Publication
Amsterdam [etc.] : Uitgeverijen Singel 262; 252 p, 18 cm; http://opc4.kb.nl/DB=1/PPN?PPN=152276173
ISBN
9041350128 / 9789041350121
Collection
Description
The 25th Anniversary ebook, now with more than 50 images. 'Touching the Void' is the tale of two mountaineer's harrowing ordeal in the Peruvian Andes. In the summer of 1985, two young, headstrong mountaineers set off to conquer an unclimbed route. They had triumphantly reached the summit, when a horrific accident mid-descent forced one friend to leave another for dead. Ambition, morality, fear and camaraderie are explored in this electronic edition of the mountaineering classic, with never before seen colour photographs taken during the trip itself.
Subjects
User reviews
LibraryThing member sushicat
Joe Simpson and his climbing partner Simon Yates make a first ascent on a difficult peak in the Andes. They have barely started their descent when Joe breaks his leg, which is pretty much sure death under the circumstances. Nevertheless they manage somehow to continue down, but they reach am
This is a gripping tale, a vivid description of a dangerous climbing adventure. It gives great insights into what motivates people to go on such expeditions. It's also a moving tale of friendship and morality - and free of the mud slinging that is so often part of such dramatic tales. It's fascinating to accompany both Joe and Simon on their separate ways down from the mountain, both under the influence of the events and especially for Joe at or beyond their physical limits.
The 25th anniversary edition includes original pictures from the climb and afterwords added later on that revisit critical decisions and recount the impact of going back years later to record some sequences for the movie based on the book.
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impasse where both can't move anymore. The only way is for Simon to cut the rope on which Joe hangs over the abyss. Miraculously both of them eventually make it back to base camp.This is a gripping tale, a vivid description of a dangerous climbing adventure. It gives great insights into what motivates people to go on such expeditions. It's also a moving tale of friendship and morality - and free of the mud slinging that is so often part of such dramatic tales. It's fascinating to accompany both Joe and Simon on their separate ways down from the mountain, both under the influence of the events and especially for Joe at or beyond their physical limits.
The 25th anniversary edition includes original pictures from the climb and afterwords added later on that revisit critical decisions and recount the impact of going back years later to record some sequences for the movie based on the book.
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LibraryThing member pgmcc
Touching the Void is the first hand account of a mountaineer who survived a near fatal experience on an Andean mountain in Peru. Originally published in 1988, this book tells the story of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates’ disastrous ventures on the Siula Grande. The 2008 Vintage Classics edition has
This book was brought to me by a friend who had just finished it and was really enthusiastic about it, and about how it showed the resourcefulness of mankind, and what a person could achieve if they had the will.
I must admit that mountaineering is not my cup of tea. This book was on the back foot with me from the off. I was, however, determined to read it and provide my comments to my enthusiastic friend.
Personal prejudices aside, let me start with the things that did not work for me, and finish on the more positive aspects of Touching the Void.
The book told me about two friends who, on their own admission in the book, tackled a dangerous climb without being properly prepared or provisioned.
This dangerous climb, for which they were ill prepared, was in a region of the world where there was no hope of help or support if anything went wrong.
The weather conditions they experienced were different from anything they had experienced before and they found themselves attempting to second-guess what the weather was going to do, and what the local climatic conditions were likely to be.
On the positive side, reading the book did give me a great sense of being on the mountain, or in the crevasse, or crawling over the rocky moraine. It was very graphic and I could imagine myself in the predicaments described.
Each of the climbers had to make hard decisions about life or death. I think the book conveyed the thoughts, feelings and moral dilemmas of each climber in a sensitive, effective and realistic fashion. It also put across the permanent effects their experiences have had on them, and the issues they have to deal with for the rest of their lives.
Anyone interested in mountaineering will, in my opinion, love this book. I would suggest there would be some of us who would be just as well off by not reading it. I would add that this book in no way altered my opinion of mountaineering.
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some updated retrospective comments in the afterword.This book was brought to me by a friend who had just finished it and was really enthusiastic about it, and about how it showed the resourcefulness of mankind, and what a person could achieve if they had the will.
