Eskimo Diary

The book is widely praised as a charming and beautiful object, offering a unique glimpse into a past era in Greenland. Presented as a young person's self-illustrated diary from the late 1950s and early 1960s, it features autobiographical entries on one page complemented by the author's colored pencil illustrations and handwritten text facsimile on the facing page. Reviewers appreciate the dry, direct prose that vividly describes the daily life of a Greenlandic family reliant on hunting and fishing for survival. The superb, simple, and technically naive illustrations are highlighted as a major strength, enhancing the narrative. The book is also noted for providing access to an almost extinct way of life and for subtly depicting the author's growing awareness of how technology dramatically alters their traditional world.

While generally well-received, one potential point of contention for some readers is the book's candid portrayal of hunting and fishing. The straightforward descriptions of successful catches and the enumeration of animals like geese, seals, whales, and reindeer might be perceived as challenging or even "curiously obscene" by those with contemporary urban sensibilities or strong modern animal welfare perspectives. This aspect is less a criticism of the book's quality and more an acknowledgment that its authentic depiction of a traditional lifestyle may contrast sharply with certain modern viewpoints.

Overall, this book is regarded as a unique and insightful document, providing an authentic window into a specific time and place. It comes highly recommended for readers interested in historical ethnographic accounts, traditional indigenous ways of life, and the early impacts of technological change on remote cultures. Those who appreciate distinctive book formats, simple yet evocative illustrations, and are open to perspectives that might differ from modern urban sensitivities will find this diary a compelling and valuable read.