This book is well written and gives a harrowing account of early explorers to an extreme and inhospitable place. The author doesn't cut corners or use unnecessary literary devices, because the truth is way too interesting to bother with embellishments. I wouldn't hand this to a 10 year old, but jr high or older would enjoy this history adventure.

I am disappointed to tell you that I have not received this book. Where is it?

It is almost hard to believe that Alfred Lansing's novel is based on actual events. In 1914 Ernest Shackleton embarked on an expedition to cross the Antartic by land. Unfortunately, the sinking of the ship, Endurance, left the men stranded on a frozen and treacherous ocean. The Endurance crew battled obstacle after obstacle to return to civilization.

Lansing meticulously researched this novel by interviewing survivors and reading the memoirs of those who experienced the events firsthand. This novel deserves praise not only because it is an incredible read, but also for bringing to life the heroic men who survived such an ordeal. I'm impressed by how well this book was put together. Not only does it vividly describle the impossible conditions the men were forced to endure, but the author also took the time to humanize the crew.

Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage is not some drab assessment of a historical expedition, it is a novel filled with emotions felt by those who lived through the most unbearable circumstances. There are many books written on this amazing survival story, but Alfred Lansing's version is worth the read.