The harrowing survival story of English explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and the ill-fated Endurance . . . As Shackleton and 27 sailors attempted to cross the frozen Antarctic continent from one side to the other, they were trapped in an ice pack, lost their ship to the icy depths, survived an Antarctic winter, escaped attacks from sea lions, and traversed 600 treacherous miles to the uninhabited Elephant Island. Leaving 22 men behind, Shackleton and five others sailed 800 miles across the southern Atlantic Ocean in a 20-foot open boat to tiny South George Island, where they hiked across unmapped mountains to a whaling station. In 1916, 19 months after the Endurance became icebound, Shackleton led a rescue party back to retrieve his men. Remarkably, every crew member survived. (Amazon review.)It's been a while since I've read a non-fiction--and I must say, I'm glad to have picked this one at my sister, Tiersa's recommendation. While checking out the book at the library I mentioned to the librarian that I had selected the book for my book group. She informed me that A&E had made a movie based on Ernest Shackleton's experience, Shackleton - The Greatest Survival Story of All Time. It's a 3-disc movie, so I knew I was in for a bit of a time committment. Anyhow, Devlin and I have been watching it together the last couple of days, and I'm amazed at Shackleton's commitment to his crew. He truly lived his family motto, "By endurance, we conquer."
So for anyone out there looking for something to boost your spirits, return you to heartfelt gratitude, and motivate you to try harder to be stronger with your own "shipwrecks," I highly recommend it.
**DISCLAIMER: I'm adding a disclaimer about the movie from A&E. There's a "worldly theme" in it communicating an affair. However, no "scenes." Additionally there's some language. I really enjoyed the movie. However, I wouldn't recommend watching this with kids.
6 comments:
That is one of the coolest survival stories I have ever heard. It shows his great leadership abilities. I can't imagine a worse place to be stranded.
I'm sorry I was not trying to make a pun when I said coolest.
gonna get it from the library next!!
There is a historical fiction novel called "Shackleton's Stowaway" based on the same experience. Excellent too - however, you'll be cold the whole time you read it.
I need a book like that!
I bought that book for Matt last Christmas on Tiersa's recommendation. He devoured in less than 2 days, at which time Spencer took it and read it in 1 day (it WAS Christmas vacation after all.) Aaron read it next. I haven't read it yet. Both my boys said it will make you appreciate the comforts we enjoy AND make you COLD. I'm glad to hear about the movie. We'll have to get it this summer!
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