Winthrop Packard
The Young Ice Whalers
"The Young Ice Whalers" by Winthrop Packard is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Harry Desmond, a seventeen-year-old boy who faces a significant shift in his life plans due to his family's financial troubles. Instead of pursuing his education, Harry decides to join a whaling expedition in the Arctic, where he hopes to gain experience and assist his father in restoring their fortunes. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Harry Desmond, who learns that his father can no longer afford his education. Expressing a desire to support his family, Harry considers taking a clerkship in his father's office but is soon presented with an exciting opportunity: to join a whaling crew led by Captain Nickerson. After a series of events depicting Harry's upbringing and his relationship with his friend Maisie, he ultimately embarks on a journey filled with adventure, danger, and the promise of personal growth in the harsh and captivating world of Arctic whaling. The opening sets the stage for Harry's transformation from a carefree boy to a dedicated young man ready to face the challenges ahead.