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paul_cornelius's review against another edition
5.0
Concluding his novels was never among Hammond Innes' greatest strengths. Too often, he simply provided a summary resolution with a bit too much happiness and no lasting edge to them. That is usually alright, however, because it's the process in reading an Innes novel that rewards the reader, not the conclusion. Yet it's a pity in the case of The White South. But for the cheery, upbeat ending that is out of synch with the rest of the book, Innes was on the verge of completing a work of literature, instead of mere fiction. Again, a pity. But for a still struggling author trying to make a paying career out of his writing, which Innes was at the time, it's understandable.
Innes did have talent. Serious talent. And it's on display, here. I've never thought I could care much for a story set in the Antarctic. But Innes proved me wrong. Usually, I prefer adventure stories set in the South Seas, South East Asia, South America, or the deserts of North Africa. But it's because I like the latter of those places that I became drawn to The White South. Why? Because Innes creates a desert landscape in that frozen land. In place of desert thirst and a burning sun, there is starvation and brutal cold. Still, the key to survival in both Antarctica and the great deserts is the same--endurance, intelligence, commitment, and luck. And so it will be with Duncan Craig in this story. Had but the author made a more Conradian solution to his ending, it would have been so much better.
Innes did have talent. Serious talent. And it's on display, here. I've never thought I could care much for a story set in the Antarctic. But Innes proved me wrong. Usually, I prefer adventure stories set in the South Seas, South East Asia, South America, or the deserts of North Africa. But it's because I like the latter of those places that I became drawn to The White South. Why? Because Innes creates a desert landscape in that frozen land. In place of desert thirst and a burning sun, there is starvation and brutal cold. Still, the key to survival in both Antarctica and the great deserts is the same--endurance, intelligence, commitment, and luck. And so it will be with Duncan Craig in this story. Had but the author made a more Conradian solution to his ending, it would have been so much better.
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