The Totem Pole : And a Whole New Adventure

by Paul Pritchard

Paul Pritchard gained a reputation as a climber of routes of extreme technical difficulty. In 1998, a horrendous accident left him paralyzed. This text recalls his climbing memories and tells of his fight for recovery.

Genres: Climbing, Nonfiction, Mountaineering

Paperback

First published February 1, 2000

Reviews

[Sima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having met Paul Pritchard in November 2016 when he was in Banff promoting his short film Doing It Scared where he goes back to the Totem Pole to ascend up it 18 years after his traumatic accident, I was interested to learn more about his recovery process. I had suffered a TBI traumatic brain injury as a result of a car accident in January 2016. During the his interview with Geoff Powter, I was jealous at his acceptance of the injury. Then in reading the book learning how quickly he recovered, bought a house and wrote a book from his hospital bed, I hated him more!
His vulnerability on the page inspired me to explore my own feelings about my accident and gave me hope that I would get to where he was in the healing process. The part where he starts selling his climbing gear stuck in my throat, because I had to sell my snowboarding gear. Despite all odds he's continually lived an active life as I am just starting test out my favorite activities once again.
Celia's heroic efforts to save him have stayed with me. The reverence in his voice when he spoke of her, matches how he writes about her.

[MavM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmm. Another re-read.

I read this first not long after it came out, shortly before it made Paul Pritchard the first person to win the Boardman-Tasker prize twice. It stuck in my head. One of my heroes growing up was Douglas Bader, and there is an obvious link in both tales. I lent the book several times, and eventually misplaced it. Craving a re-read, I was sorry to find it out of print, only to find that Paul Pritchard was crowd-funding a re-print. The synchronicity meant I now own this reprinted version.

Essentially, trying to climb a sea stack in Tasmania, Paul, a well known British climber suffered a huge head trauma. This book charts the first year of his recovery. What struck me on re-reading is how lucid and crisp with technical medical terms he is. Paul's story remains as memorable as before, and it is as shot through with self-depecrating humour as I remember. A remarkable book by a remarkable man.

[Sima · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a story. This is life in words. Full of pure human experience, feelings and not pretending to be something that it’s not. There’s braveness, beauty and boldness in Paul’s reflections, truth of human nature and search for self.
I think that anyone can relate to this in one sense or another. The book is an inspiration to me on personal as well as professional level…Thank you Paul.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well told tale of triumph over adversity after a life changing experience. The lesson for us all is that pursuing goals is not the 'be all and end' all, we need to enjoy the journey as well, whether it is climbing mountains or long cycle rides.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

the totem pole is a moving story about paul pritchard's fight for survival on one of tasmanias most revierd climbs.

[Kai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wear a helmet

[Samantha Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not into climbing at all, but found this a worthwhile read. I am in complete admiration of the effort Paul has put into his recovery and how he inspires so many people. It’s a very humbling read.

[Stephen Fleet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really interesting story. A good read. :)

Amazing attitude, an open and honest telling and wrapped up nicely with “witness accounts”.

I must admit I went into this blind.
I’d never heard of it.

[Cara Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting read especially from a physio POV. 3.5 stars cos the guy is definitely a little sexist

[Stewart Monckton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathtakingly honest account of recovery from a terrible climbing accident - generally free of self indulgent 'we have to make ourselves' pop psychology.

Recommended.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Totem Pole is an inspiring memoir of surviving a near fatal rock fall while climbing a needle of a of rock on the coast of Tasmania. Pritchard's recounting of previous climbs sets up his skill level before the accident. Incredibly Paul pieces together his recollections towards healing and finally getting on his own two feet and caring for himself. A touch of humor is present throughout along with candidness.