This story portrays life in Canada's arctic in the 1930s and 40s. It is a time when southern ways are becoming more common in the North, with the resulting new diseases, lifestyles and values. The author has done a good job of showing how Inuit society was affected by traders, missionaries and others "from away".

This is also the story of a young woman, Ashoona. Her Inuit mother has died and her Scottish father has abandoned her. She is raised by an unloving aunt, and sold into marriage with a much older, violent man (Qillaq). But, Ashoona has strength and intelligence. As the story opens, she is escaping from Qillaq. The novel traces the next decdade of Ashoona's life as she makes a way for herself in the changing times she lives in.

An interesting story, generally well-written although some of the dialogue seemed a bit forced at times. ( )