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Tuesday, 1 September 2009

Jeffrey Archer - Paths of Glory

Review by Barbara Simpson on show August 2009
Although I sometimes find Jeffrey Archer's style of writing irritating and somewhat trite, I chose to read this book because of the subject matter.
Written as a novel, this book traces the life of legendary mountaineer Georg Mallory who, in 1924, died in an attempt to reach the summit of Mount Everest. His body was found frozen in the ice in 1999 and was identified by a name tape in his jacket and the story poses a fascinating theory, through various clues, that he did in fact, conquer Everest before losing his life on the descent from the summit.
Mallory was born to a Cheshire vicar and his wife in 1886 and had a conventional middle-class upbringing, being sent away very young firstly to prep school then on to public school before attending Cambridge University, after which he became a schoolmaster.
His fascination with climbing was apparent from early childhood and this passion grew with the passing years. He became a skilled and talented mountaineer, fearless and greatly respected by his colleagues. He also developed a passion for a beautiful young woman whom he courted in spectacular fashion and quickly married. Joan, his bride, accepted that he would always leave her for the challenge of a new mountain, despite being desperately worried for his safety.
His chance to attempt the conquest of Everest came through expeditions mounted by the Royal Geographical Society, thje first of which ended in disappointing failure in 1922. Mallory promised he wouldn't repeat the venture but of course his consuming desire to climb the highest mountain in the world stayed with him and his wife, very bravely, persuaded him that he should try again. He never returned.
The story is very well researched, extremely informative and paints a fascinating picture of the torments and perils of climbing in such inhospitable surroundings.
The charcters, virtually all drawn from real life, are believable and the situations described utterly convincing.
I would thoroughly recommend this as a good read. It's pacy style draws the reader on to the inevitable tragic ending and I greatly enjoyed it.

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