53 pages • 1 hour read
Farley MowatLost In The Barrens
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1956A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Lost in the Barrens by Farley Mowat follows Jamie Macnair, a Toronto boarding school student, who joins his uncle Angus in the remote wilderness of northern Canada. Jamie befriends a Cree boy, Awasin, and together they embark on a journey to help a starving Denésuliné camp. Stranded in the Barrens, they must use their survival skills to endure the harsh winter and eventually find safety with the help of an Inuit boy named Peetyuk. The book uses outdated and offensive language to describe Indigenous and First Nations peoples.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Lost In The Barrens by Farley Mowat draws acclaim for its vivid descriptions of the Canadian wilderness and its engaging tale of survival and friendship. While some readers feel the pacing is slow at times, the relatable characters and rich detail compensate. Overall, it's praised for its adventure and educational value.
Who Should Read Lost In The Barrens?
Readers who would enjoy Lost In The Barrens by Farley Mowat are typically young adults and adventure enthusiasts who appreciate survival stories in the vein of Gary Paulsen's Hatchet. Fans of rich, naturalistic settings and tales of resilience will find this novel captivating and inspiring.