The Greenlanders summary

The Harsh Realities of Life in Greenland

In The Greenlanders by Jane Smiley, we are transported to the harsh and unforgiving environment of fourteenth-century Greenland. The story revolves around the lives of an Icelandic family, the Gunnarssons, who have settled in Greenland. The Gunnarssons, led by their patriarch Asgeir, are determined to make a living in this harsh land, where the weather, the shortage of food, and the ever-present threat of conflict with the Inuit people make life difficult.

The novel begins with the marriage of Asgeir's daughter, Katla, to a man named Arnkel, and the birth of their son, Svan. The family's fortunes seem to be improving, but they are soon shattered by a series of disasters. Famine, plague, and the harsh climate take their toll, and the family is forced to make difficult choices to survive.

Struggles and Survival

Asgeir's son, Gunnar, is the novel's central character. He is a bright, curious young man who is deeply interested in the world around him. He becomes a merchant and travels to Norway, where he learns about the outside world and the opportunities it might offer. However, his return to Greenland brings him face to face with the reality of his homeland's decline.

Gunnar's personal life is marked by tragedy. His first wife dies in childbirth, and his second marriage is marred by his wife's infidelity. Despite these personal setbacks, Gunnar remains determined to improve his family's fortunes. He undertakes a dangerous journey to Norway to secure a better future for his children, only to find that his homeland has been abandoned by the outside world.

The Decline of Greenland

As the novel progresses, we witness the gradual decline of the Greenland settlements. The climate becomes even harsher, the resources scarcer, and the relationship between the settlers and the Inuit more violent. The Norse way of life, with its dependence on farming and livestock, becomes increasingly unsustainable in this hostile environment.

Despite these challenges, the Gunnarsson family continues to fight for survival. Gunnar's children, Svan and Margret, each in their own way, try to find their place in this dying society. Svan, following his father's footsteps, becomes a merchant, while Margret, a strong-willed and independent woman, defies societal expectations and seeks her own path.

The End of an Era

In the end, The Greenlanders paints a poignant picture of an isolated society struggling to survive in a hostile environment. The novel ends with the ultimate abandonment of the Greenland settlements, leaving the Gunnarsson family and their fellow settlers to face an uncertain fate.

In conclusion, The Greenlanders is a powerful and evocative portrayal of a little-known chapter in history. Jane Smiley's meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring to life the harsh realities of life in medieval Greenland and the resilience of its people. The novel is a reminder of the fragility of human civilization and the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.