Challenging the Pacific

The First Woman to Row the Kon-Tiki Route

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Challenging the Pacific

By: Maud Fontenoy

Narrated by: Eliza Foss

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About this listen

Named one of Time Magazine International's 30 most important people of 2005, Maud Fontenoy presents us with a terrific, entertaining adventure story on the high seas as she challenges the Pacific Ocean - a feat no woman before her ever accomplished. Already the first woman to row alone across the North Atlantic, Maud raised the bar to defy the elements, the daunting solitude, and the circling sharks of the South Pacific on her second solo voyage. She overcame all the odds as well as her personal doubts and fears, demonstrating not only her indomitable courage and strength but proving once again that women can conquer the most difficult and treacherous obstacles.

Adventure Travel

Adventurers, Explorers & Survival

Australia & Oceania

Oceania

Sailing & Boating

Sports

Travel Writing & Commentary

Water Sports

Women

Adventure

Sailing

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Editor reviews

After becoming the first woman to row solo across the Atlantic, Maud Fontenoy needed a new challenge, so she set out on a route across the Pacific made famous by Thor Heyerdahl, departing from Peru in a journey to Hiva Oa in French Polynesia's Marquesas Islands. In a fantastic performance, Eliza Floss captures all the thrilling nuance in Fontenoy's tale, from her palpable awe when describing the high seas to the creeping anxiety during Fontenoy's moments of self-doubt. Challenging the Pacific is a memorable adventure, and a great testament to the determination and strength of an incredible woman.

Critic reviews

AudioFile Earphones Award 2014

"With hushed tones, Foss describes magical moments that Fontenoy encounters, such as a mighty whale eyeing her tiny rowboat, Océor, before diving deep underneath it. During a sequence in which a vicious storm nearly ends the voyage, Foss adds a raw vitality to her voice that makes one ache for Fontenoy. In a fleeting four hours, Foss makes one believe that truly anything is possible."

(AudioFile)

Most relevant

Absolutely beautiful. Very inspiring. Highly recommended if you ever feel sorry for yourself. A candid account of one young woman who had the courage to pursue her dream.