I must admit that mountaineering is not my cup of tea. This book was on the back foot with me from the off. I was, however, determined to read it and provide my comments to my enthusiastic friend.
Personal prejudices aside, let me start with the things that did not work for me, and finish on the more positive aspects of Touching the Void.
The book told me about two friends who, on their own admission in the book, tackled a dangerous climb without being properly prepared or provisioned.
This dangerous climb, for which they were ill prepared, was in a region of the world where there was no hope of help or support if anything went wrong.
The weather conditions they experienced were different from anything they had experienced before and they found themselves attempting to second-guess what the weather was going to do, and what the local climatic conditions were likely to be.
On the positive side, reading the book did give me a great sense of being on the mountain, or in the crevasse, or crawling over the rocky moraine. It was very graphic and I could imagine myself in the predicaments described.
Each of the climbers had to make hard decisions about life or death. I think the book conveyed the thoughts, feelings and moral dilemmas of each climber in a sensitive, effective and realistic fashion. It also put across the permanent effects their experiences have had on them, and the issues they have to deal with for the rest of their lives.
Anyone interested in mountaineering will, in my opinion, love this book. I would suggest there would be some of us who would be just as well off by not reading it. I would add that this book in no way altered my opinion of mountaineering.
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LibraryThing member SamuelW
As another review of this book once pointed out, Touching the Void is, in itself, its biggest spoiler. We know that both brothers survived their ordeal, because they lived to write a novel! This is a story of survival against astronomical odds, but I have extracted bigger feelings of ‘wow, what a
Although this book has been highly acclaimed, some novels just don’t click with certain people, and this was the case with Touching the Void and I. Having spent many hours trying to analyse why this was, I have deduced that this book completely failed to hook me. When a book only has ‘heart-stopping’ adventure going for it, and it somehow fails to stop its reader’s heart, then suddenly it becomes pointless and boring.
There are also disadvantages of writing about a true story like this one, (however exciting it may be.) For one, reading this book is a little like being on the mountain with the two brothers; you can’t fast-forward through the repetitive climbing bits to get to the real excitement. If Touching the Void were a fictional story, Joe Simspon would no doubt have omitted lots of the pages he spent going from point A to point B, and working his way around difficult areas of rock. As it is, Joe does not actually break his leg until fifty pages in, and fifty pages is a long time to wait for any sense of story-driving complication.
For the right kind of person, however, I imagine this book could be quite enjoyable. It paints clear pictures of landscapes, complete with atmospheres: suspenseful, joyful, despairing. The ideal person to read Touching the Void would be a mountain climber, as anybody not familiar with the obscure terminology has to keep flicking to the (incomplete) glossary at the back, which rather detracts from the experience.
Overall, with its exciting chapter titles and true-story appeal, this book wouldn’t be too bad a way to spend an afternoon – you just have to give it to the right person. The person who gave it to me made a mistake. Recommended for those who find themselves feeling sorry for people they have never met.
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struggle’ from books where the main characters didn’t go through half as much as Joe Simpson. Am I inhuman because by halfway through the story I had been swallowed by an overwhelming sense of apathy?Although this book has been highly acclaimed, some novels just don’t click with certain people, and this was the case with Touching the Void and I. Having spent many hours trying to analyse why this was, I have deduced that this book completely failed to hook me. When a book only has ‘heart-stopping’ adventure going for it, and it somehow fails to stop its reader’s heart, then suddenly it becomes pointless and boring.
There are also disadvantages of writing about a true story like this one, (however exciting it may be.) For one, reading this book is a little like being on the mountain with the two brothers; you can’t fast-forward through the repetitive climbing bits to get to the real excitement. If Touching the Void were a fictional story, Joe Simspon would no doubt have omitted lots of the pages he spent going from point A to point B, and working his way around difficult areas of rock. As it is, Joe does not actually break his leg until fifty pages in, and fifty pages is a long time to wait for any sense of story-driving complication.
