“Life on the Edge of the Arctic Ocean” by Teena Helmericks

Life on the Edge of the Arctic Ocean

Teena Helmericks
Fathom Publishing Co.
ISBN: 978-1954896246
Reviewed by Leslie Anne Smith for Reader Views (01/2024)

“Life on the Edge of the Arctic Ocean” is the memoir of Teena Helmericks, a frontier woman with a great sense of humor and wonder for the natural world around her. She explores her long and fascinating life, covering everything from her birth to her life now. This over 60-year epic has bear sightings, snowstorms, and tender family moments all wrapped into one wonderful reflection. Helmericks’ stories are easy to follow and have the sensation of your very cool Auntie’s stories told at the family get-together.

While the book follows the author’s life chronologically, there is also an episodic nature to the storytelling. Almost every page includes a few pictures from Helmericks’ life, adding depth to the story and grounding the reader in the fantastic sights being described. The effect is more like a visual diary versus traditional memoir, which suits Helmericks’ narrative style and unconventional life.

The author’s story starts with her birth, and her family’s move to Utqiagvik in the Northern most part of Alaska. The book covers a wide breadth of her experiences, including a childhood fight with polio, carving out a life in the Colville River Delta, and homeschooling her four sons. This memoir seems to have it all. There are several adventure tales and anecdotes on life alongside Helmericks’ wilderness expertise. Included in the memoir as well is a glossary of Iñupiat words used throughout the book and an index for quick reference. My favorite part of this story was getting to see Helmericks’ relationship with her Iñupiat friends growing up and how her family integrated themselves into the community.

This memoir is a long-flowing story of an incredible life. It showcases the resilience and optimism of an amazing woman and will be a favorite for readers who love stories about unconventional people and frontier living. The ‘round-the-kitchen-table-style retelling of her life story allows Helmericks to really connect with readers, creating a connection through the page and endearing herself and her family quickly. A fantastic choice for your next read!