#LNF

by Richard Farr

Apsley George Benet Cherry-Garrard has always dreamt of becoming an explorer. So in the spring of 1910, when Captain Robert Falcon Scott offers young “Cherry” the position of Assistant Zoologist aboard the Terra Nova, Cherry considers himself the luckiest man alive. Cherry’s luck, however, will soon change. Far off in the icy unknown of Antarctica, where temperatures plummet below –77°F, exploration is synonymous with a struggle for life. Frostbite, scurvy, hidden ice chasms, and packs of hungry killer whales are very real dangers. But even these perils don’t prepare Cherry for the expedition he and two other crew members embark upon to collect the eggs of Emperor penguins. Along the way, he will face the elements head-on, risking life and limb in the name of science.
 
 
Rife with captivating details of survival in an icy wilderness, and illustrated with dozens of photographs from the actual journey, this reimagining of the famous 1910 expedition to the South Pole, told in Cherry’s voice, is an unforgettable tale of courage and camaraderie.

Genres: Nonfiction, Adventure, History, Survival, Historical, Science, Audiobook

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2008

About the author

I grew up in England's West Country - one of the world's leading producers of strange names for small villages. I now live in Seattle - the only American city with exactly the same climate.

When I'm not reading, writing, mentoring students and adults (richardfarr.net), or staring out of the window, I enjoy running, hiking and sea kayaking.

Reviews

[Katerina Charisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ο Τσέρι (Apsley Cherry Garrard) ξεκίνησε από την Αγγλία για την Ανταρκτική με τον Καπετάνιο του Τέρρα Νόβα Ρόμπερτ Φάλκον Σκοτ, την άνοιξη του 1910. Στο σπίτι του γύρισε τρία χρόνια αργότερα. Του πήρε μια δεκαετία για ολοκληρώσει τη συγγραφή αυτής της ανεπανάληπτης εμπειρίας του και το χειρόγραφό του ξεπερνούσε τις 250.000 λέξεις. Σε αυτή του την προσπάθεια τον βοήθησε ο γείτονας και καλός φίλος Τζορτζ Μπέρναρντ Σω. Το τελικό αποτέλεσμα ήταν ένα Non fiction με τίτλο ...Το χειρότερο ταξίδι του κόσμου! Εκδόθηκε το 1922.

Ο συγγραφέας αυτού του βιβλίου τώρα, του Emperors of the Ice (Και πριν πάει το μυαλό σας σε βασιλιάδες κι αυτοκράτορες, ο τίτλος παραπέμπει στους αυτοκρατορικούς πιγκουίνους) διάβασε το ...χειρότερο ταξίδι του κόσμου. Τον συνάρπασε τόσο πολύ αυτή η περιπέτεια, που για πολύ καιρό μιλούσε για το βιβλίο σε όποιον τύχαινε να βρει διαθέσιμο να τον ακούσει. Μέχρι που αποφάσισε να το ξαναγράψει.

Παρακάτω τώρα: Μπιλ Γουίλσον: Ένας επιστήμονας στο πλήρωμα του Τέρρα Νόβα για την Ανταρκτική, μια θεωρία ότι οι αυτοκρατορικοί πιγκουίνοι και για την ακρίβεια τα έμβρυα των αυγών τους και το πώς αναπτύσσονται μέχρι να γεννηθούν, έχουν τα χαρακτηριστικά των προγόνων τους, κι όπου πρόγονοι οι ...δεινόσαυροι.

Μπέρντι Μπάουερς: ένας κοντός γίγαντας (ναι, κι όμως) που μοιάζει να μην ξέρει τι θα πει φόβος και που μπορεί να κουβαλήσει βάρος 100 κιλών στην πλάτη του για 3 μίλια, στους -50 Φαρενάιτ, μισότυφλος από καυτό λάδι που πετάχτηκε στο μάτι του, στη μέση μιας τρελής χιονοθύελλας, μες το απόλυτο σκοτάδι, με τα ρούχα του κοκαλωμένα τόσο, που δεν μπορεί να κουνήσει ούτε το λαιμό του. Αυτό.

Ένα ταξίδι με σκοπό να συνδυάσει ό,τι μπορεί: Εξερεύνηση, επιστήμη, βιολογία, γεωλογία, μαγνητικά πεδία, ατμόσφαιρα, παρασιτολογία, ζωολογία, εξέλιξη των ειδών. Όλα εκτός από τη μανία της κούρσας για το κάρφωμα της σημαίας στο πιο μακρινό δυνατό σημείο εκείνης της απάνθρωπα αφιλόξενης γης στην άκρη του κόσμου. Κυριολεκτικά.

