Dark Matter by Michelle Paver

Jack Miller is a troubled middle class man, down on his luck, caught in a depressing circle of work and poverty – a man desperate to find his true value in life. To do so he has to travel to the remote and desolate bay they call Gruhuken.

Available to buy from Amazon & The Book Depository

Gruhuken is a fictional bay, set for the purposes of this story just north of Longyearbyen in the Svalbard region. Longyearbyen does exist and just happens to be one of the world’s northernmost towns with a population today of a little over 2000 residents.

Dark Matter by Michelle Paver is one of those books that grips you from the beginning. I immediately had an affinity with Jack, the lead character, and it is through Jack’s journal we learn the fate of the 1937 expedition to the Arctic. He has an enduring quality that effortlessly draws you in to his world, both physically and mentally.

Jack is a loner, he has been on his own for seven long years but when he is given the chance to travel on the Arctic expedition as a wireless operator, he seizes the opportunity with gusto. Initially he feels out of his depth. He is a solitary figure, despite being surrounded by four team mates, the crew of the Isbjorn and her enigmatic skipper Mr Eriksson.

Fate plays her part and two men hesitantly pull out, one through injury and the other following a bereavement which leaves Gus, Algie and Jack to ensure the expedition succeeds. As they sail closer to Gruhuken, Mr Erikkson informs the trio that he will not drop them off in the bay. He is scared, but what is there to be scared of?

When Jack convinces the skipper to drop them off where they had agreed the real journey begins. Take a look at the trailer for Michelle Paver’s Dark Mater:A Ghost Story:

The narrative is both wonderful and atmospheric and there is a clear change of pace when daylight fades, replaced by a permanent and terrifying darkness. The story steps up a gear, inviting the reader to learn more about Jack’s growing concerns, the harrowing conditions, loneliness and his inevitable torment.

His relationships with the huskies is an interesting one, the character begins his journey with a “healthy” dislike of the dogs and can’t imagine ever getting close to the animals. Slowly but surely his perception changes and he develops a close relationship with the dogs.

Fear and doubt are two very real emotions and Jack has them in abundance. Smothered by darkness his imagination runs riot, he hears voices; he sees shadows – unsettled by the bleak conditions, he is determined to succeed. As much as “Dark Matter” is a chilling ghost story, I found it to be one of self-discovery.

A delight to read, Paver captures the harsh realities of the Arctic with ease. Survival and discovery the key ingredients to a chilling tale found in abundance. Most certainly recommended.

Published by Orion, the book is available to buy from Amazon & Waterstones.