Night of the Black Frost

My monthly review of an Arthur Catherall book continues. I've become quite fond of the British author and his nautical adventure fiction that was originally catered for the young adult market. I've covered his books HERE and featured the author's literary work and author on a podcast episode HERE. I continue my examination and enjoyment with the author's Night of the Black Frost. The book was published in both England (J.M. Dent) and America ((Lothrop, Lee, & Shepard Co.) in 1968. 

Norwegian young adult Leif has just graduated high school and is in that life-lull deciding how to spend his time prior to college. His friends convince him to tour Europe for months, but Leif's father has another plan. He'll support and pay Leif's way to northwest to the Barents Sea, a frigid wasteland of ice between the Arctic Ocean and Russia. He convinces Leif to spend a few weeks with his uncles, Peder and Jan, on their commercial fishing expeditions. Leif, longing for adventure and maturity, accepts.

Onboard his uncle's fishing trawler, Leif experiences a harrowing two-day adventure. His Uncle Peder is hesitant about Leif's participation in the dangerous fishing expedition. Uncle Jan is a bit more patient and understanding. For Leif, his endurance and stamina is tested when two Russian pilots plunge into the frosty ocean in an accident. When Peder and Jan attempt a rescue they become lost at sea. It is up to Leif to run the trawler, make a rescue of his uncles and the pilots, while enduring a black frost (when fog turns to ice). 

This 166-page book was a short perfect example of what Catherall does so well – nautical adventure storytelling that features ordinary young people facing life-threatening adult decisions that accelerates their maturity and personal growth. As I always preach in these reviews, throw out the stigma of young adult. The book has an intense survival element with some gritty life choices including possible amputation of a leg, frostbite, hypothermia, and a very personal conflict facing one of the Russian pilots. There's turmoil and intrigue involving the Russian government and their interaction with these Norwegian fishermen. 

Night of the Black Frost is a fantastic adventure that showcases everything I love about this captivating author. If you like books in the style of Hammond Innes (The White South comes to mind) then look no further than this must-read. Highly recommended.