- Three Day Road” by Joseph Boyden: Although not specifically set in Nunavut, this novel follows the story of two Cree soldiers during World War I and delves into the connections between the Canadian North and its indigenous peoples.
- “Sea Runners” by Ivan Doig: A historical fiction novel set in the mid-19th century, it tells the tale of four Scandinavian indentured servants who escape their cruel employer by paddling through the Arctic waters, exploring the harsh environment many Inuit would have encountered.
- “The Right to Be Cold” by Sheila Watt-Cloutier: Though not a fictional novel, this non-fiction work by an Inuk activist sheds light on environmental issues affecting the Arctic and the impacts on Inuit communities.
- “Obasan” by Joy Kogawa: This award-winning novel focuses on the experiences of a Japanese-Canadian woman, exploring themes of identity, racism, and resilience. While predominantly set in British Columbia, it touches on the Canadian government’s internment of Japanese-Canadians during World War II, which also affected some Inuit people.
- “Ragged Company” by Richard Wagamese: While not set directly in Nunavut, this novel by a renowned Indigenous author follows the lives of four homeless individuals in Vancouver. It addresses themes of displacement and the struggles faced by marginalized communities across Canada, including some indigenous groups.
- “Kiss of the Fur Queen” by Tomson Highway: This novel provides a fictional account of two brothers from a remote Northern Manitoba Cree community who are taken away to a residential school. It touches on the impact of colonisation and cultural preservation, themes relevant to many indigenous communities in the Arctic.
- “The Birthday Lunch” by Joan Clark: Although not set exclusively in Nunavut, this novel by a notable Canadian author includes a storyline about a group of women who travel to an Arctic mining camp. It explores themes of friendship and personal growth, providing glimpses of life in the North.
- “Late Nights on Air” by Elizabeth Hay: This novel is set in the wilderness of the Northwest Territories, near Nunavut’s border, and follows the lives of a group of radio broadcasters and technicians. The book provides glimpses into the landscape and the challenges posed by the remote northern environments.
- “The Snow Leopard” by Peter Matthiessen: While not set in Nunavut specifically, this highly regarded travelogue takes readers on a journey through the Himalayas. It delves into themes of spirituality, the wild, and our connection with nature, which may resonate with the vast landscapes and isolation often associated with the Arctic.
- “The Lost Patrol” by Dick North: A historical non-fiction work, this book recounts the ill-fated 1913 Royal Northwest Mounted Police patrol across the Arctic that vanished without a trace. It sheds light on the challenging conditions faced by explorers in the North and the risks they encountered.
WANDERLIST: Ten famous novels set in Canada’s Nunavut
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