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Shackleton's Endurance

Shackleton's Endurance


 Publication Date: 4 May 2021
Format: Paperback / softback

ISBN 9781760526092

    $ 16.99 $ 16.99 16.990000000000002 AUD

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    Adrift on the Antarctic pack ice with no means of escape and no hope of rescue, Ernest Shackleton and his men are surely doomed.

    In August 1914, Ernest Shackleton and his men set sail for Antarctica, where they plan to cross the last uncharted continent on foot. In January 1915, his ship, the Endurance, becomes locked in pack ice. Later, it sinks without a trace.

    To survive, Shackleton and his crew of 27 men must undertake a trial even more extreme than their planned crossing of the frozen continent. Their aim is to make it home against tremendous odds, with only lifeboats to cross the heavy seas of the South Atlantic -- and the life-saving power of Shackleton's extraordinary leadership skills.

    Information

    Book Type: Junior High
    Age Group: 10 to 15 years
    Traffic Lights: Green/Amber
    Class Novel: No
    Good Reads Rating: 4.5/5
    Literary Rating: 4.5/5

    Review

    This narrative non-fiction novel takes readers on a journey to the Antarctic along with explorer Ernest Shackleton. Interspersed with flashbacks to Shackleton's early years in Ireland and first adventures at sea, the incredible journey of the Endurance unfolds.

    Photos from the expedition are also included, giving readers the opportunity to visualise events as they read. A list of important names, a brief timeline, illustrations of the crewmembers, and a map of Antarctica can be found at the beginning of the book, providing valuable background for readers to refer back to.

    The story begins with the Endurance in Buenos Aires, where most of the crew joins up. The ship sails to Grytviken in South Georgia, where Shackleton discovers the conditions aren't favourable for them to cross Antarctica that season. They plan to cross the Weddell sea and wait out the winter on the shores of Antarctica before crossing, but get icebound. The ice's pressure on the ship forces the men to shelter on an ice floe until the winter ice breaks up. They eventually set off on three life-boats, and make a perilous voyage to Elephant Island. Once there, Shackleton and five men take the largest lifeboat to South Georgia. Shackleton then takes two men with him on a cross-country marathon to the nearest whaling station. It takes more than three tries for Shackleton to recover the men on Elephant Island, but they all miraculously survive.

    The true joy of this book is the wide range of characters. Each man is fleshed out in short vignettes: the worryingly-young Perce Blackborow, who stowed away on the ship at the age of 18; cheerful New Zealander Captain Worsley; pompous and exacting Orde-Lees; seasoned sailor Tom Crean; and passionate photographer Frank Hurley

    The alliances and squabbles between the 28 men become both endearing and bewildering when set against the enormity of their situation. At the same time, it's this very human element that gives the reader the opportunity to connect with a truly incredible story. Through it all, the outstanding self-sacrifice, leadership, and guidance of Shackleton is a uniting force.

    This is an excellent entry-point into narrative non-fiction and a great choice for any readers interested in history or biography. The excellent writing also makes it a great adventure story, with a hopeful ending despite its harrowing middle. A welcome reminder of the incredible fortitude of humanity.

    Themes

    voyage, adventure, Antarctica, expedition, teamwork, journeys

    Content Notes

    1. Adults smoking (p. 11, 54, 59, 138) and drinking alcohol (p. 43). 2. Green has a high-pitched voice, rumoured to result from the loss of a testicle in an accident (p. 25). Two men reminisce about a mutual friend breaking his leg (p. 66). Blackborow's frostbitten toes are amputated off-page (p. 248). Wordie's tooth is pulled out (p. 271). Discussion throughout of killing and butchering animals for meat, including seals and penguins. This is not described graphically. The dogs are shot off-page (p. 136). Mention of the three fatalities sustained by the Ross Sea Party, not in detail (p. 282). Mention of members of Shackleton's party who later died in the WWI, not in detail (p. 283). Mention of Shackleton's death of a heart attack (p. 284). 3. The men play a game of strip poker, not described (p. 38). 4. Language: bastard x 2, bloody x 5.

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