A Test Of Will - One Man's Extraordinary Story of Survival

by Warren MacDonald

On the night of April 9, 1997, Warren Macdonald, a fit and experienced bushwalker, set out to climb Mount Bowen on Hinchinbrook Island, an unspoiled tropical paradise off the Australian coast. These would be his last steps as a fully intact human a freak rock fall pinned him for two days alone under a one-ton boulder, resulting in a double leg amputation. A Test of Will is a story both tragic and inspiring, conveying the horror of what happened and the extraordinary spirit that helped Macdonald survive a seemingly impossible ordeal.

Genres: Survival, Adventure, Nonfiction, Book Club, Biography, Australia, Memoir

204 pages, Paperback

First published July 26, 2004

Reviews

[Buggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I was aware that we are all stronger than we can possibly imagine and that strength is gained from pushing beyond what is known, what is comfortable”

Warren Macdonald was an avid outdoorsman, experienced Mountaineer and environmentalist when he set out for what was supposed to be a two day (there-and-back) climb up Mount Bowen on Hinchinbrook Island in Australia. Little did he know these would be his last steps he would ever take as a “complete” human being. His little jaunt up the mountain turns suddenly into a nightmare when a massive 1 ton slab of rock breaks free and in a “wrong place, wrong time” moment traps Warren beneath it.

Along with flashbacks into Warren’s life the majority of this memoir alternates POV’s between Warren’s 48 hour struggle for survival beneath the rock and his hiking companion Geert van Keulen’s harrowing 11hour race back down the mountain to find help. With a broken pelvis and barely able to move Warren manages to fight off drowning (as the creek bed he’s lying in fills with water) the elements, pain, fear, insanity and even death. And just when you think it can’t possibly get any worse, as Warren puts it “A bad movie gets worse”

Near the end of his ordeal Warren ends up using a stick to fight off yabbies (Australian crayfish) that have started eating his dying legs and feet. Not long after he feels a stinging sensation in his groin and chest area, and realizes a colony of ants has found a new and delicious home, “one with a steady food supply…him.” At this point I don’t know how Warren maintained his sanity, it was hard enough to read. I should add that his companion Geert’s journey back down the mountain is equally gripping and added a great perspective to the story.

I won’t be spoiling anything (he lets you know on the very first page) by telling you that Warren is rescued yet ultimately looses both his legs. A large part of this read also deals with his time in hospital, rehab and learning to deal with his new reality. Which I might add he exceeds. Warren’s road to recovery was equally as motivating and uplifting as his survival story.

I’m always amazed at what the human spirit is capable of enduring when it comes right down to it And this is a fascinating example of courage, strength of spirit and sheer determination. Now a motivational speaker Warren has since become the first above knee amputee to reach the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. He also swims, surfs and has learned to walk again.

The writing and editing here is good unlike a lot of survival memoirs I’ve read although towards the end we do get a ton of name dropping which is great for Warren’s friends I suppose but not so interesting for the reader. Also contains 4 pages of photographs and a map of Australia showing Hinchinbrook Island and Mt Bowen.

[Amy Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book about one man’s terrifying yet incredible survival story. After being crushed by a huge rock while hiking in Australia, expert hiker and adventurist Warren Macdonald tells his story of becoming a double amputee and his mission to return to nature to continue hiking and overcoming enormous challenges such as reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro with no legs. The first third of the book you feel like you are trapped under the rock with Warren, facing death and contemplating life whilst being literally eaten alive by ants and other creatures, with no choice but to put all your trust in someone else to hike back to base camp safely to get help, whilst you’re trapped under a rock in a creek with water rising all around you. Although you know he survives you can’t help but feel the anxiety and terror he must have felt while he describes his surroundings and feelings so intensely. The rest of the book details his recovery and how he adapts to his ‘new’ body, refusing to be seen as a ‘cripple’ but as the man he was before - strong, positive, resilient, an adventurer ready to face and overcome all odds. This book was definitely a lesson in perspective, gratitude for life, and deeply inspiring. #dudematereads @warrenmacdonald #bookreviews #booknerd #ilovebooks #bookfiction #inspiringstories

[Armand · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually like stories like this, however i didn't enjoy this. if the book was smaller it would be a better read. The story is interesting but the book is poorly written. It goes into to much detail and it makes the book boring. The book also does not tell you a lot about Warren himself. It does tell you much about what he did after he recovers. It only tells you about minor stuff he did after, an doesnt tell you about his biggest achievement which is climbing kilimanjaro. It doesn't even mention it.

