Luke Healy's Debut Graphic Novel Blends Arctic Exploration and Midlife Crisis
Luke Healy's debut graphic novel "Come sopravvivere nel grande nord" (How to Survive in the Great North) has been published in Italy by Coconino Press. The story follows Sullivan Barnaby, a Canadian university professor suspended for a relationship with a student, who discovers that his office was once occupied by real-life Arctic explorer Vilhjalmur Stefansson. Stefansson controversially believed humans could survive extreme cold by exploiting resources under the ice, leading to disastrous expeditions in 1913 and 1922. Healy interweaves Barnaby's personal crisis with the explorer's failed missions, featuring historical figures like Captain Bartlett and Inuit woman Ada Blackjack. The book blends fiction and reality, focusing on the emotional turmoil of characters rather than adventure. Published by Coconino Press Fandango in Bologna, 200 pages, €20.
Key facts
- Luke Healy's debut graphic novel is titled 'Come sopravvivere nel grande nord'.
- The book is published in Italy by Coconino Press Fandango.
- Protagonist Sullivan Barnaby is a Canadian professor suspended for a relationship with a student.
- Barnaby's office was previously occupied by explorer Vilhjalmur Stefansson.
- Stefansson led Arctic expeditions in 1913 and 1922 that ended in disaster.
- Historical figures include Captain Bartlett and Ada Blackjack.
- The novel mixes real events with fictional narrative.
- The book costs €20 and has 200 pages.
Entities
Artists
- Luke Healy
Institutions
- Coconino Press
- Coconino Press Fandango
- Fandango
Locations
- Italy
- Bologna
- Canada
- Arctic
- Polo Nord