Touching the Void

By Joe Simpson

The 25th Anniversary ebook, now with more than 50 images. 'Touching the Void' is the tale of two mountaineer’s harrowing ordeal in the Peruvian Andes. In the summer of 1985, two young, headstrong mountaineers set off to conquer an unclimbed route.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Dec 12, 2012
• ISBN: 9780957519305

Joe Simpson

Joe Simpson is a British mountaineer, author, and motivational speaker. He is the author of the enormously successful Touching the Void.

Reviews for Touching the Void

[triduana-794064 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read this book because one of my friend's dad knows Joe Simpson and I was urged to read it. Having no interest in climbing I was a bit reluctant but I bought the book, and read it in 2 days, which is unusual for me. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is very well written with good attention to detail - it would have benefited from a glossary though as I kept having to look up some of the technical terms and annotate my book. It is fast paced, non-stop action, and I'm glad I gave it the attention.

[alisony-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Set 10 years before Jon Krakauer's account of the Everest disaster in Into Thin Air, the setting of this mountaineering disaster memoir is Siula Grande in Peru. The premise of these mountaineering disaster books is generally familiar - a group of total nut jobs decide to scale some utterly impossible mountain face, weather closes in, horrific accident happens. Nonetheless, these climbing books draw me in every time. The mountains are my happy place, and when I watched serious climbers going up and down the Mont Blanc cable car in Chamonix a couple of years ago I had a stab of envy at their nerve, their freedom of not being held back by their fears. I could never take the risks they take (I worry about the ski lifts holding), but I'm quite happy to join in their adventures from my armchair. It's interesting that so many mountaineers are truly excellent writers as well, and Joe Simpson is no exception.Touching the Void is famous for recounting the disaster where Simpson's climbing mate Simon Yates ends up cutting the rope that Simpson is dangling from over the side of a cliff to save himself. The subsequent documentary film that followed the book left Yates feeling angry that it was a one-sided portrayal of the accident, with the film leaving out the extensive hours he'd spent trying to save Simpson's life before he made that fateful decision. In this memoir, Simpson is unequivocal in his support for Yates' actions. Having fallen and badly broken his leg, Yates spent hours lowering Simpson down the mountain before unwittingly lowering him over a cliff in the dark. With Simpson tangling in mid air, when the rope ran out Yates was unable to pull Simpson back up, and as Simpson's weight would ultimately pull him off the mountain too he eventually took the decision to cut Simpson away.This is the ultimate story of survival against the odds, and despite falling many feet down a crevasse Simpson somehow survives and manages to literally crawl back to camp three days later (I hope this isn't a spoiler, but as he wrote the book I think it's fairly obvious that he didn't die).My own perspective on Yates' action is that yes, he had no other choice if he wanted to stay alive, and Simpson was likely to die anyway either way. However, I did find myself questioning his actions after he got down the mountain and regained some strength. He automatically assumed that Simpson was dead and made no attempt to go back to the lower slopes of the mountain to check, or to see if the body could be recovered for his family. The two climbers had no radios and were climbing in a very remote area without any rescue helicopters on speed dial, so I was surprised that he was so quick to assume the worst and not clutch on to any chance of survival and rescue. He was only 21 at the time, and part of me wonders if he feared Simpson giving a more damning perspective of his actions if he survived. Some sections were Yates' account (written by Simpson but with Yates' input and blessing), and I was surprised by his cool mental ability after a day or so to try to already put the accident behind him. The two are no longer friends today, with Yates stating that they "no longer have anything in common", and I'm not overly surprised.The fact that Simpson carried on climbing after two years of rehabilitation, and went on to have another accident in a serious mountain climb tells you everything about the mentality of mountaineers. They know the risks are very real, but the pull of the mountain and the climbing experience transcends everything.5 stars - I was totally gripped by this book and would have read it in one sitting if circumstances had allowed. The quality of writing was excellent, and I'll definitely be seeking out some of Simpson's other titles.