I wouldn't bother buying or reading this book you won't learn much about the whole story and about Warren.

[Peter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I generally like survival stories (think Touching the Void). This, however, is poorly written and could maybe be a decent short story at best. Way too long, way too many details and very, very little about the actual "ordeal" - which lasted about 48 hours or less.

Don't bother with this unless you are good at skimming.

[Mohammed Jitarayah · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is always hope in life. If you work hard and tried to eliminate the stupid and bad thoughts, you may reach something. I lived this book. Thanks Warren, I have lived your struggle and beautiful life for the last 2 weeks 😊

[mya · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an avid hiker/outdoorsman I had heard a lot about this story. I was eager to read the book and honestly it did not disappoint. As someone who spends a significant amount of time outside & in nature, hearing some back story and how Warren worked through this trauma was insane. I love this book.

[June Milner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written biographical story of a man with great determination

[Kayla Shopik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an inspiration! Warren's determination to make the most of life and the cards he had been dealt is utterly inspiring. Well written, a definite must read for everyone!

[Hannah LoVerdi]

Book for my disability studies class but it was actually an incredible story to read about

[Cindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great story to read to show that even against all odds, people can triumph their most difficult trials. Determination and perseverance as well as surrounding oneself with good people seem to the the key here. Warren doesn't have much of a belief in God, but I could see the inklings of it. There seemed to be a limit or line that couldn't be crossed without some faith and an admittance that there might be a higher power out there.

I wouldn't recommend this for kids or teens as there is a fair amount of language and also a dream Warren has while he's trapped that contains some explicit sexual imagery. I also probably wouldn't read it again for those reasons.

P.S. I forgot to add that there were two messages that stood out to me. Warren talks about trying new things and pushing yourself beyond your current limits and what that teaches you. I could relate to that. He also spends some time on preservation of wilderness just for the sake of wilderness. I couldn't agree more!

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

The structure of this book is pretty interesting--the two men who were on this fateful expedition share the storytelling, just as they shared this experience. The Dutchman who ran for help when the author was trapped under a rock, Geert Van Keulen, writes poignantly about the difficult trek out, the beauty of the place and the survivor's guilt he feels when MacDonald loses both legs as a result of the accident.

I am reminded of Joe Simpson's Touching the Void, which is artfully crafted. Read that one if you're looking for a story of adventure gone awry with a literary touch. This book, though, is quite capably written and just rides the sheer force of the events, which are at turns absurd, inconceivable, inspiring and heart-rending. MacDonald's recovery from this accident shows the kind of character we all wish we had but we are all justified in wondering if we really do have.

ATP

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly well-written account of the author's survival of a freak accident in an isolated jungle. Much more interesting than the typical true-life adventure paperback, this book is infused with an infectious spirit of confidence. The author recounts previous travails and close encounters with disaster, which strengthened him to survive unexpected events.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author, as he will be presenting at our annual meeting in May 2014. I had the opportunity to interview him this morning. What an incredible story; I couldn't put the book down. I think his story, how he managed to survive, and how he managed to recover so quickly will stick with me for a long time.

[Di · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazing story of survival and the power of the will to live. Makes you wonder if you could survive such an event. The fact that he kept a running diary of the events of the trauma are even more amazing. And his recovery and return to hiking an extrodinary journey. Good read

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story and awesome young man.
He's not feeling sorry for himself but living his life in a big way. I loved this book!!!

[Ghostsmith · Rating 4 out of 5]

gripping story of survival

[Aj Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a increadable book! Very inspiring!

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Avid mountain climber, adventurer, Aussie, is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Spends 48 hrs under a rock that crushes both legs. Amazing story.

[Keith Pingel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!

[Clivemichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic story, descriptive and anticipatory. A testament to an individuals will to survive.