Byron's Reviews > Reflections from the North Country

One thing I didn't get from Olson's previous books (it's been quite a while since I read them) was what a strong personality he was. I know from living in Minnesota in the late 1970's and 80's that he really stirred things up in the Ely area and he took a lot of verbal abuse. In this book he more than once refers to facing up to challenges as a part of the maturing process. I think he meant more than just daring to run rapids.