I picked up 'David goes to Greenland' expecting a dusty old travelogue, but what I got was something much more immediate. Putnam wrote this when he was just nineteen, and that youthful energy crackles on every page. It's not a polished, academic study. It's a diary from the edge of the world.

The Story

The book follows Putnam's year-long journey in the late 1920s. He travels by steamship and eventually by dog sled, immersing himself in the daily life of Inuit hunters and their families. There's no single, dramatic plot twist. Instead, the story unfolds in moments: learning to handle a dog team in a white-out blizzard, sharing a seal hunt on the thinning spring ice, and spending long nights in crowded igloos, listening to stories and laughter in a language he's slowly piecing together. He acts as a photographer and assistant to more established explorers, but his real mission seems to be pure, unfiltered experience. The narrative is a chain of these vivid, sometimes shocking, always fascinating encounters with a culture in perfect sync with an unforgiving environment.

Why You Should Read It

You should read it because it feels honest. Putnam doesn't paint himself as a hero. He's often cold, confused, and in over his head. His admiration for the skills and resilience of the Inuit people is genuine and humbling. The book's power comes from its simplicity. He shows you the Arctic through the eyes of a curious kid, not a scientist. You feel the bone-deep chill, the awe of the northern lights, and the stark beauty of a landscape defined by ice and sky. It’s a powerful reminder of a time when 'exploration' could mean showing up, paying attention, and letting a place change you.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone who loves armchair adventure, real-life history, or stories about cross-cultural connection. If you enjoyed the firsthand accounts in books like 'The Endurance' or the curious spirit of John Muir's writings, you'll find a kindred spirit in young David Putnam. It's a slim, fast read that transports you completely. Just make sure you have a warm blanket handy—you'll feel the Arctic cold coming right off the page.