Ξαναγράφεται το χειρότερο ταξίδι λοιπόν, αφήνοντας το μεγαλύτερο μέρος των επιστημονικών αναφορών εκτός, εστιάζοντας στην πενταμελή ομάδα που σε κάποιο σημείο χωρίστηκε από τους υπόλοιπους για να βρουν αυγά των αυτοκρατορικών πιγκουίνων. Όμως έλειπε και κάτι σημαντικό: Ο διάλογος. Έτσι ο συγγραφέας μετά από πολύχρονη κι εξαντλητική μελέτη, ξαναέγραψε την ιστορία και με διαλόγους, έτσι όπως φανταζόταν πως θα είχαν ειπωθεί. Το αποτέλεσμα; Ένα συγκλονιστικό, breath taking και heart breaking βιβλίο, με στιγμές παρανοϊκά ξεκαρδιστικές και αυτό το τελευταίο είναι πραγματικά δύσκολο να το περιγράψω και να το καταλάβει κάποιος που δεν το έχει διαβάσει.

Στον επίλογο μια κατάθεση ψυχής από τον Τσέρι που κατάφερε ακόμα κι εμένα τον παχύδερμο αναγνώστη να κλάψω. Όχι να δακρύσω, να κλάψω. Από την ομάδα αυτή μόνο ο Τσέρι επέζησε. Και τελειωτικό χτύπημα, τα γράμματα που άφησαν οι άντρες αυτοί για να τα βρουν οι δικοί τους. Αν διαβάζετε αγγλικά, οπωσδήποτε διαβάστε το!

«Το να μη φοβάται ένας άντρας το θάνατο είναι κάτι το μεγαλειώδες. Αλλά το να υπάρχουν άντρες που να μπορούν να αντέχουν και να συνεχίζουν κάτω από απίστευτες συνθήκες πόνου και τρομερού κινδύνου και παρόλα αυτά να σκέφτονται και να φροντίζουν τους συντρόφους τους, ακόμα και να αστειεύονται όταν κυριολεκτικά αναμετρούνται κάθε δευτερόλεπτο με το θάνατο, ε λοιπόν, θα αντάλλαζα όλα τα χρόνια που εγώ έζησα κι εκείνοι όχι, για να είμαι ξανά μαζί τους.»

Πιστεύω τελικά ότι ο τίτλος δεν αναφέρεται μόνο στους πιγκουίνους αλλά και στους άντρες αυτούς.

Στη φωτογραφία του εξωφύλλου, ο Τσέρι.

[Walker Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

To start with, the author of Emperors of the Ice is Richard Farr. This book is rewrite of the book Worst Journey written by Apsley Cherry-Garrard or just Cherry. Worst Journey is Cherry’s written account of his expedition. Cherry is also the main character and narrator of Emperors of the Ice. Now that we cleared that up, we can begin to understand Richard Farr’s purpose in writing his book. After he read Worst Journey, he knew that he had to rewrite this great story of heroism and tragedy. Farr thought he owed it to Cherry to write the same great story but only with words that he thought Cherry would have said. “I would have to use dialogue too, really imagine these men - and in a strange way reinvent Cherry himself” (Emperors of the Ice - xvi). He wanted readers to better understand the three year struggle in the frozen Antarctic tundra. Richard Farr felt that Worst Journey lacked some elements to its story such as dialogue. This new story is not a new story at all. It is only an improved version with new insight from Cherry that Farr has thought would have been said after reading the original story.

When someone we read Emperors of the Ice, we could infer many different themes. A few possible options are hope, heroism, and battling Mother Nature. I believe that one theme fits this story better than any other: courage. From this story, we can see that Farr is trying to relate to us that these men in the book are not just any ordinary people who decided they want to take a vacation somewhere. These men took up this challenge of going to the most remote and inhospitable regions of the earth. They encountered many unforeseen setbacks in their planning, such as getting stuck in the pack ice (Emperors of the Ice - 46) and losing a motorized sledge (Emperors of the Ice - 59). Here is where this crew outshines everyone else. “This story describes superhuman feats of courage and endurance. Above all, though, it describes men who performed these feats quietly, with a sense of humor, and without a shred of either self-pity or self-importance” (Emperors of the Ice - xvii).

