The Cannibal

This traditional story is retold by Louise Flaherty and Solomon Awa, giving life to an ancient story for new generations to enjoy.

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.

Based on an Inuit traditional story passed down orally for generations, The Cannibal tells the horrific tale of a family experiencing starvation when the animals they rely on for survival disappear. While the wife stays alive by eating plants she gathers daily, the husband does the unthinkable, resorting to murder and cannibalism. Horrified, and terrified for her life, the wife eventually finds herself alone in camp with her husband. She knows what will happen to her if she does not find a way to escape. Hatching a plan, the exhausted wife embarks on the journey with her murderous husband in pursuit. After safely arriving at a nearby camp, she shares the story of what has become of her camp, and her own children. Soon the husband arrives, and the camp must decide how to deal with the cannibal. Both horrific and poignant, this cautionary traditional story provides a window into the at times harsh realities of traditional life.

• | Author: Louise Flaherty, Raphael Ter-Stephanov, Solomon Awa
• | Publisher: Inhabit Media Inc
• | Publication Date: May 28, 2024
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Paperback / softback
• | ISBN-13: 9781772274813
• | ISBN-10: 177227481X