Published in 1854 but written about her 1839 journey, Voyage d'une femme au Spitzberg is Léonie d'Aunet's first-hand account of a journey few women of her time—or any time—would dare to make. At nineteen, she accompanied her husband, the painter François-Auguste Biard, on a French government-sponsored expedition to the Arctic.

The Story

The book follows the expedition from its departure from France, through the treacherous North Sea, to their arrival at the stark, magnificent landscapes of Spitzberg. D'Aunet documents everything: the punishing cold that cracks skin and freezes ink, the eerie beauty of the midnight sun, and encounters with walruses and polar bears. But the real story unfolds on the ship and in the makeshift camps. She paints a vivid picture of daily life among the crew, the challenges of securing fresh water from icebergs, and the strange social dynamics of being the sole woman in a frozen, male world. Her narrative is a mix of scientific curiosity, artistic description, and keen social observation.

Why You Should Read It

You should read this because Léonie's voice is a revelation. She's not a stuffy academic; she's a sharp, funny, and incredibly brave young woman who happened to keep a brilliant diary. Her writing makes you feel the crunch of ice underfoot and the awe of seeing a landscape untouched by humans. What got me was her resilience. She faced physical hardship and casual sexism with equal parts grace and a sly wit. She doesn't lecture you about her place in history; she simply shows you what she saw and how she felt, which makes her accomplishments even more powerful. It reframes the entire idea of 19th-century exploration, reminding us that women were there, too, observing and enduring.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone who loves real-life adventure, forgotten histories, or strong, clear voices from the past. If you enjoyed the travel writing of someone like Robert Macfarlane or the historical rediscovery of a figure like Dervla Murphy, you'll find a kindred spirit in Léonie d'Aunet. It's a brisk, captivating read that proves the most thrilling expeditions aren't just about conquering geography, but about navigating the world on your own terms.