Into the White: Scott's Antarctic Odyssey

by Joanna Grochowicz

"Great God, this is an awful place."

Robert Falcon Scott's famous words uttered on the polar plateau don't paint Antarctica in the best possible light. In fact things were about to get a whole lot worse for Scott and the four men who accompanied him to the South Pole. But this is no dismal tragedy. The story of Captain Scott's Terra Nova expedition is pure adventure with all the elements of a great epic—storms at sea, impenetrable ice pack, man-eating whales, crevasses, blizzards, scientific discovery, bad food, extreme temperatures, and equal measures of hunger, agony and snow blindness. With a cast of memorable characters, vicious dogs and reluctant ponies, Captain Scott plans to be first to reach the South Pole. Will the weather hold? Will the rations be adequate? How will they know when they get there? And who invited the Norwegians?

Into the White will leave you on the edge of your seat, hoping against hope that Scott and his men just might survive their Antarctic ordeal and live to tell the tale.

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Historical, History

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Kaptan HUK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okumak tanıklık etmekse eğer, Beyaza Doğru "oradaydım" dedirtecek nitelikte bir roman. Niran Elçi'nin vasat çevirisi romanı zayıflatacak tahrip gücünde değil. Niye çünkü, Joanna Grochowicz çevirmenlere güçlük çıkaran ruhi/zihni açılımlara yüz vermeden tane tane anlatmış meselesini. Beyaza Doğru, Robert F. Scott'un 1912'de ekibiyle Antartika'da Güney Kutbu'na yaptığı ve geri dönemedikleri maceralı keşif yolculuğunu anlatıyor. Adamlar kat kat kazak giyinerek buzullara gidiyor! Ayaklarında dandik şeyler. Keçi derisindenmiş. Bir yığın hesap kitapla gelmişlerdi hiçbiri tutmadı tabii. Ne harita var ne pusula. O zamanki şartlar. Joanna Grochowicz önsözde açıklıyor:"Kaptan Scott'un nasıl öldüğünü herkes biliyor. Ama keşif yolculuğunu kimse bilmiyor" deyip bu romanı yazmış.  Sonsuz güvenle Scott'un peşine takılıp bilinmeyene atılan karakterler gerçekten unutulmaz. Sonuna kadar gidiyorlar. Ölümüne kadar. Gıkları çıkmıyor. İsyana kalkışmıyorlar. Gemiciler olsa, isyan ederlerdi. İsyanı tayfalar eder. Büyük İskender bu düdüklerin yüzünden kanserden gitti. Adam Asya'da ilerliyor,  arkasındaki asker zırlıyor: "Eve dönelim", "Karımı özledim", "Ne işimiz var burda", "Anamı göresim geldi", "Yoruldum", "Ben geri dönüyorum"...

Güzel adamlar Kaptan Robert Falcon Scott, Doktor Edward Wilson, köpek bakıcısı Cecil Meares, at bakıcısı Lawrence Oates, fotoğrafçı Herbert Ponting, kızakçı Edgar Taff, aşçı Thomas Clissold. Ruhlarına saygı duruşu anlamında bu yazıyı bırakıyorum.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have heard about the race to Antarctica and of course the mentioned names that are related to such adventures. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, for me I haven't really been as interested to pursue it as a separate subject on its own merits. And so in this sense the book's events were rather quite new to me as a reader with a historical eye.

Two things really stand out to me about this book from the first. First of all for the reader who is just skimming the book to get a feel for it there are no-holds barred on it. Reading either the captions of the black-and-white photographs or the introduction will tell the reader straight up front that this is a book of death. Really takes away the surprise ending for those who don't know the events although for those who are into adventure stories I guess it really isn't much of a surprise.

Second of all I am taking that this story was put together with some creative liberties. Although the major bones of this book were probably taken from the various kept journals and eyewitness re-tellings of those who did escape from the icy white barren desert, I am sure some of the events were thrown together and conversations/thoughts were constructed to help the story go such as when one of the men walks off into a blizzard while thinking he should have done this a long .

Otherwise the text and reading was quite easy for the reader for the most part. For those who weren't raised with the metric system, though, they will find that part a bit challenging but not too hard.

For additional extras there is a very small glossary in the back that includes the definition for some cultural and scientific words that can be found in the book (although most of these words were defined when it came up), a postscript exploring the collective whole of those who were trying to discover the South Pole besides this trip of Captain Scott and the aforementioned black-and-white photos included in the midst of the book. Other additionals that weren't quite as helpful were the included map in the front and the sketched diagram that gave some names to primary characters, which still didn't help in me being able to know who was talking or participating in the story.

For those who enjoy adventure stories based on true adventures and of extreme survival this may be a book they would find quite interesting. Otherwise if I hadn't been doing the color challenge I may have passed over this book and not even have missed the story found within its cover.