This book can be characterized as a narrative. Cherry tells us about his expedition to Antarctica in a series of events. Since this story is told in chronological order, from first event in order to the last, this story can only be a narration. The author uses this technique very well. It is effective because the readers are interested to know what will happen next. Will Cherry, Birdie, and Bill make back to camp with the eggs or will they be left to be frozen over and buried in snow? (Emperors of the Ice - 121). Richard Farr could have just listed out the events as they happened. Instead he made an interesting story, taking the reader to high points and low points with the explorers in the story.

I think that Emperors of the Ice was an interesting book to read. I learned plenty about surviving in negative degrees of extended periods of time. I also respect the brave men in the story who endured much suffering and would just not give up. Not only are those men brave for any old story but this a one hundred percent true story. These men actually withstood freezing temperatures, days upon days of sledging, frostbitten fingers and toes, and food shortages (Emperors of the Ice - 160) day after day. The only thing I would change that could make this a better story is to have a happier ending. Another reason that I would not like this book is that it lacks a modern element. I would not like this book as much as I would like a new fictional story. I typically do not read a lot of non-fiction and I believe non-fiction is not as entertaining as a fictional story. For part of Emperors of the Ice we see what true courage is, but such a story could not compete with a teenager saving the world all by himself or discovering completely different world that can only exist when we open up a book.

[Wayne Inkster · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this was a great book to read, you must remember it is a fictional memoir based off of a true one. The writer has a captivating style that hooks the reader, but I feel he often only glossed over the surface.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one of the best naratives I've read in a while. I feel it is one of those stories in history that look very unassuming but when you read it, it comes alive and is an amazing tail worth learning about.

This book is an easy read, but even adults will enjoy it.

I've shared it with my 11 year old daughter and she is gobbling it up as I type.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me COLD and grateful for my heater and blankets!
Quick read, interesting, and I liked the accompanying photographs and sketches from their excursion.

[Melissa Dwyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally rated G+ by Joanne Valco
Children's Literature
Very few books truly deserve to be called spellbinding, but this book is one of those rare few. Even readers who do not care much for tales of action and adventure will find this book almost impossible to put down. This is a nonfiction chronicle of Robert Scott's second Antarctic expedition, 1910 to 1913, but author Farr employs a superb device to render the narrative with all the tension, immediacy, and richness of first-class fiction—he has recreated the voice of one of the expedition's youngest participants, Apsley Cherry-Garrard, to relate the tale. Drawing on Cherry-Garrard's journals, as well as a wealth of other sources, Farr captures the voice of an acute and literate observer, a man who even in the face of extreme hardship and loss never loses his sense of wonder at the power and beauty of nature. Crystalline images, such as this description of icebergs, linger in the reader's mind long after the book is closed: "There they were, out to the east: two magical silver fortresses standing guard over the blue silk plain of the ocean." Young readers—as well as their parents, teachers and librarians—will be captivated by this extraordinary book. Back matter includes a chronology and bibliography.
SLJ
A recounting of the fatal Antarctic exploration led by Englishman Robert Falcon Scott. The story is told from the point of view of journeyman Apsley Cherry-Garrard and is based on his experiences as recorded in The Worst Journey in the World . The author incorporates numerous primary sources, including diaries, letters, and black-and-white reproductions and archival photographs that aid in capturing Garrard's mindset and that of the other members of the expedition. The goal of the trip was to find the South Pole, with an offshoot expedition to collect samples of the fabled Emperor penguin's eggs. Though dialogue was obviously re-created, and some assumptions are made regarding the thoughts and feelings of crew members, Farr's writing is engrossing and his accounts of the hardships and near-death experiences the explorers faced are harrowing. The accompanying maps, photographs, and drawings complement the text, though some of them break it up at odd intervals. This title will appeal to readers looking for an adventure story and to history buffs.-

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings on Emperors of the Ice: A True Story of Disaster and Survival in the Antarctic, 1910-13. On the one hand, it is a fictional memoir based on an actual memoir. Much research was done to write this one. Perhaps just as much research as if it was a traditional nonfiction book. The author's love of the subject was evident throughout. The book is told primarily if not exclusively through the eyes of one of the men on the expedition, Apsley Cherry-Garrard. The exception being the few places where readers learn what happened to other members of the expedition. On the other hand, was it absolutely necessary to fictionalize a memoir in order to tell the story? I think there were things to be gained by such a decision, and, perhaps a few things lost.

Aside from the fact that this one doesn't really quite fit in as fiction or nonfiction, Emperors of the Ice was an interesting read. It was not quite as depressing as you might expect. I've read more depressing books on this subject certainly. The focus of this book is more on science and exploration than on the race to be first to the South Pole. This book argues that it was never about being first or being best. This book tells the basic story, but, it includes plenty of details. For example, I learned that one of the teams--science teams--went to the Antarctic to study emperor penguins. Their goal was to learn about the penguins and their eggs. It wasn't exactly learning by observation. Cherry was part of that team. I learned quite a few things.

