The Cannibal by Solomon Awa and Louise Flaherty is a stark and compelling novel centred on an Inuit family facing extreme survival challenges in the Arctic. When the family’s father, driven by desperation, begins to resort to cannibalism to stay alive, the story delves into harrowing themes of survival, morality, and the impact of isolation on human behaviour. This topic is suitable for an older audience, not younger students.

The Cannibal offers a rich narrative for exploring complex moral questions and the effects of extreme conditions on human ethics and family dynamics. The novel supports critical discussions on survival instincts, the cultural implications of extreme situations, and the resilience of the human spirit. It also examines life in the Arctic and the challenges of survival that many encounter. It encourages students to analyze character motivations and ethical dilemmas, aligning with learning objectives that emphasize literary analysis, cultural understanding, and the exploration of human experiences through literature.

Cautions / Content Warnings: Deals with cannibalism
Other End Matter: Glossary of terms
Images: Colour illustrations
Contributor Affiliation: Authors Solomon Awa (Inuit) & Louise Flaherty (Inuit), Illustrator Raphael Ter-Stephanov
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Evaluator: David D., Indigenous Educator & Administrator, Indigenous Books for Schools

Louise Flaherty grew up in Clyde River, Nunavut. Early on, Louise was fortunate to be surrounded by great storytellers. Her grandparents instilled in her a passion for Inuktitut, and an understanding that speaking Inuktitut is a fundamental part of Inuit identity. In 2005, Louise co-founded Inhabit Media Inc., an independent publishing house dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Inuit knowledge and values, and the Inuktitut language. Inhabit Media has since published dozens of books and Inuktitut resources that are used in classrooms throughout Nunavut.

Louise Flaherty's profile page

Solomon Awa was born in a sod house near Iglulik on November 2, 1959. From a young age, he was curious about everything around him. He learned to sew traditional items such as sealskins from his late mother, Appia Awa. His late father, Mathias Awa, was an excellent carver, especially with ivory, and one time he made a harpoon from caribou antlers in one night! Solomon learned to carve from him. Solomon loves to tell the stories that he learned from his father. He does this at schools, and also had the opportunity to go to Kaotokeno, Norway, to tell some of these stories. He teaches traditional knowledge at Nunavut Arctic College and works for the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.

Solomon Awa's profile page

Raphael Ter-Stephanov's profile page

The Cannibal offers a rich narrative for exploring complex moral questions and the effects of extreme conditions on human ethics and family dynamics. The novel supports critical discussions on survival instincts, the cultural implications of extreme situations, and the resilience of the human spirit. It also examines life in the Arctic and the challenges of survival that many encounter. It encourages students to analyze character motivations and ethical dilemmas, aligning with learning objectives that emphasize literary analysis, cultural understanding, and the exploration of human experiences through literature.

David D., Indigenous Educator & Administrator, Indigenous Books for Schools