Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage

This is a very good listen; because it reads like a novel I found myself having to remind myself that it all actually happened. It's a like a Jack London novel but for grown ups with added humour, factual detail and real characters.

What a fascinating and realistic story about the privations, resolve and ultimate success of a team of human beings surviving in the worst weather in the world. With each new problem the team seemed to grow stronger and I felt that the difficulties would ultimately overcome them, but no, not a chance. I was walking my dog in the woods when Shackleton and his men finally made it to South Georgia and it brought a tear to my eye. So, in the final chapter I actually gave a little cheer when everyone was safe. Marvellous!

I now understand the astonishing extent of the crew of the Endurance's achievement. This is often ascribed to Shackleton's leadership but what came through to me from this account was the importance of individuals working together with specialist skills and maintaining each others' morale. Tim Piggott-Smith is one of the best narrators, even when not much is happening, he keeps you enthralled.