How Did They Endure This -and Survive?

Would you consider the audio edition of Endurance to be better than the print version?

I can't directly compare the two as I haven't read the novel, but the narrator, Simon Prebble, does a truly wonderful job and he complements the novel perfectly.

What other book might you compare Endurance to, and why?

This is the first novel of its' kind that I've ever listened to and because I was so totally immersed in it, and captivated by it, I will be searching for more. The question is, will I find anything this good again? What a truly fantastic story of human courage and perseverance by every single member of this expedition. Not least of whom was Ernest H. Shackelton.

What about Simon Prebble’s performance did you like?

A great example of how to perfectly balance the re-telling of such an epic journey. No need for over-emphasis or over dramatisation because it seems that was just not the way of any of the members of this expedition. Heroes really,to a man but I daresay they would never have seem themselves that way.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes but mentally I could not have 'endured' it! I was exhausted just listening to it. How DID they live through this? I felt so humbled by their bravery. Endurance is the perfect title.

Any additional comments?

A novel full of heroes, each in their own way. Why anyone would risk putting themselves through this is a mystery to me still, but that fact did not detract in any way from my absolute admiration for Shackelton and his stoic men. What a great,great pity that this wasn't acknowledged at the time for being the pinnacle of achievement we all see it for today.We do indeed live in better and more enlightened times now.

16 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Staggering

This is a great account of a journey that would not be able to find a place in fiction because it would stretch credulity too far. The story of Shackleton's ill fated expedition is well known but even knowing the ending did not make this account any less gripping - it is rather like a pre-space age Apollo 13!
The reading is first rate and the reader draws out the personalities and underplays the performance to good effect. The events are dramatic enough on their own.
Highly recommended

15 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Enthralling

One of the best Audio books I have listened to. The story is gripping and the narrator imparts just the right amount of tension at key moments.
The mental and physical challenges encountered by Shackleton and his team was, and remains, the finest example of leadership and human endurance unsurpassed in modern day history.

14 persone l'hanno trovata utile

An amazing story, wonderfully told

I thought that this audio book may be a little bit dry , maybe a bit too detailed without much emotion or human interest. I was wrong !

To me , there was a perfect balance between stark facts and personal stories to draw you into the narrative. I could never wait for the next opportunity to find out what had become of that party of men, stranded in the Antarctic.

Though I knew a very little about Shackleton himself, I was almost completely unfamiliar with the details of this episode previously. However, the situation, the environment and the individuals involved were all brought rapidly to life .

I feel that anyone with the slightest interest in this type of story will be delighted with this purchase. Personally, I enjoyed it so much, I will be listening to it again very soon. . .

13 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Enduring the Polar Regions, and Exploration.

Would you listen to Endurance again? Why?

YES- I will listen many times to this Audiobook, because it draws me.

I have always been fascinated by Polar Exploration from my boyhood, but especially Antarctica. Even the name arouses thoughts and feelings of the ends of the World. As Scott said- "Great God, this is an awful place". And yet it is also incredibly beautiful and very interesting, in terms of its own Geological, Environmental History. Antarctica has been a Global Traveler long before Humans walked the Earth. (SEE LAST SECTION).

I had the old book 'South With Scott'? and I became familiar with Franklin, Greely and of course Nansen and Amundsen's Expeditions, but Shackleton's last epic story has always been my favorite. His way with dealing with men, Crises and other situations, was so different to Scott, although sometimes similar to Amundsen. Not Hierarchical, and yet not Democratic either. He treated men fairly yet he knew how to stop the confrontation with Chippy the Carpenter. Then again he cared for each and every member to a tiny detail, but without each man knowing, or feeling uncomfortable..

I would recommend Endurance not just as a great Audiobook, which it IS, but there are also examples and lessons for our 21st Century lives and situations; and forms of Personnel Management, that are so badly lacking today.

WELL DONE to all concerned in producing yet another Audible success.
Jack.

What other book might you compare Endurance to, and why?

I would have no problem linking this remarkable story, with that of Apollo 13.
The similarities and contrasts are many and varied, but both stories tell of courage and determination to pull victory from the jaws of almost certain defeat - and oblivion.

The fact that an Expedition found itself in serious and immediate danger right at the very end , and even beyond of any possible help. The difference being, with Apollo 13, there was a sense that most of the Earth's Human population WILLED the crew back to Earth and safety; glued to the edge of their seats.
But during 1914-15, only a relative few had any idea of the plight of Shackleton's Expedition members. Or the fact that so many went straight into the Great War after returning home.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The story has so many moments that moved me, including the shooting of the puppies; but another moment has got to be when Shackleton found the his party trapped on the Island whilst he went for help.