[Michelle A Mellencamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an Adventure!

I really enjoyed this book more than I expects to, but I was excited to learn about the geography of the antarctic area as described by Cherry.
Although I believe Scott made many mistakes in planning and executing this trip, the two most egregious to me are: paying money for sledges versus dogs, when their wasn't that much information on pledges, especially used in extreme temperatures; and allowing his friend, Bill, take a scientific excursion into extremely dangerous territory to get samples of embryos.

On the excursion to seek eggs, men experienced unnecessary danger, exhaustion, mental strain and injuries. Had the team stayed intact, even when the pledges failed, the men could have taken turns with the manual labor, or banded together to make shorter work of it - exposing the entire team to less of the elements.

Regarding the purchase and use of sledges; I am sure the idea of "vehicles" capable of hauling large amounts of supplies, equipment, etc. sounded like too good to pass up; but pass them up he should have.

I believe the two mistakes I consider Scott made, cost him the lives of good men, himself not withstanding.

All in all, a very good read, with insight as to the decision making of a leader under very difficult circumstances, and the camaraderie that exists between teammates also under these circumstances.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So you think this winter has been cold and snowy? Try sleeping out in a tent in -77º F temperatures, which is what Apsley Cherry-Garrard did on his trip to Antartica in 1910. At only 23 years old, Cherry was chosen to join Captain Robert F. Scott’s expedition to Antartica to carry out scientific experiments, and hopefully plant the British flag at the South Pole. He was given the title of assistant zoologist, and one of his missions was to collect the eggs of the emperor penguin for study. During the entire three year expedition, Cherry and the rest of Scott’s men experienced a fierce storm that almost capsized their ship, painful frostbite, killer whale attacks, plunges into crevasses the size of cathedrals and, tragically, the deaths of five of the men. This is a true story, but since the author writes in the first person using Cherry’s voice, it is actually a work of fiction. The author researched for the book by reading Cherry’s first person account of the expedition titled The Worst Journey in the World, and also many of the personal diaries that the other men kept. So even though this book is fiction, it reads like a non-fiction book, complete with amazing photographs and footnotes. If you like exciting adventure and survival stories, this is the book for you.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blind as a bat, a poor navigator and inexperinced with dogs Aspley George Benet Cherry-Garrad never thought he would realize his dream of becomming an explorer. He considers himself the luckiest man alive when he is chosen to accompany Robert F. Scott's expedition to Antarctica. In addition to reaching the South Pole, Scott had many scientific experiments planned for the expedition. One of these was to journey to Cape Crozier to gather the eggs of the Emperor Penguin. Cherry accompanies Bill Wilson and Birdie Bowers on this amazing journey. They endure temperaturs of -77 F, watch their frostbitten fingers swell like sausages and avoid ice chasms to gather 3 precious eggs. Cherry is also responsible for supplying on of the depots for the polar party and is there when the expedition members find the remains of the polar team. Cherry is deeply affected by the death of his friends.
Based on Cherry's writings and told in his voice, Farr does a remarkable job of bringing the expedition memebers to life. The book includes many contemporary photographs, maps and a list of sources. A must read for fans of adventure and survival stories.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emperors of the Ice by Richard Farr is a story within a story of the ill-fated Robert F. Scott expedition to the South Pole 1910-1912. It tells of gathering penguin eggs and other adventures in the face of gale force winds and extremely cold temperatures. The bounds of human endurance seem incredible. The fictionalized slant to very real accounts made for an authentic convincing read. Those early explorers were tough. It is told from the point of view of Apsley Cherry-Garrard. He was a wealthy Oxford graduate who showed real optimism in the face of adversity and seemed willing to take on any challenge. Inwardly, however, he was conflicted.

After the ordeal, Cherry (his nickname) wrote a memoir entitled, The Worst Journey in the World which may be downloaded at http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/14363 .

[Juke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a big fan of the historical genre, but I loved this book! It was beautifully written, constantly kept me interested, and was full of likable and very respectable characters! Instead of being like most historical and historical fiction genres, this one was actually written like a novel and not like a uninterestingly written history book. It's beautifully made with perfectly placed pictures with amazing captions, along with an awesome plot and great characters. If you read the preface, which I'd greatly suggest reading, you can tell just how committed the author was to the book, along with how much they exerted themselves when writing the book, and even how knowledgable they are about writing in general, along with writing novels! This has to be the best book of the historical genre in novel form I've ever read! It's amazing!

