I have seen many movies and documentaries based on Everest and the infamous 1996 tragedy where many climbers lost their precious lives. This book had been on my reading list for a pretty long time and hence the choice of the book. I did have with me Into Thin Air which is the first account of the tragedy but my instincts told me to pick this book. It turned out to be the best decision.
The book is divided in 4 parts viz, 1. Authors Everest summit from South side, 2. The 1996 Everest summit attempt from North side and the tragic events, 3. Subsequent summit attempts and quest to become first Britisher to have summitted twice from both sides, 4. Investigation of author of true account of what went wrong.
The first part focusses on determination and instincts. It narrates the journey and the contemplation on the second Everest summit. The second part is about the tragedy that is the worst in the history of Everest. The third part portrays the aspect of coming to terms with the tragedy, overcoming the guilt and attempting to conquer fears.
The fourth part completely focusses on unravelling the fact that Hall and Fischer did know about the upcoming storm prior to attempting summit and in fact put the lives of their teams and the author's team at stake. The truth was buried and was never revealed by anyone in many books and movies based on the fateful day.
Loved the book thoroughly and truly feel sorry for those who lost their lives due to wrong decisions of the expedition leaders. The tragedy could have been avoided and all the precious lives could have been saved. I am surprised that author instead of being enraged feels sorry for the leaders who themselves lost their lives.
The book is thoroughly engrossing and I couldn't put it down.
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