Any additional comments?

I recently finished my latest poem about (and dedicated to) Polar Explorers. And I'd like to share it here. I present to you, Lost In The Ice.

LOST IN THE ICE.
A land of frozen mountains and endless ice. will crush all human dreams;
and can we ever know what a Polar region really means.
Antarctica was once a Temperate Zone;
this Global traveler, in times before we were known.

From Scott to Shackleton, Franklin, yes and Greely too;
they set out bravely to inspire me and you.
their journeys always start out filled with hope;
winds are fair, as through the floes they grope.

But their trust in skills - a fickle thing;
takes no account of Nature's bitter sting.
Once in the land where no-one's welcome;
the 'Terror' and 'Erebus' would both succumb

Erebus means the 'Gates of Hell’;
their trials and torment, so hard to tell.
Supported by the newly found science;
foods to test Sir John Franklin's patience.

The ticking time bomb, in lead-lined cans;
a poison chalice, accepted by luckless fans.
The man once known for eating his boot;
left three dead witnesses, on Beachy Island they lie and moot.

The man called Scott and four brave friends;
their numbers dwindle with the wind's changing trends.
"Just eleven miles more", screamed the howling storm's might;
The poor man 'Oates' turns and stumbles, alone into the night.

They found them then, as the Sun returned;
No sign of warmth; or that saving oil had burned.
No sign of leaving Scott, from the blizzard to hide;
the bounds of friendship prevented the will to divide.

Then Shackleton's team, and good ship Endurance;
provided hope, preventing all ideas of prudence.
Trapped in the turning jail of Weddell;
they cling to thoughts of home; in frozen Hell.

Never forgotten, we speak their name;
Laying there, no wrong or shame.
Their quest- to stretch the bounds of discovery;
lost forever, all hopes of recovery.

Perhaps one day if you are able;
picture one such nightmare fable.
out there on the ice they toil and drag;
the ghostly team of bone and rag.

Blackened mouths and painful joints through Haemorrhage;
to stagger forever can be, their only heritage.
They want to rest, to sleep and die;
but lost they are, to ever walk on by.

And what of Nansen and Amundsen in all this?
Different methods they used, it went like this.
When Scott said he'd use ponies and dogs;
Nansen replied- "I'd use dogs, dogs, and dogs".

To write some words, an Epitaph new.
is all that those like me can do.
To do for them some form of justice;
Perhaps one day, they'll get to read this.
BY JACK D HARRISON.
MON 03-07-2017.

12 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Astonishing, inspirational, unforgettable

Simply the most incredible and inspirational story I have ever heard. Have listened twice and it loses nothing second time around. Awe inspiring to hear what those amazing men endured.

10 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Harrowing and inspiring

They were made of sterner stuff back then. Scarcely believable tale of endurance and hardship.

9 persone l'hanno trovata utile

True Heroics

Set against our present age of hyped-up sporting "triumphs", celebrity vloggers and x-factor instant successes, this is a story of truly heroic behaviour. After setting the last great goal of antarctic exploration (walking from one side to the other), Sir Ernest Shackleton and his team of twenty seven assorted seamen, scientists, artists and adventurers face one set-back after another. They accept appalling suffering, and an endlessly diminishing sense of security as the expedition is first icebound, then cast adrift on a frozen sea with little but the clothes they are wearing. Although the leadership of Shackleton looms large in every episode, his eventual accomplishment is only really possible because of the extraordinary crew he had formed, and their ability to "grunt and go" never fails to amaze. Even the most flawed of them appears almost superhuman in modern terms.

This account was published in the 50s, and offers exceptional practical detail, even if it does brush too lightly over some of the interpersonal antagonisms that coloured the men's experiences. A near mutiny by the ship's carpenter McNish, is a particularly sad story that is not followed to its conclusion, and the somewhat selfish Thomas Orde-Lees is let off surprisingly gently, being treated largely as the camp clown.

8 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Absolutely stunning!

What a story. Brave, foolhardy, or plain
irresponsible, whatever your opinion after reading
this you will wonder how they did it. The reader
caught the right level of authority and awe. I just
couldn't put it down.

7 persone l'hanno trovata utile

If only I could give it 6 stars

Simply the best audiobook I've ever listened to. Brilliant on every level. They don't make men like this anymore. As soon as I finished it I started again from the beginning as I'll never find another book this good.

6 persone l'hanno trovata utile