For the right kind of person, however, I imagine this book could be quite enjoyable. It paints clear pictures of landscapes, complete with atmospheres: suspenseful, joyful, despairing. The ideal person to read Touching the Void would be a mountain climber, as anybody not familiar with the obscure terminology has to keep flicking to the (incomplete) glossary at the back, which rather detracts from the experience.
Overall, with its exciting chapter titles and true-story appeal, this book wouldn’t be too bad a way to spend an afternoon – you just have to give it to the right person. The person who gave it to me made a mistake. Recommended for those who find themselves feeling sorry for people they have never met.
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LibraryThing member othersam
We all have bad days. But if you read TOUCHING THE VOID by Joe Simpson not "only" will you have experienced a jaw-droppingly thrilling true story of grit and survival, you'll also – no matter how bad things ever get for you – be able to say to yourself: 'Well, at least I'm not desperately
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trying to make my way down one of the world's most dangerous mountains alone, with a broken leg, without food or water or shelter, with no hope of rescue because all my friends think I'm dead.' It's not a book for fans of Boney M, I guess. For everyone else I'd say it's essential. Show Less
LibraryThing member LKChapman
I was gripped by this fantastic book from start to finish. I have always been interested in the stories of people who choose to test themselves against nature in all its beauty and indifferent savagery, and this book certainly did not disappoint; atmospheric, moving, desperate, harrowing- it took
There are a few technical terms in this book that I didn’t understand- so it was handy to be reading the Kindle version so I could easily look them up, but this in no way took away from such an astonishing story of survival and friendship. In fact, the relationship between Simon and Joe after Joe’s injury was unlike anything I’ve ever read before: the realisation that you rely so utterly on somebody else, or indeed the knowledge that someone relies so utterly on you must be mind-blowing. I can’t even begin to guess how I would react to being in either of their situations.
To put it simply, I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t stop thinking about it while I was reading it and I know I will keep on thinking about it a long time after. I can honestly say this is one of the best and most moving books I have ever read.
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me through pretty much every emotion just reading it, the thought that somebody really went through this ordeal is unimaginable. There are a few technical terms in this book that I didn’t understand- so it was handy to be reading the Kindle version so I could easily look them up, but this in no way took away from such an astonishing story of survival and friendship. In fact, the relationship between Simon and Joe after Joe’s injury was unlike anything I’ve ever read before: the realisation that you rely so utterly on somebody else, or indeed the knowledge that someone relies so utterly on you must be mind-blowing. I can’t even begin to guess how I would react to being in either of their situations.
To put it simply, I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t stop thinking about it while I was reading it and I know I will keep on thinking about it a long time after. I can honestly say this is one of the best and most moving books I have ever read.
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LibraryThing member co_coyote
Don't pick this book up unless you have time to kill. You won't be putting it down anytime soon. This is an absolutely astounding story of one person's miraculous survival in the face of almost certain death. This is on a par with Shackleton's adventure in the Southern Ocean, sailing 850 miles by
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dead reckoning in a 20 foot boat in a hurricane to hit South Georgia Island. Some people are just very, very, incredibly lucky. Great tale, well told. Show Less
LibraryThing member mrtall
This is an unforgettable book, mostly for good reasons. Joe Simpson and his climbing partner Simon Yates encounter the serious climber's hellish dilemma: one has been injured high up an Andean peak. What should the other do? Abandon the injured man, and save his own life, or try to pull off a
This story has the great benefit of being non-fiction: the exigencies of the decisions Simpson and Yates make, and the utterly unlikely events that transpire would both be ridiculed in a novel for being implausible and melodramatic. Their story is amazing.
Another plus (mostly) is that the story's told by Simpson himself. Like the epitome of this genre, Into Thin Air, there is a clarity and truth to Simpson's storytelling that can only come from someone who was there. Unlike Jon Krakauer, however, Simpson is not a great writer. He's obviously highly intelligent, and he manages to convey the grinding pain, exhaustion and hopelessness of his epic journey to safety in a powerful way. There are sections where he's essentially reproducing the stream of consciousness delirium he experienced on the mountain, and they're quite effective. He also strips away much that is inessential -- perhaps too much, especially in terms of the climbing descriptions. They're often written in a kind of mountaineer's shorthand that non-climbers like me really can't understand. The book also is not particularly well-paced; it seems longer than its modest page total.
