OVERCOMING BEARS is a story about the exhilaration of living in nature's remote places, the generosity and wisdom of some of North America's forgotten people, the horror of war and ultimately, how love and remorse can lead to insight.

It maps a poignant tale of joy and pain, beginning in the 1880s in Denmark as the cold tightens its hold, and Eric Nielsen, a farm hand, signs on as a crew member on a herring fishing boat.

Awakening after a fierce storm, Eric finds himself alone on the boat in a vast ocean. Weeks later, with food and water supplies depleted, the boat runs aground.