A boy's-eye view of the Arctic

"A Boy's-Eye View of the Arctic" by Kennett Longley Rawson is a captivating memoir that recounts the incredible journey of a young boy who finds himself aboard the ship "Bowdoin" as part of an Arctic expedition led by Commander Donald MacMillan. Through the eyes of this fourteen-year-old cabin boy, readers experience the thrill of discovering new Arctic landscapes, steeped with the history and daring feats of previous explorers. The memoir begins by painting a picture of the boy’s ordinary life and the pivotal moment when he receives the extraordinary invitation to join the expedition, describing the excitement he felt, the flurry of preparations, and the bond he created with the ship's crew. The book masterfully sets the scene for the challenges that await him, contrasting his initial dreams of adventure with the demanding realities of life at sea and the hard work required during their Arctic voyage.