[forsanolim · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

We're back again with another installment of "Forsan reads extreme sports books," this time with another mountaineering book about a trip in the Peruvian Andes, where author Joe Simpson ends up breaking his leg high on a mountain, at the beginning of his descent with his climbing partner Simon Yates. As the two slowly attempt to descend down to escape the brutal cold and weather, a technical miscalculation results in Simon--in a desperate attempt to save his own life, believing that Joe has already or will soon die on the mountain--having to make the difficult decision to literally cut the rope that ties the two of them together, leaving Joe on the mountain to face a (in his mind) certain death. Of course, as the subtitle states, Joe does not in fact die, but rather somewhat miraculously, while facing tremendous pain and severe dehydration, manages to slowly make his way down.I've had this book on my radar since finishing Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster a couple months ago, and I feel like that's the obvious book to compare this one too. While there were things that I liked about this one, I think that Krakauer's was much better overall. This one was at many points extremely technical in its use of mountaineering jargon and other terms, making details of what the two were facing often somewhat hard to understand, though I did like the inclusion of pictures throughout the book. Also and perhaps relatedly, the first half or so of the book was, in my opinion, quite slow to get through. However, I do think that the pace definitely picked up after the accident, and I think that Simpson did a good job of capturing his internal mental state throughout his solo descent.

[hiromatsuo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In 1985, mountain climbers Joe Simpson and Simon Yates made an attempt to scale the west face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes. While their attempt is successful, Joe falls and badly breaks his leg on the way down. What follows is a harrowing story of survival as both men attempt to reach safety. In particular, a series of mishaps separates Joe from Simon, and Joe ends up crawling his way back to camp over the course of several days, alone, and nearly dying in the process.This story has apparently become the stuff of legend in the mountaineering community, and rightfully so. Joe Simpson basically suffers throughout the book as he tries to make his way to safety. The writing itself is very simple and easy to follow. It doesn’t bog down too much in the technicalities of climbing, so it’s fairly easy to understand. While primarily written from Joe’s point of view, it does contain parts where we read about Simon’s viewpoints as well. I guess there is some criticism of the characters of each of these men. Indeed, both are somewhat selfish and egotistical, but remember that they are not saints; they are human beings with flaws. This book is simply an honest account of what took place and of what they were thinking at the time. It is a bit difficult to talk about the book without spoiling it, but overall, as a true story of survival, it is incredible. It has a slightly nihilistic tone to it, but if you put yourself in Joe’s shoes and imagine the incredible pain and fear he is enduring, then it does make sense. On a side-note, I would also recommend the documentary film (of the same name) made in 2003. It follows the book faithfully and intercuts footage of interviews with the real Simpson and Yates with footage of actors reenacting the tale. It is a much more striking visual representation of the story than simply reading it. Overall, I would give this book 5 out of 5. If you like adventure stories, especially true stories and stories of survival, then this book is for you (and the film as well).

[capriciousreader · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

“Life can deal you an amazing hand. Do you play it steady, bluff like crazy or go all in?”

Talk about a spine-chilling, knee-jerk experience. Me, describing this book? That is it. The best way to describe this book; it is an Experience. It doesn’t help that this isn’t my usual type of read, but it has been in my stacks for ages and dang it, this year I’m trying to clear these things out!

Joe Simpson and his friend Simon Yates are mountain climbers. EXTREME mountain climbers. They set out to climb a previously untested mountain range in the Andes Mountains. It was cold. It was dangerous. It was exhilarating. In the beginning of the book, the cold, the wet, the loneliness…I was left wondering what in the world these two men could possibly see fun about doing what they were doing! It just sounds miserable! But then, just like a good author should, Simpson provided the reason for me:

For the first time in my life I knew what it meant to be isolated from people and society. It was wonderfully calming and tranquil to be here. I became aware of a feeling of complete freedom-to do what I wanted to do when I wanted to, and in whatever manner. Suddenly the whole day had changed. All lethargy was swept away by an invigorating independence. We had responsibilities to no one but ourselves now, there would be no more to intrude or come to our rescue…

That quote comes from near the beginning of the book, as they are on their way up that crazy mountain. He intentionally weighs it down at the end there, doesn’t he? Come to our rescue…. Still makes me shiver.

