Born in a place she never lived, it set the course for Norma Budden's life. Spending her first few months on the eastern shores of the Hudson Bay, she went on to spend her childhood living in southern Quebec, then Newfoundland and Labrador. Never forming roots in one place for more than five years, she was no stranger to making friends, only to leave each one behind.
Saying goodbye so many times has had a lasting impact upon Budden. She shares her feelings on the subject but also introduces her readers to several people who have shaped her life in positive ways.
Having spent over 26 years on the western shores of the Hudson Bay, at the time of writing, Budden resided in Arviat, Nunavut – a remote community located above the treeline – a place she called home for many years.
Arctic Child shares thoughts and experiences from Budden's life – from her perceptions as a child, parent, writer, and traveller and, if you know Budden personally, you'll feel like she is telling you a story. Though she shares her innermost thoughts about a storm she wasn't sure she would survive, Budden also paints a picture of how wondrous it is living north of 60 during the warmer months of the year.
"Although Norma is my friend of several years, I learned a little more about her by reading this autobiography. We are 29 years apart in age, grew up totally different, yet became such close friends online, then in person. So many of the sights and things that I take as just everyday are inspiring to Norma...this autobiography was a kind of awakening to me, as I have never lived in the Arctic. We take it
so for granted here in the United States when we can drive most any place we need or want to go. We have many places to shop, eat and go for entertainment. I have so many trees around my house; Norma has no trees. She loves my trees and lots of other trees, streams, sand, rocks and water. Norma loves nature and enjoys traveling so much; I now understand why...I recommend Arctic Child to get a nice insight into who this author is and how she thinks. Your attention will be held as Norma invites you along to meet some of the friends in her life. I also recommend all her other books. Once you start reading them you will be just like me and want the next one right away." - Dee Fleischman, Amazon