Quibbles aside, this is essential reading for anyone interested in mountaineering, survival stories, or simply some good adventure.
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rescue that will almost certainly end in death for both? This story has the great benefit of being non-fiction: the exigencies of the decisions Simpson and Yates make, and the utterly unlikely events that transpire would both be ridiculed in a novel for being implausible and melodramatic. Their story is amazing.
Another plus (mostly) is that the story's told by Simpson himself. Like the epitome of this genre, Into Thin Air, there is a clarity and truth to Simpson's storytelling that can only come from someone who was there. Unlike Jon Krakauer, however, Simpson is not a great writer. He's obviously highly intelligent, and he manages to convey the grinding pain, exhaustion and hopelessness of his epic journey to safety in a powerful way. There are sections where he's essentially reproducing the stream of consciousness delirium he experienced on the mountain, and they're quite effective. He also strips away much that is inessential -- perhaps too much, especially in terms of the climbing descriptions. They're often written in a kind of mountaineer's shorthand that non-climbers like me really can't understand. The book also is not particularly well-paced; it seems longer than its modest page total.
Quibbles aside, this is essential reading for anyone interested in mountaineering, survival stories, or simply some good adventure.
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LibraryThing member AlisonY
Set 10 years before Jon Krakauer's account of the Everest disaster in Into Thin Air, the setting of this mountaineering disaster memoir is Siula Grande in Peru.
The premise of these mountaineering disaster books is generally familiar - a group of total nut jobs decide to scale some utterly
Touching the Void is famous for recounting the disaster where Simpson's climbing mate Simon Yates ends up cutting the rope that Simpson is dangling from over the side of a cliff to save himself. The subsequent documentary film that followed the book left Yates feeling angry that it was a one-sided portrayal of the accident, with the film leaving out the extensive hours he'd spent trying to save Simpson's life before he made that fateful decision. In this memoir, Simpson is unequivocal in his support for Yates' actions. Having fallen and badly broken his leg, Yates spent hours lowering Simpson down the mountain before unwittingly lowering him over a cliff in the dark. With Simpson tangling in mid air, when the rope ran out Yates was unable to pull Simpson back up, and as Simpson's weight would ultimately pull him off the mountain too he eventually took the decision to cut Simpson away.
This is the ultimate story of survival against the odds, and despite falling many feet down a crevasse Simpson somehow survives and manages to literally crawl back to camp three days later (I hope this isn't a spoiler, but as he wrote the book I think it's fairly obvious that he didn't die).
My own perspective on Yates' action is that yes, he had no other choice if he wanted to stay alive, and Simpson was likely to die anyway either way. However, I did find myself questioning his actions after he got down the mountain and regained some strength. He automatically assumed that Simpson was dead and made no attempt to go back to the lower slopes of the mountain to check, or to see if the body could be recovered for his family. The two climbers had no radios and were climbing in a very remote area without any rescue helicopters on speed dial, so I was surprised that he was so quick to assume the worst and not clutch on to any chance of survival and rescue. He was only 21 at the time, and part of me wonders if he feared Simpson giving a more damning perspective of his actions if he survived. Some sections were Yates' account (written by Simpson but with Yates' input and blessing), and I was surprised by his cool mental ability after a day or so to try to already put the accident behind him. The two are no longer friends today, with Yates stating that they "no longer have anything in common", and I'm not overly surprised.
The fact that Simpson carried on climbing after two years of rehabilitation, and went on to have another accident in a serious mountain climb tells you everything about the mentality of mountaineers. They know the risks are very real, but the pull of the mountain and the climbing experience transcends everything.
5 stars - I was totally gripped by this book and would have read it in one sitting if circumstances had allowed. The quality of writing was excellent, and I'll definitely be seeking out some of Simpson's other titles.
