THE COUNTRY OF WOLVES

A graphic-novel rendition of an Inuit folk tale tells of two brothers who cross into another world and the lengths to which one goes to get back home.

When food becomes scarce, two brothers journey out to hunt and find themselves lost and adrift upon the sea. The younger brother questions their fate, and the older assures him, “I will get us home! I will see my wife again.” Arriving in a strange village, they split up to find its inhabitants. The older brother happens upon an old woman who warns him that he is in “the country of wolves,” where “hu-mans” are “not safe.” Thanks to the advice she gives him, he narrowly escapes from the Country of Wolves back to his home and his wife, as he had sworn—only without his brother. While intriguing, this richly drawn offering treads a bit too lightly over some aspects of Inuit culture for those who do not share it. There is no glossary of Inuit words, for instance, to help non-Inuit readers understand and contextualize their meanings. Christopher tells readers that “ancient tales tell of magical events that happened before the modern world invaded the hidden places”; however, some additional material explaining this tale’s particular significance may help modern audiences, particularly those not of the culture, relate. A DVD with an animated version is also included and is not to be missed.

Dark, sparse and compelling.