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.

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18 people found this helpful

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. . .

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13 people found this helpful

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.

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12 people found this helpful

Harrowing story very well read

Like most people, I knew bits of the Endurance story, but not all of it. This book gives an excellent account of what happened to the expedition members, including many excerpts from their diaries.
The narration was very good, with easily identifiable - but not overdone - accents for the main protagonists. It was read with feeling when required, and in an engaging manner. I was very impressed.
I would happily listen to this audiobook again, and definitely recommend it.

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2 people found this helpful

Beyond Human Endurance

This book is simply astonishing in its recounting of Shackleton's ill fated crossing of the South Pole in 1914 - 1916. Having heard of Shackleton but never having actually understood let alone read the account of his endeavours I was enthralled by this incredible story of human endurance and the will to survive.

The book is well constructed with excellent pros and narrated superbly. A quick note on narration; Even the best stories can be marred or rendered lifeless with poor narration. Fortunately, Simon Prebble's narration skills are truly fit for the telling of such an epic story and lends classic gravitas and competence second to none of all the narrators I've listened too - an I have listened to a lot.

This book really captures the essence of the struggles and how dire the situation became by inserting various diary entries from members of the expedition to further illustrate the human story.

I think that the calibre, resourcefulness, courage, strength and sheer endurance of such men have long since passed into history and we'll never see the like of them again.

next time you think you've had a bad day, try giving this book a read to see what truly bad is.

Highly recommended.

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1 person found this helpful

Unbelievably good

Excellent book! The hardship suffered by these men is incredible. A brilliant story that everyone should know, it puts life into perspective by making you realise most of your worries are truly ‘first world problems’ fantastic story!

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What an adventure

Wow what a ride near misses and constant avalanche of obstacles they are pushed to the absolute limits of man and you get to go with them in the very comfort of your home brilliant read and a must

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Incredible

What an amazing story, endurance beyond belief, well written and well read. I would highly recommend.

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Incredible

Incredible. Epic story, well read! Absolutely recommend to anyone. Narrator is fantastic at putting you in the story

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Simply Riveting

Almost too tense to listen to. Kept me up at night several times to hear the next chapter. A stunning book about a truly remarkable group of men.

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