Amazon here. Do check the website for the latest pricing as this may change.
About the Author
Dr Leonard is a writer, linguist and traveller. Inspired since childhood days by the likes of Wally Herbert, Fridtjof Nansen, Captain Scott and Thor Heyerdahl, Dr Leonard is a linguist and writer who pursues his passion for the spoken word through the spirit of exploration. In addition to academic monographs, ethnographies, travel literature and poetry, he has published two books on political ideologies.
About the Book
Title: Annals of Solitude
Author: Stephen Pax Leonard
Publisher: Resource Publications
ISBN: 978-1666738285
Dimensions: 15.24 x 1.09 x 22.86 cm
Pages: 190
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* We were given a copy of the book in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.
16 comments
This sounds like an amazing read. I love the way the book is written as a diary of sorts. That’s an excellent approach.
It is very unique and interesting if you are curious about living in the Arctic
Thank you for such a complete review of this book. I can see myself getting lost in his writing – sounds intriguing.
You are welcome Stephanie, so glad you enjoyed it
I am also not a fan of the cold and cannot imagine picking that sort of life! Sounds like a really interesting read though.
A fabulous read and one adventure full of endurance
Your introduction to “Annals of Solitude (A Year in A Hut in the Arctic)” by Stephen Pax Leonard is captivating, especially during this cold winter week. The idea of disconnecting from our modern existence and embracing a simple life close to nature intrigues me. Stephen’s journey in the remote Arctic settlement, exploring the boundaries of the human psyche, sounds like a profound adventure. Thanks for sharing this unique book, adding it to my must-read list!
Yes I agree with you Sue, it was an adventure to read the book and one which I know I would not do myself
This isn’t normally a book I would pick up, but it sounds pretty interesting! Thanks for sharing your review on Annals of Solitude with us.
You are welcome, I do enjoy reading and sharing my reviews
This read honestly sounds great. I’ll have to check it out for myself.
Please do, it is not your normal romcom books but entertaining nevertheless
What an interesting read to check out. I’ve not heard of this book until now but it sounds so fascinating. I’ve been really trying to dive into more non-fictional reads. Thanks for sharing!
It is such a fascinating read and one book worth checking out
It truly sounds like an awesome book to read. The interesting part about the book is it’s written format. Diary entry type books are super engaging in my opinion.
It is such an interesting book to read