It’s no mystery that Joe Simpson fell on their return trip down the mountain. It’s no secret he survived. He wrote this book! Knowing that shouldn’t prevent you from wanting to read this book. The fall takes mere moments in words. It’s what comes after. After; is why you need to read this book. The physical journey, the spiritual journey, the pain, and fear, and hope, and despair…these are reasons why you need to read this book. Joe Simpson, and Simon Yates, lay it all bare for the world to see. It is a moving, painful, and breath-taking journey to read. And it’s cold; very, very cold. I challenge you to read this book and not feel COLD. The things these two men go through…it’s epic. It’s an epic story of survival and a moving story of friendship and bravery not quite like anything I’ve read before. Highly recommended and shows I really should step out of my comfort zone every once in awhile!

[parp-4 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A very tragic and unbelievably heroic story. Heroic, because the personal challenge taken went wrong, even though all risks were calculated and prepared for.

[lkchapman-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was gripped by this fantastic book from start to finish. I have always been interested in the stories of people who choose to test themselves against nature in all its beauty and indifferent savagery, and this book certainly did not disappoint; atmospheric, moving, desperate, harrowing- it took me through pretty much every emotion just reading it, the thought that somebody really went through this ordeal is unimaginable.

There are a few technical terms in this book that I didn’t understand- so it was handy to be reading the Kindle version so I could easily look them up, but this in no way took away from such an astonishing story of survival and friendship. In fact, the relationship between Simon and Joe after Joe’s injury was unlike anything I’ve ever read before: the realisation that you rely so utterly on somebody else, or indeed the knowledge that someone relies so utterly on you must be mind-blowing. I can’t even begin to guess how I would react to being in either of their situations.

To put it simply, I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t stop thinking about it while I was reading it and I know I will keep on thinking about it a long time after. I can honestly say this is one of the best and most moving books I have ever read.

[bookconcierge · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I wanted to like it because it was recommended by a dear friend. But I absolutely hated this book.This book made me so angry! If it weren't a book club selection I would not have finished it. These two young men, who admit they are ill-prepared to tackle the mountain, suffer disaster when one falls and breaks his leg. I view them as selfish, arrogant, risk takers who then assume someone will save them. The one, in particular, risked not only his own life but the lives of his friends. ARRGGH!

[sushicat-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Joe Simpson and his climbing partner Simon Yates make a first ascent on a difficult peak in the Andes. They have barely started their descent when Joe breaks his leg, which is pretty much sure death under the circumstances. Nevertheless they manage somehow to continue down, but they reach am impasse where both can't move anymore. The only way is for Simon to cut the rope on which Joe hangs over the abyss. Miraculously both of them eventually make it back to base camp.

This is a gripping tale, a vivid description of a dangerous climbing adventure. It gives great insights into what motivates people to go on such expeditions. It's also a moving tale of friendship and morality - and free of the mud slinging that is so often part of such dramatic tales. It's fascinating to accompany both Joe and Simon on their separate ways down from the mountain, both under the influence of the events and especially for Joe at or beyond their physical limits.

The 25th anniversary edition includes original pictures from the climb and afterwords added later on that revisit critical decisions and recount the impact of going back years later to record some sequences for the movie based on the book.

[amy.wesen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Personal Response- This book was very impactful and a great example of the human spirit. I am an avid hiker so I look up to individuals that push the limit and getting up in the mountains. It was an inspirational read and I think it was easy to follow, even if you have never hiked a mountain in your life before! Curricular Connections- This novel was actually in my school library for students to check out. I feel it would be most appropriate for middle school students. This being the hiking language and the dilemma that Joe gets in. It could be too scary for students. I feel this would be a good read aloud novel and could be involved in a reading circle using other nature accident novels. I feel these novels are important because they are true and it shows the endurance of the human sprit.

[librarycin · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In 1985, Joe Simpson and a friend, Simon, were climbing a mountain in the Andes. Shortly after reaching the summit, Joe fell and broke his leg. Amazingly, he made it back down. The first chapter was just build up to the climb, so it was a little bit slower for me, but starting with chapter 2, it picked up. It picked up even a little more almost half-way through when Joe fell. There were portions of the book told from Simon's point of view, as well, so we also got to find out what Simon was thinking at times. It's not a long book and it kept me wanting to read to see how Joe would get down and the consequences of the fall.

