I had been meaning to read this one for some time, but other books kept luring me away. Finally, a couple of weeks ago a friend gave it a strong recommendation at a point when I was just finishing up another book. I picked it up from the library and was immediately hooked.

The hardships these men must have faced would be unimaginable for anyone. But, to have done it in the early 1900's with the limited clothing and gear available at that time is just absolutely staggering. Even still, what struck me the most was that, through it all, they were generally able to maintain an upbeat attitude through every hardship imaginable for 15 months. Then, to finally come out of it all without the loss of any life speaks volumes to the skill and perseverance of Shackelton and his crew.

Alfred Lansing's account of the voyage is based largely on diaries kept by the crew, and through discussions with crew members who were still alive at the time of the books research. It is written in such a way that the reader is able to get a sense of what the men were going through and possibly feeling, without being over-dramatic. The accounts of what took place are dramatic enough on their own merit, without literary help from an outside biographer, and Lansing seems to recognize this.

ENDURACE: Shackelton's Incredible Voyage