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A review by jaredpence
Paths of Glory by Jeffrey Archer
4.0
I listened to the audiobook read by Roger Allen and thoroughly enjoyed it. Combining unique conflicts like man vs. nature (they climb mountains including Everest twice), man vs. man (the politics of the Geographic Society are intense!), and man vs. himself (George is committed to his climbing, but also to his family and battles with decisions including whether to lead expeditions to Everest, whether to join the military in WWI, and whether to go on a speaking tour to the United States). The writing is engaging and often funny and the ending was compelling even though you knew what would happen from the very beginning.
If this novel is lacking, it is probably in the tightness of the narrative. Because it is based on real people, there are often details and experiences included that don't strengthen the plot or develop the characters. And there are so many characters--again, probably because it is based on real people--but it feels like some accuracy sacrifices should have been made for the sake of the narrative.
If this novel is lacking, it is probably in the tightness of the narrative. Because it is based on real people, there are often details and experiences included that don't strengthen the plot or develop the characters. And there are so many characters--again, probably because it is based on real people--but it feels like some accuracy sacrifices should have been made for the sake of the narrative.