[linda.temple · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Truly amazing story of survival.

[joannahmiley · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The last half of this book was very suspenseful. I stayed up way too late reading it a couple of nights in a row. The beginning of the book was a little slower. I was not familiar with many of the mountain climbing terms (and I did not realize there was a glossary in the back until I was finished), so it was difficult for me to picture what was going on. If you know a lot about climbing terms, read this on a device with a dictionary, or don't mind looking up a lot of words while you read, then that shouldn't bother you. Over all it was a good book and truly an amazing story!

[chrissie3-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Exciting? Yes!This is the quintessential survival story, and it is true!In 1985 Joe Simpson and Simon Yates decide to climb the west face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes. I am no mountaineer, but even I could spot some of their errors. The book focuses on moral issues too.*******spoiler warning!!!!***** A prime one being that Simon cuts the rope between him and Joe, remember Joe is the author, causing Joe to fall into a deep crevasse. Simon takes Joe for dead and returns to base camp, where Richard has remained to watch over their possessions. Simon didn't look down that crevasse to check and see if Joe really was dead. Was it right to cut that rope? Do you sacrifice one person's life to save another, or must both die? I can understand cutting that rope....given the conditions. What I find inexcusable is that when Simon returned to camp he did not immediately get help and search parties in to look for Joe. THAT is beyond my comprehension.********spoiler over******Most of the time I could picture the glacial landscape. There are crevasses and ice bridges and morasses and fissures and glacial expanses, sparkling light and snow storms and it is cold and wet, freezing. I could NOT exactly picture what it was like in the crevasse as the author described it. So maybe the movie is better than the book? The author took part in the filming later in 2002.Joe's fear, his physical pain and exhaustion, his terror, THAT I definitely felt. His hallucinations became my hallucinations. Simon corroborated with Joe in the writing of this book. Nevertheless, I did NOT feel that his words rang as true as Joe's. Simon's voice in the audiobook is narrated by Andrew Wincott. It was too slick, too quiet. No, he didn't even sound like a mountaineer. Joe's narration by Daniel Weyman was spot-on.My gut reaction to the audiobook was that I liked it. I certainly was not going to stop in the middle, although I had to take breathers. I am a coward and couldn't sit still, it gripped me so! I liked that not many lines were spent on the medical treatments required after this escapade. I liked that there is a short epilogue covering Joe's philosophical approach to his experiences. Yes, he continued to climb mountains.

[yeremenko_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Many people have commented on the writing as separating this book from other survival books, and I agree. Obviously an incredible story in itself, but Simpsons attention to detail and equal measures of humor, despair, hope and hopelessness bring the story to life. Simpson departs from the heroic ideal to see the times he almost quit, the utter defeat he flt, and as a result helps the reader see a great accomplishments is many tiny victories more than one great act.

[akreese · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I'm a big fan of survival stories, so this book appealed to me right from the start. Had I not known that Joe survived his ordeal on the mountain, I would have said that it was impossible for him to have lived after all that he had been through. Human capacity for survival against the odds is truly amazing, and this book is an excellent example of the triumph of the will to survive.

After reaching the top of the mountain, Joe is injured and the two climbers try to work out a special system of lowering him, even though they know that his chances of living through the descent are minimal. After a terrifying fall the two are separated, and neither knows if the other has survived. Joe doesn't know if he should just give up, or if it's possible for him to drag himself along on the ice and snow when his leg is broken. It is horrifying to imagine the pain he must have gone through in his struggle to survive, and yet thrilling to read how he succeeds against the odds.

I read this during the 24 Hour Read-a-thon, and it was a great read for when I was tired because there was a constant tension in the story over the course of his climb and descent from the mountain. From the unstable snow, the ice crevasses and injuries, to the shortage of food and water, it was a very intense read.

If you are looking for an exciting survival tale, look no further.

[denmoir · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

an extraordinary story of survival, a meditation on human relationships; ask yourself "would you cut the rope?" and how would you feel afterwards?

