Northern Lights, Volume 4.

"Northern Lights, Volume 4" by Gilbert Parker is a compilation of stories set in the Canadian North during the late 1800s, which explores themes of perseverance, belief, and the connection between society and untamed environments. "A Man, A Famine, and A Heathen Boy," the the opening story, tells of William Rufus Holly, an unmotivated but educated man, who decides to become a missionary in the tough lands of Athabasca. The narrative begins introducing the audience to the hardships and beauty of Athabasca, a region of intense winters and bright summers. Holly, also known as "Sleeping Beauty", makes the journey north, hoping to transform his life of ease. When Holly arrives, the local Athabasca Indians are doubtful of him, especially as he tries to establish his role as a missionary. Things change quickly when Holly risks his own life to rescue a drowning boy, winning him acceptance and beginning his work to serve the community. This event highlights themes of redemption, strength, and the conflicts between different cultures.