Survival on an entirely different level than a TV show. Survival when no one expects you to live. Simpson's story is one of total perseverance, dogged determination, and hope. It touched me in a way I didn't expect. I've read a number of hiking and survival books that had obvious, reliable endings. With this one, I kept having to remind myself that Simpson lived. And he's telling the story. It's not a fantastical yarn spun by an author who's only experience comes from research: This really happened. The fact that I had to keep reminding myself of that made me appreciate this book even more. Simpson's writing is engaging, it captured me completely; I had to force myself to put it down.
I'm an avid hiker, and I've been in positions where I've had to turn around because the situation was becoming unsafe or time was against me. Because of that, I kept expecting them to turn around at some point or for an injury to occur sooner, forcing them to accept defeat. Their "can do" attitude and their thoughtful determination allowed them to summit and make it as far down as they did. However, it was also their downfall. I read "Deep Survival" by Laurence Gonzales prior to this, and he explores that mindset of pushing limits and reaching further (because it was a fascinating read and I think everyone should delve into it, I won't expound much further on his theory of why people do that), but at one point on the way to the summit, Simpson pauses to reflect on why he is attempting a summit no one has done before and he realizes he's going to feel a need to push for harder, more remote climbs to surpass Siula Grande and wonders if it is all worth it. That arenaline and feeling of success leads people to push and take greater risks. It was humbling to know he had those thoughts and recognized that mindset on his way up. Sumitting truly is a rush.
Simpson's reflection on his actual survival and his thought process kept me engage the entire way. I can't imagine hauling myself off a mountain with a broken leg. I've attempted moderate himes with a fractured shin, and that was miserable! His focus on patterns and repetition as a means to block out the pain, his use of his watch to force himself forward, and listening to his inner "voice" were his survival techniques. The patterns were to keep him focused on forward motion, obviously vital to getting off the mountain. The clock kept his perspective balanced with reality. The voice kept him alive. I loved his description of the voice: "A cold clinical side of me assessed everything, decided what to do and made me do it. The rest was madness - a hazy blur of images so vivid and real that I lost myself in their spell."
In addition to his recollection, he includes sections from Simon's perspective. My heart aches for Simon, who had to make the decision to save his life at the cost of another's or lose both. I can't imagine the guilt and pain he felt and hope I never have to, but a review of this book would feel incomplete if I didn't tip my hat to Simon, who's perseverance, cool headedness, and ability to see the bigger picture gave him victory with a steep price. The heartache i felt for him was alleviated in the author's note at the end, where Simon shared his thoughts on the climb and where things started to go wrong. He says, "For only by taking good care of ourselves are we able to help others. Away from the mountains, in the complexity of everyday life, the price of neglecting this responsibility might be a marriage breaking down, a disruptive child, a business failing or a house repossessed. In the mountains the penalty for neglect can often be death." Simon, you have my utmost respect.
Simpson's survival and story are so much more than just patterns and voices, though. He has a will and determination to live that I feel is unmatched, except by a few people. His ability to persevere and even the ability to make choices about how or where he wanted to die (which he felt he accepted was inevitable), spurred him forward. If this was the end, it would be on his terms, and he would get as far away from the mountain as possible. That is true grit and determination. I truly admire Simpson and would love to write more but fear my words will fall on bored ears.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Frequently bought together
$17.22
Get it May 3 - 6
In stock
Usually ships within 2 to 3 days.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Similar items that may ship from close to you
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
I took it home and couldn't stop reading.
I was over at my brother's house last week and while waiting for some laundry we both sat reading. He was reading my copy of Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove and I decided to grab a book he had on the shelf and I just happened to pick the book that this review is about. I did not realize what I was getting myself into when I picked it up but two chapters later I was already hooked. I took it home and couldn't stop reading.Touching the Void by Joe Simpson is the true story about Joe Simpson and Simon Yates on their trip to the Peruvian Mountains in 1985 to climb the Siula Grande summit. After acclimatizing themselves to the high altitude at a base camp they made their way past lakes, moraines, a glacier and then up ice-cliffs, snow slopes, massive icicles and nearly impossible ridges where thousands of feet lay over the edge. Spoiler alert! They make it to the summit but all the trouble starts on the descent back down when Joe suddenly falls and breaks his leg. This would normally be a death sentence for a climber in that environment but what happens next is the most intense writing I have ever read.Joe Simpson is an experienced climber and takes the reader into the world of extreme mountaineering with a level of detail that only comes from someone who has been there and done that. Along with the specificity of the industry-specific language, Joe creates an intimate connection with the reader by revealing his innermost thoughts and emotions and his love of the sport and the environment is apparent as he describes the ups and downs of the ordeal. Even without knowing all the terms the book is easy to read and hard to put down with its beautiful prose.I have never read a book that elicited such emotions as this book. My heart raced as I read about their climb up treacherous mountainsides. I felt anxious when Joe and Simon dealt with the uncertainty of the sudden emergency of Joe breaking his leg. I became depressed and withdrawn as Joe struggled with internal and external tribulations and I wept when Joe finally makes it out. The fact that I knew that Joe would survive took nothing away from the emotional impact of the story and knowing it is a true story made it all the more impactful. Being written by the man who experienced it gives the book that much more punch. It is a must-read in my mind and I recommend it heartily to anyone interested in seeing what the human will is capable of.From joesnotesblog.com
Top reviews from other countries
peter
wonderful book and quite enthralling
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 15, 2024
Jim-C
Incredible story on climbing, resilience and human nature
Reviewed in Germany on July 15, 2023Miguel F. Carvalho
A phenomenal book, genuine mountaineering classic
Reviewed in Spain on February 25, 2023Cliente de Amazon
El libro me pico, buenisimo
Reviewed in Mexico on August 31, 2018