Have you ever dreamed of living somewhere truly extraordinary? In Above the Arctic, Cecilia Blomdahl invites you to experience the breathtaking reality of calling Svalbard home—the world's northernmost settlement, nestled deep in the Arctic Ocean near the North Pole.
Imagine a place where winter darkness lasts for months, where polar bears wander freely through town, and where the northern lights dance across the sky with spectacular intensity. This isn't a fictional setting—it's the daily reality for Cecilia and her partner Christoffer, who have made their home in Longyearbyen since 2015. Through evocative storytelling and stunning photography, Cecilia takes readers on a journey through the challenges and rewards of adapting to one of Earth's most extreme environments.
This isn't just a book about visiting an exotic location—it's a deeply personal account of what it takes to truly belong somewhere so remote and inhospitable. Cecilia shares the intimate details of her first polar night, the gradual return of sunlight after months of darkness, and the simple joys that make life meaningful in a place where everyday conveniences don't exist. Her relationship with her dog Grim adds warmth and humor to the narrative, showing how even the smallest connections matter in such a vast landscape.
While Svalbard may seem like the opposite of most people's daily lives, Life on Svalbard offers universal insights about finding home wherever you are. Whether you're dreaming of adventure or simply curious about what drives people to seek out extreme environments, this memoir will make you see your own surroundings with fresh eyes. It's a reminder that home isn't just a place—it's the meaning we create within it.
Perfect for armchair travelers, adventure seekers, or anyone who appreciates stories about human resilience and connection to place.
