The Lure of the North

"The Lure of the North" by Harold Bindloss is a tale set in the early 1900s, following the journey of Jim Thirlwell, a youthful engineer wrestling with conflicting desires for a comfortable life and the demanding call of the Canadian wilderness as he faces personal goals, family expectations, and budding romances against the raw beauty and unforgiving nature of the North. At the novel's start, Thirlwell is found in Quebec, contemplating the differences between his past in the wilds of North Ontario and the expectations of society and he's presented with a tempting job that could bring hm back to England. Despite this opportunity, he feels drawn to his responsibilities in the North, showing a strong sense of duty passed down from his father, and this inner struggle shapes his growing character and the relationships he builds as he stays true to his obligations in unchartered regions. The initial chapters create a rich scene of themes like determination, selflessness, and the quest for self-discovery, inviting readers into Thirlwell's adventure.