[pgmcc · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Touching the Void is the first hand account of a mountaineer who survived a near fatal experience on an Andean mountain in Peru. Originally published in 1988, this book tells the story of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates’ disastrous ventures on the Siula Grande. The 2008 Vintage Classics edition has some updated retrospective comments in the afterword.This book was brought to me by a friend who had just finished it and was really enthusiastic about it, and about how it showed the resourcefulness of mankind, and what a person could achieve if they had the will.I must admit that mountaineering is not my cup of tea. This book was on the back foot with me from the off. I was, however, determined to read it and provide my comments to my enthusiastic friend.Personal prejudices aside, let me start with the things that did not work for me, and finish on the more positive aspects of Touching the Void.The book told me about two friends who, on their own admission in the book, tackled a dangerous climb without being properly prepared or provisioned.This dangerous climb, for which they were ill prepared, was in a region of the world where there was no hope of help or support if anything went wrong.The weather conditions they experienced were different from anything they had experienced before and they found themselves attempting to second-guess what the weather was going to do, and what the local climatic conditions were likely to be.On the positive side, reading the book did give me a great sense of being on the mountain, or in the crevasse, or crawling over the rocky moraine. It was very graphic and I could imagine myself in the predicaments described.Each of the climbers had to make hard decisions about life or death. I think the book conveyed the thoughts, feelings and moral dilemmas of each climber in a sensitive, effective and realistic fashion. It also put across the permanent effects their experiences have had on them, and the issues they have to deal with for the rest of their lives.Anyone interested in mountaineering will, in my opinion, love this book. I would suggest there would be some of us who would be just as well off by not reading it. I would add that this book in no way altered my opinion of mountaineering.

[mrtall_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is an unforgettable book, mostly for good reasons. Joe Simpson and his climbing partner Simon Yates encounter the serious climber's hellish dilemma: one has been injured high up an Andean peak. What should the other do? Abandon the injured man, and save his own life, or try to pull off a rescue that will almost certainly end in death for both? This story has the great benefit of being non-fiction: the exigencies of the decisions Simpson and Yates make, and the utterly unlikely events that transpire would both be ridiculed in a novel for being implausible and melodramatic. Their story is amazing.Another plus (mostly) is that the story's told by Simpson himself. Like the epitome of this genre, Into Thin Air, there is a clarity and truth to Simpson's storytelling that can only come from someone who was there. Unlike Jon Krakauer, however, Simpson is not a great writer. He's obviously highly intelligent, and he manages to convey the grinding pain, exhaustion and hopelessness of his epic journey to safety in a powerful way. There are sections where he's essentially reproducing the stream of consciousness delirium he experienced on the mountain, and they're quite effective. He also strips away much that is inessential -- perhaps too much, especially in terms of the climbing descriptions. They're often written in a kind of mountaineer's shorthand that non-climbers like me really can't understand. The book also is not particularly well-paced; it seems longer than its modest page total. Quibbles aside, this is essential reading for anyone interested in mountaineering, survival stories, or simply some good adventure.

[figgles_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Excellent story of an unbelievable true story of survival. Two young men successfully climb Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes, on the descent things go horribly wrong. If you've seen the documentary this is the book it's based on.

[georg0miggel · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Compelling, a lot of suspense, well written and very hard not to read on one day. However, I could not decide about my own emotions: Respect and admiration for the climbers' determination and discipline or plain pity for their childish and selfish behaviour putting themselves (and others) in danger pointlessly). Qui perit morit. But this is not the whole of the story. Do you think Simon was right to cut the rope? Disuss.

[paulslibrary · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An unbelievable account of survival. Given the insurmountable odds it goes beyond imagination as to how Joe Simpson found the will and strength to carry on. Many would have given up long ago. "Touching the Void" was also made into a short film with Joe Simpson, Simon Yates, and their camp mate, "Richard" providing narration. The film is true to the book and highly recommended. I found it in 12 parts on YouTube. I discovered it prior to finishing the book. I had to restrain myself from watching the entire film before finishing the book. :)

[othersam · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

We all have bad days. But if you read TOUCHING THE VOID by Joe Simpson not "only" will you have experienced a jaw-droppingly thrilling true story of grit and survival, you'll also – no matter how bad things ever get for you – be able to say to yourself: 'Well, at least I'm not desperately trying to make my way down one of the world's most dangerous mountains alone, with a broken leg, without food or water or shelter, with no hope of rescue because all my friends think I'm dead.' It's not a book for fans of Boney M, I guess. For everyone else I'd say it's essential.