The premise of these mountaineering disaster books is generally familiar - a group of total nut jobs decide to scale some utterly
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impossible mountain face, weather closes in, horrific accident happens. Nonetheless, these climbing books draw me in every time. The mountains are my happy place, and when I watched serious climbers going up and down the Mont Blanc cable car in Chamonix a couple of years ago I had a stab of envy at their nerve, their freedom of not being held back by their fears. I could never take the risks they take (I worry about the ski lifts holding), but I'm quite happy to join in their adventures from my armchair. It's interesting that so many mountaineers are truly excellent writers as well, and Joe Simpson is no exception.Touching the Void is famous for recounting the disaster where Simpson's climbing mate Simon Yates ends up cutting the rope that Simpson is dangling from over the side of a cliff to save himself. The subsequent documentary film that followed the book left Yates feeling angry that it was a one-sided portrayal of the accident, with the film leaving out the extensive hours he'd spent trying to save Simpson's life before he made that fateful decision. In this memoir, Simpson is unequivocal in his support for Yates' actions. Having fallen and badly broken his leg, Yates spent hours lowering Simpson down the mountain before unwittingly lowering him over a cliff in the dark. With Simpson tangling in mid air, when the rope ran out Yates was unable to pull Simpson back up, and as Simpson's weight would ultimately pull him off the mountain too he eventually took the decision to cut Simpson away.
This is the ultimate story of survival against the odds, and despite falling many feet down a crevasse Simpson somehow survives and manages to literally crawl back to camp three days later (I hope this isn't a spoiler, but as he wrote the book I think it's fairly obvious that he didn't die).
My own perspective on Yates' action is that yes, he had no other choice if he wanted to stay alive, and Simpson was likely to die anyway either way. However, I did find myself questioning his actions after he got down the mountain and regained some strength. He automatically assumed that Simpson was dead and made no attempt to go back to the lower slopes of the mountain to check, or to see if the body could be recovered for his family. The two climbers had no radios and were climbing in a very remote area without any rescue helicopters on speed dial, so I was surprised that he was so quick to assume the worst and not clutch on to any chance of survival and rescue. He was only 21 at the time, and part of me wonders if he feared Simpson giving a more damning perspective of his actions if he survived. Some sections were Yates' account (written by Simpson but with Yates' input and blessing), and I was surprised by his cool mental ability after a day or so to try to already put the accident behind him. The two are no longer friends today, with Yates stating that they "no longer have anything in common", and I'm not overly surprised.
The fact that Simpson carried on climbing after two years of rehabilitation, and went on to have another accident in a serious mountain climb tells you everything about the mentality of mountaineers. They know the risks are very real, but the pull of the mountain and the climbing experience transcends everything.
5 stars - I was totally gripped by this book and would have read it in one sitting if circumstances had allowed. The quality of writing was excellent, and I'll definitely be seeking out some of Simpson's other titles.
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LibraryThing member astrofiammante
One of the most touching, apparently truthful and immediate books I have read for a long time, one that left me torn between alarm at the young Simpson's foolishness and respect for his tenacity. A great insight into that mysterious force that drives mountaineers back to the mountain again and
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again to face physical danger and misery beyond imagination. An excellent addition to a favourite genre of mine. Show Less
LibraryThing member Hiromatsuo
In 1985, mountain climbers Joe Simpson and Simon Yates made an attempt to scale the west face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes. While their attempt is successful, Joe falls and badly breaks his leg on the way down. What follows is a harrowing story of survival as both men attempt to reach
This story has apparently become the stuff of legend in the mountaineering community, and rightfully so. Joe Simpson basically suffers throughout the book as he tries to make his way to safety. The writing itself is very simple and easy to follow. It doesn’t bog down too much in the technicalities of climbing, so it’s fairly easy to understand. While primarily written from Joe’s point of view, it does contain parts where we read about Simon’s viewpoints as well. I guess there is some criticism of the characters of each of these men. Indeed, both are somewhat selfish and egotistical, but remember that they are not saints; they are human beings with flaws. This book is simply an honest account of what took place and of what they were thinking at the time.
