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A review by jwilder
The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition by Caroline Alexander
5.0
I read this book obsessively, possessed by the unfathomable, epic story of the 27 men who set out in late 1914 on the eve of World War with the goal of completing the first land crossing of Antarctica. Just when you think their saga cannot possibly become any more insane, it does so, and then does so again, with the result that any hopes you might have had of leisurely reading this book over the course of multiple sittings are dashed completely, and you’re stuck there with the explorers, seemingly physically, until the bitter end.
Many of the crew journaled assiduously throughout the entirety of their journey, and the author has woven their voices into the text seamlessly. Those, plus the incredible photographs of Frank Hurley, bring their ordeal to life.
Theirs is easily one of the most impressive survival feats in human history, and the author does their story justice and then some. Plus, Alexander has done a great job enabling the reader to get to know many of the crew besides just Shackleton, and their quirks and personalities made a gripping story all the more captivating.
I likewise appreciated that the author treated her subjects objectively, Shackleton in particular. He was a complex character and she pulls no punches.
An excellent, riveting read. Cannot recommend enough.
Many of the crew journaled assiduously throughout the entirety of their journey, and the author has woven their voices into the text seamlessly. Those, plus the incredible photographs of Frank Hurley, bring their ordeal to life.
Theirs is easily one of the most impressive survival feats in human history, and the author does their story justice and then some. Plus, Alexander has done a great job enabling the reader to get to know many of the crew besides just Shackleton, and their quirks and personalities made a gripping story all the more captivating.
I likewise appreciated that the author treated her subjects objectively, Shackleton in particular. He was a complex character and she pulls no punches.
An excellent, riveting read. Cannot recommend enough.