53 pages 1 hour read

Farley Mowat

Lost In The Barrens

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1956

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Before You Read

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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 The book uses outdated and offensive language to describe Indigenous and First Nations peoples.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

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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 this

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.

Recommended

Reading Age

12-16years

Book Details

Genre

Action / Adventure

Historical Fiction

Survival Fiction

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Identity: Indigenous

Natural World: Environment

Topics

Education