This is one of the best books I’m currently reading. To be honest, it has even inspired me to consider moving to a remote place—maybe when I retire or even earlier.
Svalbard is a remote Arctic archipelago located between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Known for its extreme conditions, it experiences polar night from late October to mid-February, when the sun never rises, and the midnight sun from April to August, with continuous daylight. The landscape is rugged and icy, with towering mountains, glaciers, and vast tundras. Despite its harsh climate, Svalbard is home to diverse wildlife, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, and reindeer. Its small, isolated communities, particularly in Longyearbyen, offer a unique blend of solitude, resilience, and natural beauty.
Svalbard experiences extreme light cycles:
■ From April to August, the sun never sets (Midnight Sun).
■ From October to February, the sun doesn’t rise at all (Polar Night), plunging the area into continuous darkness.
"Life on Svalbard: Finding Home on a Remote Island Near the North Pole" is a memoir by Cecilia Blomdahl, who has lived in Longyearbyen, Svalbard—the world's northernmost town—since 2015. In the book, she shares her experiences of adapting to life in this remote Arctic archipelago, known for its stunning wintry landscapes, endangered Arctic animals, and awe-inspiring natural phenomena.
Blomdahl's narrative begins during the polar night, a period of complete darkness lasting several months, and follows her journey as sunlight gradually returns. Through personal stories and evocative photography, she details the joys and challenges of living in an inhospitable climate, offering insights for anyone seeking to thrive in unusual living conditions.
Accompanied by her partner, Christoffer, and her dog, Grim, Blomdahl provides firsthand advice on adjusting to life at the top of the world, where polar bears roam free and the northern lights shine bright. Her story offers a deeper understanding of why people choose to live in extreme environments and encourages readers to find the hidden magic in their own surroundings.
Here are the some astonishing images shared by the author. You're going to love them!