[Dolores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! An amazing story, brilliantly told, of adventure in an awful place. The author has vividly brought to life these courageous men and their extraordinary journey and made them real for young people of today. The qualities they possessed are inspiring and still relevant in our world. Although aimed at young people, the book is an utterly absorbing read for any age. Be prepared to shed some tears.

[MissStan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ½ stars. Although I, of course, knew the outcome of this story the author builds suspense so that you almost believe something different will happen. The descriptions of what they endured are pretty grim. I found the descriptions of the plight of the horses and dogs particularly tough going. It is amazing to me that any of the men survived for so long. Recommended read. Not a 5 star read for me as I find it so hard to read about animals suffering.

[Kate Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It had a very grim ending though.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 very gripping but some details could have been a bit clearer

[Anna Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book about Scott’s expedition to the South Pile. A true adventure story filled with courage, team work and resilience. Upper primary students will enjoy this gripping story at the same time as learning a lot about the history of Antarctic exploration.

[Bruce Gargoyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this title from Allen & Unwin for review.

Ten Second Synopsis:
An accessible retelling of Scott's ill-fated attempt to be the first to reach the South Pole.

Before reading this book I only knew the absolute basics of Scott's mission. Actually, to be honest, I only knew about the very ending bit, with Oates' famous, "I'm going out for a walk" quote and Scott's subsequent death from hunger and exposure, so finding out about the events leading up to the bit I knew about was both fascinating and completely baffling.

There was a certain sense of frustration that characterised this story right from the very beginning, although this had nothing to do with the writing of the story and everything to do with the facts. The very first page tips you off, in case you know nothing about the mission, that Scott's story doesn't have a happy ending, but to discover the bizarre, avoidable and beginner-level mistakes that were made on the journey made reading this feel like wading through snowbanks while wearing a wet-suit and flippers and dragging a massive box of rocks behind you.

I will admit that I did end the book wondering why Scott's epic failure has been so lovingly recorded while Amundsen's story - the leader of the Norwegian expedition that started closer, covered less dangerous terrain, and ultimately resulted in the first flag-planting at the South Pole - has been ignored. o focus on the actual writing for a moment, as opposed to the historical event itself, while I found the information quite interesting, the narrative style felt a tad detached for my liking. This may have been deliberate, in that it certainly contributes to the atmosphere of a long, fruitless slog toward ultimate failure and death, and also allows the reader to avoid becoming too attached to characters that will eventually die, but all in all reading this felt like more of a history lesson and less like something I would read for enjoyment at times.
The book contains chapter heading illustrations throughout and also features actual photographs from the expedition in the centre. These were a great touch and added the needed link with the reality of the conditions under which the expedition was labouring to bring the story to life a little more. At the end of the book a collection of appendices includes short descriptions of Scott's prior attempts on the South Pole alongside Earnest Shackleton, as well as as Shackleton's later, unsuccessful Antarctic mission. A short section on Amundsen's expedition is included here too, which I found most interesting.

If you know any young history buffs in the upper middle grade and YA age bracket you might recommend Into the White. I can't say I really loved reading it because although the story itself contains plenty of action and setbacks that should have kept me interested, I got caught up in the epic folly of so many of the decisions that were made along the way that resulted in the men's deaths. And I just can't get over their whoppingly unscientific choice of pack pony.

[John Wiltshire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard this author being interviewed in NZ Radio last year and noted the title down to read. I started it last night and I'm very glad I did. They are on the Terra Nova trapped in ice on the way to the Antarctic having loaded up and left Port Charmers NZ the previous month. I used to live in Port Charmers and visited the Scott memorial a number of times. I've read a few accounts of this doomed expedition, but never been plunged into the horror of it all quite as quickly as this book did. Poor dogs. Poor ponies. I always liked Captain Oates best, of all the group, but he stands out already in this as a superb man: he apparently stayed with the ponies on deck the whole voyage trying to assuage their awful conditions of being lashed standing on a deck in heaving icy seas for months.
I think this is going to be a great read.
I'll update...
I finished this last night. I'm not quite sure how to rate it. I think it will appeal to anyone who likes stories of derring do, especially, of course, Polar exploration. I don't think, however, that it works as a novel in any sense--it's very much a recitation of what happened without any character development or interaction in any meaningful way. However, it's not wholly non-fiction either, because there's some considerable supposition about what these characters were experiencing (especially troubling to me in a scene where Oates leaves the tent to sacrifice himself for the others and we have his thoughts and experiences beyond that iconic moment).
I learnt a great deal about the conditions of the trip (universally horrendous), that it's worth taking a look at for that alone if you have some slight niggle or pain--the suffering of these men will put it into perspective, trust me.
Worth a dip into, very short, not really what I was hoping it would be.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

As an unabashed Ernest Shackleton fan, I only knew a little bit about the race to the South Pole in 1911-1912. This book would have benefited from a timeline of events along with true map reproductions, instead of a couple of hand-drawn maps near the beginning of the book, which were oriented in different directions. I found them confusing and not very helpful.

