Michel the Giant

Michel the Giant by Tété-Michel Kpomassie is an extraordinary travel memoir that recounts the gripping ten-year expedition of one man's journey from a small village in West Africa to the remote and icy expanse of the Arctic Circle. This rare gem of travel writing has inspired generations and offers an unparalleled view into the life-changing adventure of Tété-Michel Kpomassie.

Growing up in the sweltering heat of 1950s Togo, West Africa, young Kpomassie was accustomed to a landscape marked by fertile soil and the lurking danger of treacherous snakes. One fateful day, he stumbled upon a book about Greenland, a mysterious land of snow, icebergs, and dramatic landscapes. Entranced by the stark contrast to his own environment, he became obsessed with the idea of travelling to this distant, frozen country.

Driven by a sense of boundless adventure and curiosity, Kpomassie embarked on an odyssey that took him from the familiar warmth of the Equator to the unforgiving cold of the Arctic. In Michel the Giant, he invites readers to accompany him on this incredible journey, as he encounters new cultures, environments, and challenges. He learns to adapt to the Inuit way of life, embracing their foods, traditions, and customs, while forming deep connections with people who inhabit a world so different from his own.

This richly immersive narrative is more than just a travel diary; it is a vivid account of one man's determination to bridge the gap between disparate cultures and landscapes. Part memoir, part anthropological observation, Michel the Giant offers nuanced reflections on themes of community, belonging, and the impacts of colonisation. With its warm and captivating storytelling, the book teems with insightful and often profound observations.

First published in 1981 and later translated into nine languages, Michel the Giant has garnered critical acclaim for its unique perspective and beautifully crafted prose. This English translation by James Kirkup, initially published under the title An African in Greenland, brings Kpomassie's enthralling experiences to a broader audience, providing a rare viewpoint in the realm of travel literature—a West African perspective exploring the connection between disparate worlds.

Whether you are an avid traveller, an anthropologist, or simply a lover of profound personal journeys, Michel the Giant offers a truly transformative reading experience that echoes the indomitable spirit of human curiosity and resilience.