It is a bit difficult to talk about the book without spoiling it, but overall, as a true story of survival, it is incredible. It has a slightly nihilistic tone to it, but if you put yourself in Joe’s shoes and imagine the incredible pain and fear he is enduring, then it does make sense. On a side-note, I would also recommend the documentary film (of the same name) made in 2003. It follows the book faithfully and intercuts footage of interviews with the real Simpson and Yates with footage of actors reenacting the tale. It is a much more striking visual representation of the story than simply reading it. Overall, I would give this book 5 out of 5. If you like adventure stories, especially true stories and stories of survival, then this book is for you (and the film as well).
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safety. In particular, a series of mishaps separates Joe from Simon, and Joe ends up crawling his way back to camp over the course of several days, alone, and nearly dying in the process.This story has apparently become the stuff of legend in the mountaineering community, and rightfully so. Joe Simpson basically suffers throughout the book as he tries to make his way to safety. The writing itself is very simple and easy to follow. It doesn’t bog down too much in the technicalities of climbing, so it’s fairly easy to understand. While primarily written from Joe’s point of view, it does contain parts where we read about Simon’s viewpoints as well. I guess there is some criticism of the characters of each of these men. Indeed, both are somewhat selfish and egotistical, but remember that they are not saints; they are human beings with flaws. This book is simply an honest account of what took place and of what they were thinking at the time.
It is a bit difficult to talk about the book without spoiling it, but overall, as a true story of survival, it is incredible. It has a slightly nihilistic tone to it, but if you put yourself in Joe’s shoes and imagine the incredible pain and fear he is enduring, then it does make sense. On a side-note, I would also recommend the documentary film (of the same name) made in 2003. It follows the book faithfully and intercuts footage of interviews with the real Simpson and Yates with footage of actors reenacting the tale. It is a much more striking visual representation of the story than simply reading it. Overall, I would give this book 5 out of 5. If you like adventure stories, especially true stories and stories of survival, then this book is for you (and the film as well).
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LibraryThing member chrissie3
Exciting? Yes!
This is the quintessential survival story, and it is true!
In 1985 Joe Simpson and Simon Yates decide to climb the west face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes. I am no mountaineer, but even I could spot some of their errors. The book focuses on moral issues too.
*******spoiler
A prime one being that Simon cuts the rope between him and Joe, remember Joe is the author, causing Joe to fall into a deep crevasse. Simon takes Joe for dead and returns to base camp, where Richard has remained to watch over their possessions. Simon didn't look down that crevasse to check and see if Joe really was dead. Was it right to cut that rope? Do you sacrifice one person's life to save another, or must both die? I can understand cutting that rope....given the conditions. What I find inexcusable is that when Simon returned to camp he did not immediately get help and search parties in to look for Joe. THAT is beyond my comprehension.********spoiler over******
Most of the time I could picture the glacial landscape. There are crevasses and ice bridges and morasses and fissures and glacial expanses, sparkling light and snow storms and it is cold and wet, freezing. I could NOT exactly picture what it was like in the crevasse as the author described it. So maybe the movie is better than the book? The author took part in the filming later in 2002.
Joe's fear, his physical pain and exhaustion, his terror, THAT I definitely felt. His hallucinations became my hallucinations. Simon corroborated with Joe in the writing of this book. Nevertheless, I did NOT feel that his words rang as true as Joe's. Simon's voice in the audiobook is narrated by Andrew Wincott. It was too slick, too quiet. No, he didn't even sound like a mountaineer. Joe's narration by Daniel Weyman was spot-on.
My gut reaction to the audiobook was that I liked it. I certainly was not going to stop in the middle, although I had to take breathers. I am a coward and couldn't sit still, it gripped me so! I liked that not many lines were spent on the medical treatments required after this escapade. I liked that there is a short epilogue covering Joe's philosophical approach to his experiences. Yes, he continued to climb mountains.
This is the quintessential survival story, and it is true!
In 1985 Joe Simpson and Simon Yates decide to climb the west face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes. I am no mountaineer, but even I could spot some of their errors. The book focuses on moral issues too.