[samuelw_56895 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

As another review of this book once pointed out, Touching the Void is, in itself, its biggest spoiler. We know that both brothers survived their ordeal, because they lived to write a novel! This is a story of survival against astronomical odds, but I have extracted bigger feelings of ‘wow, what a struggle’ from books where the main characters didn’t go through half as much as Joe Simpson. Am I inhuman because by halfway through the story I had been swallowed by an overwhelming sense of apathy?Although this book has been highly acclaimed, some novels just don’t click with certain people, and this was the case with Touching the Void and I. Having spent many hours trying to analyse why this was, I have deduced that this book completely failed to hook me. When a book only has ‘heart-stopping’ adventure going for it, and it somehow fails to stop its reader’s heart, then suddenly it becomes pointless and boring.There are also disadvantages of writing about a true story like this one, (however exciting it may be.) For one, reading this book is a little like being on the mountain with the two brothers; you can’t fast-forward through the repetitive climbing bits to get to the real excitement. If Touching the Void were a fictional story, Joe Simspon would no doubt have omitted lots of the pages he spent going from point A to point B, and working his way around difficult areas of rock. As it is, Joe does not actually break his leg until fifty pages in, and fifty pages is a long time to wait for any sense of story-driving complication.For the right kind of person, however, I imagine this book could be quite enjoyable. It paints clear pictures of landscapes, complete with atmospheres: suspenseful, joyful, despairing. The ideal person to read Touching the Void would be a mountain climber, as anybody not familiar with the obscure terminology has to keep flicking to the (incomplete) glossary at the back, which rather detracts from the experience.Overall, with its exciting chapter titles and true-story appeal, this book wouldn’t be too bad a way to spend an afternoon – you just have to give it to the right person. The person who gave it to me made a mistake. Recommended for those who find themselves feeling sorry for people they have never met.

[donhazelwood · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Truly an amazing story.

[co_coyote · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Don't pick this book up unless you have time to kill. You won't be putting it down anytime soon. This is an absolutely astounding story of one person's miraculous survival in the face of almost certain death. This is on a par with Shackleton's adventure in the Southern Ocean, sailing 850 miles by dead reckoning in a 20 foot boat in a hurricane to hit South Georgia Island. Some people are just very, very, incredibly lucky. Great tale, well told.

[ianw_93 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A genuine epic. Tremendously well written.

[karen_wells_58 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I get vertigo just standing on a chair, so I love to read about those superhumans who can not only climb whole ladders, but even mountains. But this book is about descent, and touches something primal. What can the human will achieve? What can the bravest of us overcome in order to survive? Read this book, or watch the docu-drama of same - both are superb but the film is actually better - and prepare to be humbled, and to gasp in awe.

[clueless_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I could not put this book down. I seemed to have a vague memory of seeing (some) of the movie. But for some reason reading something almost always evokes a much stronger emotional reaction in me.When I was done I wanted to drop to my knees and thank God that I am not called to climb mountains. I love to read about it but mountain climbing books are never just about climbing. They are usually rich with metaphor.There were no dark forces acting against me. A voice in my head told me that this was true, cutting through the jumble in my mind with its cold rational sound.Ultimately, we all have to look after ourselves, whether on mountains or in day to day life. In my view that is not a license to be selfish, for only by taking good care of ourselves as we able to help others. Away from the mountains, in the complexity of every life, the price of neglecting this responsibility might be a marriage breaking down, a disruptive child, a business failing or a house repossessed.It made me wonder at the person I had been all those years ago. I must have been bold, ambitious or even a little crazy to have considered such an undertaking. I traced the line of our ascent and watched the snow pluming off the north ridge in the strong high-altitude winds. It scared me. Where had all that drive and passion gone? How had I lost that sense of invincibility, the confidence born of youth,

[lunamonty · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A riveting and nearly unbelievable true story of endurance. Two British mountain climbers struggle to descend a Peruvian peak in the face of ever-worsening catastrophe. This book was the basis for a recent documentary by the same title.