tonyyyy's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
halfcentreader's review against another edition
4.0
Wow! What a writer! I was unfamiliar with this expedition to the South Pole by Scott. The author gives the reader insight on the entire voyage thru the actual trek by giving voice to the 5 men who ultimately take the actual trek to plant the flag. This is a doomed expedition. The men are portrayed in all their humanity. This a bleak but remarkable tribute to them.. and perhaps most appropriate to read during the cold winds and snows of January.
mimosaeyes's review against another edition
3.0
I had a quick gander around Wikipedia before starting, so I knew the context going in. That gave the whole story a sense of doom, and made the final chapter (in particular) haunting.
For most of the narrative, my mental bandwidth was split between puzzling out the conflicting information from each narrator with his own perspective on things... and repeatedly, desperately thinking: holy smokes, turn back already! Just turn back!
It's well-written and well-structured, and I'm glad I decided to read it, but I do think I'm not quite the right audience for gritty stories like this.
For most of the narrative, my mental bandwidth was split between puzzling out the conflicting information from each narrator with his own perspective on things... and repeatedly, desperately thinking: holy smokes, turn back already! Just turn back!
It's well-written and well-structured, and I'm glad I decided to read it, but I do think I'm not quite the right audience for gritty stories like this.
francesmthompson's review against another edition
5.0
So unexpectedly good. There are very few books I've read this year that I wanted to start all over again once I was finished but this was one of them. Beryl Bainbridge really proves herself as a wide-reaching author with this.
renew's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
0.75
litpicks's review against another edition
4.0
I thought this was non-fiction until I read the dust jacket - so thrilled to find it’s a novel based on Capt Scott’s journey to the South Pole. Told in 5 sections, each from the POV of a different team member - wow. So good, so terrible, just really really fascinating.
serialreader's review
adventurous
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5