Only Barely Still

In 'Only Barely Still', Catherine Lemblé focuses on Svalbard, often cast by outsiders as a remote, rugged outpost where only the toughest men survive. In the historical record shaped by early exploration, women are largely absent, appearing only as rare exceptions or companions. At the same time, Western imagination has repeatedly feminised the polar landscape as “virgin” and “barren” – a passive body to be conquered, tamed, or protected. 'Only Barely Still' works in the space between these misconceptions, and offers a quiet counter-narrative that centres female presence and perspective. The book also includes a chapter of historical images of women on Svalbard from the archives of the Norwegian Polar Institute, and an essay by Abi Andrews.