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rellimreads's review against another edition
5.0
** Currently $3.99 on Chirp
3/31/2021:
I wish I could remember what book I read that mentioned the Greely Expedition &/or this book – unfortunately I can’t. Especially given how grateful I am to have experienced their story and this book in particular.
Buddy Levy has brought together a tremendous amount of research, helped considerably by the copious amounts of record the explorers themselves kept, to share the daring story of the Lady Franklin Bay Expedition. While a little over 13 hours, I was so engaged with this story I managed to finish it in two days. Levy manages to share details in such a way that I felt like I was on this voyage with them.
It’s disheartening to know that this expedition, to many, was reduced to unfounded accusations of cannibalism sensationalized by newspapers of the time. I learned so much about the time period, exploration, technology of the time, humanity, and the impact that this endeavor still has on science and our lives today. It was fascinating to learn about the preparation for such journeys, including the amount of supplies and the fact that they knew it could be months or even years before they were rescued.
I also appreciated that Levy brought a deep level of humanity to the experience. These men and their loved ones waiting for their return were people with families, fears, talents, flaws, and dreams. I was moved both by the loss of those who did not make it and the grief and elation of those who did.
Narration:
Will Damron’s narration was excellent. I appreciated his ability to bring the emotional depth and respect necessary to what were sometimes horrific conditions and events. His delivery made clear the differences between Levy’s text, quoted journal entries, and quotes from various participants of the expedition and its rescuers.
3/31/2021:
I wish I could remember what book I read that mentioned the Greely Expedition &/or this book – unfortunately I can’t. Especially given how grateful I am to have experienced their story and this book in particular.
Buddy Levy has brought together a tremendous amount of research, helped considerably by the copious amounts of record the explorers themselves kept, to share the daring story of the Lady Franklin Bay Expedition. While a little over 13 hours, I was so engaged with this story I managed to finish it in two days. Levy manages to share details in such a way that I felt like I was on this voyage with them.
It’s disheartening to know that this expedition, to many, was reduced to unfounded accusations of cannibalism sensationalized by newspapers of the time. I learned so much about the time period, exploration, technology of the time, humanity, and the impact that this endeavor still has on science and our lives today. It was fascinating to learn about the preparation for such journeys, including the amount of supplies and the fact that they knew it could be months or even years before they were rescued.
I also appreciated that Levy brought a deep level of humanity to the experience. These men and their loved ones waiting for their return were people with families, fears, talents, flaws, and dreams. I was moved both by the loss of those who did not make it and the grief and elation of those who did.
Narration:
Will Damron’s narration was excellent. I appreciated his ability to bring the emotional depth and respect necessary to what were sometimes horrific conditions and events. His delivery made clear the differences between Levy’s text, quoted journal entries, and quotes from various participants of the expedition and its rescuers.
somesnarksareboojums's review
dark
informative
sad
slow-paced
4.0
I wish it talked more about what happened to the other survivors, and to the families of those who did not make it back.
Narrator is sometimes overly dramatic.
Narrator is sometimes overly dramatic.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Cannibalism
the_history_shelf's review against another edition
5.0
My full review is posted at Open Letters Review here: https://openlettersreview.com/posts/labyrinth-of-ice-by-buddy-levy?rq=peggy%20kurkowski
believeinyou's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
4.0
a_beautiful_soup's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
4.75
abbyxbrandt's review against another edition
4.0
I love nonfiction about polar exploration because the human capacity for resilience in the face of insurmountable odds is almost unbelievable.
Levy portrays the members of the expedition with all their fortitude and flaws, reminding the reader these were real people, not just names in historical records. Vivid descriptions of the struggle to endure freezing temperatures and starvation left me astonished that anyone survived at all, and appreciating my mug of hot cocoa that much more.
Thoroughly researched and meticulously detailed, this was a bit tedious at times. I guess in a way that's a fitting parallel to the drudgery of persistence in the high Arctic. This is an excellent read to get you through the darkest midwinter days.
Levy portrays the members of the expedition with all their fortitude and flaws, reminding the reader these were real people, not just names in historical records. Vivid descriptions of the struggle to endure freezing temperatures and starvation left me astonished that anyone survived at all, and appreciating my mug of hot cocoa that much more.
Thoroughly researched and meticulously detailed, this was a bit tedious at times. I guess in a way that's a fitting parallel to the drudgery of persistence in the high Arctic. This is an excellent read to get you through the darkest midwinter days.
eljaspero's review against another edition
4.0
I wish I could give this 4-1/2 stars, but alas. The story is compelling and the research brilliant but I found myself pining for a bit more craftsmanship in the writing. A cracking good, if not quite brilliant, read.