Alastair Vere Nicoll

Let me start off by saying that I have no idea how a trip across Antarctica could appeal to anyone, even in the most posh of circumstances. Obviously, the group of friends did not just traipse across the continent in this manner. Perhaps since I am from the Midwest, I realize on a much, much smaller scale how miserable ice, wind, and snow can be, and this is what the author described in this book. The conditions are horrid, but the details are many. This is definitely a good read for anyone that wants to experience the misery of a lengthy, miserable Antarctic trip.… (mer)

The author seems to have very romanticized notions of what Antarctica should be like. He constantly draws parallels between his trip and former well recorded historic trips, as well as with just other literature in general. If you are looking for a book that is strictly a description of the adventure, then this is not for you. He spends barely half the book describing the actual journey, and a good portion of that is about the preparation. This book seems to be more about how the trip and everything that happens before and during it make the author feel about life in general. That said, I still found it enjoyable.… (mer)

I really wanted to love this book, however, too little attention was paid to the details of the actual adventure. Much of the book focused on the authors private life including what lead to his deciding to take up the adventure which was interesting, but took up too much of the story. There were so many quotes and references to classic literature and too much time drawing parrallels to other works and adventurer's efforts. The last 1/4 or so was good, but the beginning was just so drawn out that I had a hard time getting into the book.… (mer)