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A review by tessa_talks_books
Breathless by Amy McCulloch
4.0
What’s it about (in a nutshell):
Breathless by Amy McCulloch is the story of journalist Cecily Wong’s hike to the top of one of the tallest mountains on the planet, Manaslu. The famous climber Charles McVeigh tapped her for his team, and he would not give her an interview until they reached the top. For personal and professional reasons, a successful climb means everything to Cecily. Still, with a murderer on a killing spree and all of nature’s challenges, her chances of success have become marginally thin.
Initial Expectations:
My first impression is that Breathless will be an intense thriller with man versus nature and man versus man themes. The title speaks to the intensity – almost like it is commenting on the reader’s experience. I expect to be left absolutely breathless. Also, the snow falling on the cover speaks to the challenges nature will provide. Lastly, the book description seems to confirm all of this. I’m expecting a harrowing climb!
Actual Reading Experience:
From the very beginning of this story, the atmosphere is so pervasive that it is almost claustrophobic at times. It definitely sets the mood for the natural dangers and experiences of mountain climbing in a way that feels genuine. I could tell that the author had actually been on this mountain and made it to the top, and her descriptions were vivid and real.
The third-person narration, focused solely on Cecily Wong, tells a story that I experienced viscerally in a way no other type of narration could have as effectively told it. Cecily is a journalist who needs an interview with Charles McVeigh to establish herself in the journalistic world. Her desperation to be successful at climbing Manaslu and interviewing Charles McVeigh is not just known by the reader. But still, it felt as if it was my struggle along with Cecily’s. This makes the story uncomfortably immersive and effectively so.
The murder mystery, on top of the natural challenges, is very complex and has lots of surprising twists. I didn’t even come close to suspecting the right person or the reasons. I loved that a story taking me on a naturally harrowing journey also took me on a suspense-filled path to stop a killer who found the perfect spot to kill without getting caught.
To Read or Not to Read:
If you are interested in finding out the details that go into mountain climbing and love an excellent murder mystery full of twists, turns, and surprising revelations, you must pick up Breathless and go on the hike of your life!
Breathless by Amy McCulloch is the story of journalist Cecily Wong’s hike to the top of one of the tallest mountains on the planet, Manaslu. The famous climber Charles McVeigh tapped her for his team, and he would not give her an interview until they reached the top. For personal and professional reasons, a successful climb means everything to Cecily. Still, with a murderer on a killing spree and all of nature’s challenges, her chances of success have become marginally thin.
Initial Expectations:
My first impression is that Breathless will be an intense thriller with man versus nature and man versus man themes. The title speaks to the intensity – almost like it is commenting on the reader’s experience. I expect to be left absolutely breathless. Also, the snow falling on the cover speaks to the challenges nature will provide. Lastly, the book description seems to confirm all of this. I’m expecting a harrowing climb!
Actual Reading Experience:
From the very beginning of this story, the atmosphere is so pervasive that it is almost claustrophobic at times. It definitely sets the mood for the natural dangers and experiences of mountain climbing in a way that feels genuine. I could tell that the author had actually been on this mountain and made it to the top, and her descriptions were vivid and real.
The third-person narration, focused solely on Cecily Wong, tells a story that I experienced viscerally in a way no other type of narration could have as effectively told it. Cecily is a journalist who needs an interview with Charles McVeigh to establish herself in the journalistic world. Her desperation to be successful at climbing Manaslu and interviewing Charles McVeigh is not just known by the reader. But still, it felt as if it was my struggle along with Cecily’s. This makes the story uncomfortably immersive and effectively so.
The murder mystery, on top of the natural challenges, is very complex and has lots of surprising twists. I didn’t even come close to suspecting the right person or the reasons. I loved that a story taking me on a naturally harrowing journey also took me on a suspense-filled path to stop a killer who found the perfect spot to kill without getting caught.
To Read or Not to Read:
If you are interested in finding out the details that go into mountain climbing and love an excellent murder mystery full of twists, turns, and surprising revelations, you must pick up Breathless and go on the hike of your life!