*******spoiler
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warning!!!!***** A prime one being that Simon cuts the rope between him and Joe, remember Joe is the author, causing Joe to fall into a deep crevasse. Simon takes Joe for dead and returns to base camp, where Richard has remained to watch over their possessions. Simon didn't look down that crevasse to check and see if Joe really was dead. Was it right to cut that rope? Do you sacrifice one person's life to save another, or must both die? I can understand cutting that rope....given the conditions. What I find inexcusable is that when Simon returned to camp he did not immediately get help and search parties in to look for Joe. THAT is beyond my comprehension.********spoiler over******
Most of the time I could picture the glacial landscape. There are crevasses and ice bridges and morasses and fissures and glacial expanses, sparkling light and snow storms and it is cold and wet, freezing. I could NOT exactly picture what it was like in the crevasse as the author described it. So maybe the movie is better than the book? The author took part in the filming later in 2002.
Joe's fear, his physical pain and exhaustion, his terror, THAT I definitely felt. His hallucinations became my hallucinations. Simon corroborated with Joe in the writing of this book. Nevertheless, I did NOT feel that his words rang as true as Joe's. Simon's voice in the audiobook is narrated by Andrew Wincott. It was too slick, too quiet. No, he didn't even sound like a mountaineer. Joe's narration by Daniel Weyman was spot-on.
My gut reaction to the audiobook was that I liked it. I certainly was not going to stop in the middle, although I had to take breathers. I am a coward and couldn't sit still, it gripped me so! I liked that not many lines were spent on the medical treatments required after this escapade. I liked that there is a short epilogue covering Joe's philosophical approach to his experiences. Yes, he continued to climb mountains.
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LibraryThing member Georg.Miggel
Compelling, a lot of suspense, well written and very hard not to read on one day. However, I could not decide about my own emotions: Respect and admiration for the climbers' determination and discipline or plain pity for their childish and selfish behaviour putting themselves (and others) in danger
But this is not the whole of the story. Do you think Simon was right to cut the rope? Disuss.
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pointlessly). Qui perit morit. But this is not the whole of the story. Do you think Simon was right to cut the rope? Disuss.
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LibraryThing member Karen_Wells
I get vertigo just standing on a chair, so I love to read about those superhumans who can not only climb whole ladders, but even mountains. But this book is about descent, and touches something primal. What can the human will achieve? What can the bravest of us overcome in order to survive? Read
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this book, or watch the docu-drama of same - both are superb but the film is actually better - and prepare to be humbled, and to gasp in awe. Show Less
LibraryThing member getreadingSMC
In the mid-80's two young climbers attempted to reach the summit of Siula Grande in Peru; a feat that had previously been attempted but never achieved. With an extra man looking after base camp, Simon and Joe set off to scale the mount in one long push over several days.
Khalid Moahmed Abdulla
Khalid Moahmed Abdulla
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Alatta Show Less
LibraryThing member Figgles
Excellent story of an unbelievable true story of survival. Two young men successfully climb Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes, on the descent things go horribly wrong. If you've seen the documentary this is the book it's based on.
LibraryThing member Paulslibrary
An unbelievable account of survival. Given the insurmountable odds it goes beyond imagination as to how Joe Simpson found the will and strength to carry on. Many would have given up long ago. "Touching the Void" was also made into a short film with Joe Simpson, Simon Yates, and their camp mate,
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"Richard" providing narration. The film is true to the book and highly recommended. I found it in 12 parts on YouTube. I discovered it prior to finishing the book. I had to restrain myself from watching the entire film before finishing the book. :) Show Less
LibraryThing member ianw
A genuine epic. Tremendously well written.
LibraryThing member petulant_seraph
A truly wonderful read. It’s one of those books that you try to force on your friends, hence several copies have entered and left my shelves over the years.
Joe Simpson tells of the harrowing events experienced by himself and climbing companion Simon Yates in the Peruvian Andes. It’s a tale of
I took from this book the knowledge that accidents do happen, people have to make impossible decisions and to be cautious about judgements reached from the comfort of my armchair.
