43 pages • 1 hour read
Gary PaulsenNorthwind
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2022A 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
Northwind by Gary Paulsen follows an orphan named Leif, who navigates the treacherous wilderness after a disease outbreak leaves him the only survivor of a marooned fish camp. Living in a Norse village, Leif endures enslavement and hardship until he's set adrift on a canoe. He learns survival skills, honors lost loved ones, and seeks a harmonious life in nature. This novel includes depictions of child abuse, child death, and mention of suicidal thoughts.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Gary Paulsen's Northwind has been praised for its vivid descriptions and evocative portrayal of nature. Readers appreciate the immersive narrative and strong thematic focus on survival and resilience. However, some critics feel the pacing can be slow at times. Overall, it captures Paulsen's hallmark ability to engage with thrilling and introspective storytelling.
Who Should Read Northwind?
Readers who relish survival tales and profound nature adventures will be captivated by Gary Paulsen’s Northwind. Comparable to Paulsen’s Hatchet and Jean Craighead George’s My Side of the Mountain, this novel appeals to those intrigued by rugged wilderness, self-discovery, and resilience against the elements.