[Jackmccullough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. This is an account of Scott's fatal second expedition to the South Pole, told in the voice of Apsley Cherry-Garrard, and based in part on his monumental work, The Worst Journey in the World.
This is published for advanced younger readers, age 12 and up, but the story isn't dumbed-down, and an adult reader will find it as satisfying and gripping as a younger reader. The voice is all Cherry, and he tells the story of the first human expedition to see nesting Emperor penguins, which was nearly fatal in itself, and of Scott's final, push to the Pole, with the heroic Birdy Bowers and four other doomed explorers.
Most people won't read Cherry's full 600 page memoir, but this gives a great story of this expedition to the extremes that Earth has to offer.

[Wrenell Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found a world New to me

I found this to be educational and entertaining reading which is something I love doing. This has made my old body appreciate the warmth that I have to live with. In the year 2000 I had stage 3 cancer and lived in Southern California, I did not get warm for two years after the chemotherapy. I slept in sweats and under a down comforter along with a pile of blankets on top, my teeth still chartered. Reading this book makes me feel as if maybe I was warm. You were able to take me with Scott's expedition. There is so much to see and live through in this world, so many never get there, except in books that we get to read. Thank you.

[Adrienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an interesting blend of fiction (since the book is told from Cherry's first-person point of view but not written by Cherry) and nonfiction (since it's based extensively on Cherry's own writing and other historical documents and it's only the dialogue that is imagined). It was interesting to see how the trip was about more than just making it to the Pole; it was also about science and experimentation. This is a fine book for those interested in learning more about Antarctic exploration.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in 2010 as preparation for the American Museum of Natural History's centennial exhibit on the Race to the South Pole. This is an easy (and brief) introduction to Antarctic history, Robert Scott and Roald Amundsen's goals and crew and what happened to everyone during and after their "race".

If you are curious about the history of Antarctica but don't want to read something that's too dry, this is a good way to get a general idea.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emperors of the Ice is a slightly fictionalized account of the 1910-1913 Scott expedition to Antarctica and the South Pole. It is truly a dramatic story of adventure, hardship, and very good men, some of whom gave their lives. The first person narrative style of the account made it more relateable and personal, however I was slightly turned off because of it. I was expecting a solid history book.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason, this fat children's librarian who doesn't like to leave her recliner just looooves this type of adventure. I love to read about these explorers who defy the elements in their quest for some crazy goal. This one follows the story of a member of an expedition to reach the South Pole -- and to get some Emperor penguin eggs along the way.

[Jennifer W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I was very surprised by this book. I was surprised because I had no knowledge of the groups of people who explored the Antarctic. I was also surprised at how well written this story was. I loved the mix of the "true" information combined with the fictionalization of the events which couldn't be proven. I really recommend this book to anyone who likes a good adventure.

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Factual without being a textbook.

I enjoyed the fact that the heroic deeds in the book revolved around the pursuit of scientific studies and not just being the first to reach the South Pole.

I found the book interesting, but would not pick it up again for a second read, so it only gets 3 stars.

[123 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I picked it out in the library and started reading it. I found it kind of interesting. I then researched the stry and found out more about it. In the end it was sooo sad. This was one of only two books that have made me cry. This one, was the first based on a true story. READ IT!!!!!!!!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good true story of a trip to discover the south pole. The primary source was the story written by one of the survivors. I think I would have rather read that since this felt truncated. The men involved seemed extraordinary yet there wasn't enough development to see them fully. Still a good telling.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a different age in 1911 when Robert Falcon Scott and his crew set off from Cardif, Wales for the South Pole. Scott and 4 others would not return. Adventure reading with a twist...this book is a fictional account and condensed version one of the team's books published in 1923.

[Read a Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick yet fun foray into Robert Falcon Scott's fatal expedition to the Antarctic. Stars taken off for the work's brevity: there was so much left to discuss and do!

Very quick read, yet will put into perspective the fervor behind Antarctic exploration in the early 20th Century.

[Jolene · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are interested in the tales of the North this is an interesting account of the quest to reach the South Pole.

[Keefeli · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the first person point of view annoying since the book was presented as non-fiction yet was not written by Apsley Cherry Garrard.

[Bryon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is amazing to me what torture people will go through in the name of adventure. Read it in one night. I couln't put it down.

[Matthew Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though you may not be strong, you are still good at something.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-written, beautifully illustrated, intense.

[Scott Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!