Joe Simpson tells of the harrowing events experienced by himself and climbing companion Simon Yates in the Peruvian Andes. It’s a tale of
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survival and the strength of the human spirit. He shares his story with wit and honesty resulting in a book that appeals to a wide variety of readers.I took from this book the knowledge that accidents do happen, people have to make impossible decisions and to be cautious about judgements reached from the comfort of my armchair.
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LibraryThing member lunamonty
A riveting and nearly unbelievable true story of endurance. Two British mountain climbers struggle to descend a Peruvian peak in the face of ever-worsening catastrophe. This book was the basis for a recent documentary by the same title.
LibraryThing member Clueless
I could not put this book down. I seemed to have a vague memory of seeing (some) of the movie. But for some reason reading something almost always evokes a much stronger emotional reaction in me.
When I was done I wanted to drop to my knees and thank God that I am not called to climb mountains. I
There were no dark forces acting against me. A voice in my head told me that this was true, cutting through the jumble in my mind with its cold rational sound.
Ultimately, we all have to look after ourselves, whether on mountains or in day to day life. In my view that is not a license to be selfish, for only by taking good care of ourselves as we able to help others. Away from the mountains, in the complexity of every life, the price of neglecting this responsibility might be a marriage breaking down, a disruptive child, a business failing or a house repossessed.
It made me wonder at the person I had been all those years ago. I must have been bold, ambitious or even a little crazy to have considered such an undertaking. I traced the line of our ascent and watched the snow pluming off the north ridge in the strong high-altitude winds. It scared me. Where had all that drive and passion gone? How had I lost that sense of invincibility, the confidence born of youth,
When I was done I wanted to drop to my knees and thank God that I am not called to climb mountains. I
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love to read about it but mountain climbing books are never just about climbing. They are usually rich with metaphor.There were no dark forces acting against me. A voice in my head told me that this was true, cutting through the jumble in my mind with its cold rational sound.
Ultimately, we all have to look after ourselves, whether on mountains or in day to day life. In my view that is not a license to be selfish, for only by taking good care of ourselves as we able to help others. Away from the mountains, in the complexity of every life, the price of neglecting this responsibility might be a marriage breaking down, a disruptive child, a business failing or a house repossessed.
It made me wonder at the person I had been all those years ago. I must have been bold, ambitious or even a little crazy to have considered such an undertaking. I traced the line of our ascent and watched the snow pluming off the north ridge in the strong high-altitude winds. It scared me. Where had all that drive and passion gone? How had I lost that sense of invincibility, the confidence born of youth,
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LibraryThing member MSWallack
I read this book after seeing the film of the same title. I only read the book because my wife read it, absolutely loved it, and really wanted me to read it. She rarely asks me to read a book, so I read this for her. I'm glad that I saw the movie (which I loved) because it allowed me to visualize
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things that I was not able to visualize just on the basis of the author's words. To me, the book was more intense than the movie, but somehow less compelling -- maybe because I'd already seen the movie and knew how the story ended. Show Less
LibraryThing member captgeoff
A gripping story of one mans fight for survival in the mountains.
LibraryThing member booknivorous
Considering that most of the book is told from the perspective of one man’s thoughts as he’s stuck alone in a seriously bad predicament, it’s surprising how exhausted I was after finishing the book. If you enjoy stories of personal willpower, endurance, or being stuck in the wilderness,
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you’ll enjoy this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member yeremenko
Many people have commented on the writing as separating this book from other survival books, and I agree. Obviously an incredible story in itself, but Simpsons attention to detail and equal measures of humor, despair, hope and hopelessness bring the story to life. Simpson departs from the heroic
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ideal to see the times he almost quit, the utter defeat he flt, and as a result helps the reader see a great accomplishments is many tiny victories more than one great act. Show Less
LibraryThing member fibbin
I found this book a couple of years before the movie came out. An incredibly gripping story, an engrossing example of mans will to survive. Two men and an unclimbed mountain, the worst of conditions and then disaster followed by more harrowing disaster. WAY better than the movie. I almost forgot
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the SMELLY ending. Show Less
Awards
Original publication date
1988