It was a painful read as well, knowing what was going to happen. The Norwegians were traveling at the same time and not having nearly the trouble that the Brits were. After all that, Scott's party was 34 days behind Amundsen in reaching the South Pole.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like her telling of Amundsen's expedition this was a really enjoyable read and a really accessible way of learning about Scott's expedition (compared to say The Worst Journey in the World). This is despite being pitched at young adults. Given the subject matter parts of it may be a bit grim for younger readers, there is also some text towards the end that covers the thoughts of the doomed men when they know their likely fate, including discussing the possibility of suicide. It did make me think twice about who I would recommend it to. Worth reading none the less.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-written description of Scott's Antarctic odyssey written for a middle-school audience.

I was caught up in the tale, could imagine myself in Antarctica. The details of the expedition make for fascinating reading.

Sorry to say, I didn't finish, I knew the tragedies, both large and small, were coming.

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reads almost like Jules Verne and the unfortunate conditions that befell Scott's team read like a Jules Verne novel too, but sadly it's all too true. A good book to introduce the story to young teens or older kids as a lot of the more gruesome and tragic stuff is dealt with quite minimally. Overall, I really recommend this to everyone.

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read aloud for homeschooling, and we loved it (12 year old girl and 10 year old boy.) We knew how it was going to end before starting but found that getting to know the men throughout the book made the story more meaningful. We didn't want to put it down. We also had a couple of reference books that had maps so we could follow their journey. A great book for kids to learn of the expedition.

[Tourma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great telling of the events of Scott's Expedition that while not shying from the dark and tragic, it also doesn't dwell. A good read as an adult and likely a good one for the children in who's section this book is in at my library as well.

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It just breaks your heart that these young, fit and healthy men are so prepared to die to follow a dream for king and country. They push themselves to the limit of their endurance, I must keep reading to understand why.

[Jacinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gutwrenching. The engaging writing and incredible story made this one of the best books I've read all year. There is quite a detailed discussion of suicide (including the method) which I wouldn't be comfortable with a child reading, though.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new way of telling a story that we all know for kids. (I wish that three and a half stars was on option.)

[James Traxler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ordered this when I heard my 9-year-old's class was reading.
Wow, they were brave. The antarctic explorers I mean!
A quick and easy read. Pretty interesting.

[Wiremu Godfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent research put towards this book.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book, and it's a great read for Years 4 to 8. An insightful tale of brave, patriotic men who just kept on going!

[Sophie Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book about antarctic expeditions I've read and rather enjoyed it.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written, interesting and accessible account of Scott’s ill-fated expedition to the Antarctic.

[Clare Rhoden · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid retelling of Scott's dismal disaster returnong from the South Pole. The reproduced photos are a bonus.

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was relentlessly grim, but still a great read - a very evocative and approachable way to learn about Scott's mission and Antarctic exploration.

[Shaun Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captain Scott’s demise on the icy wastes of Antarctica is so well known that, even a century after, the British explorer still overshadows the Norwegian Roald Amundsen, who actually got to the South Pole first. Slowly starving and freezing in the polar tent as all his companions lay dead, Scott’s final words, painfully scrawled in his diary, were ‘For God’s sake, look after our people.’ Fitting words for the so-called heroic age of Antarctic exploration. A patriotic tragedy served Scott’s fame better than Amundsen near-flawless return dash to the pole.

In the past few decades, there seems to be no lessening of interest in the 1910–13 British Terra Nova expedition. The Captain’s reputation as polar hero was smashed by Roland Huntford in his seminal book Scott and Amundsen, but Scott has had his defenders too, including modern polar explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes. Debates have tended to centre on whether Scott was an incompetent explorer, a hero of science, or something in between. However fascinating and convincing they are, details about the exceptionally and unseasonably cold conditions that Scott faced, his choice of ponies versus dogs, and the leaking fuel cans, all seem to inadvertently undermine the humanity of that poor doomed polar party.

How refreshing then to read Joanna Grochowicz’s Into the White, Scott’s Antarctic Odyssey. A New Zealander now living in Australia, she has written this book with a younger audience in mind, and chose the perfect tone and style to convey the story. It’s written in the present tense to give a sense of immediacy, with compelling dialogue that further brings the story to vivid life.

As her narrative unfolds, she introduces the men of the expedition, and reveals their character through deeds and words. Into the White covers all the main facets of the expedition, and effortlessly weaves in the compelling facts of how Scott’s fate was sealed. For example, the epic winter trip undertaken by Cherry Apsley-Gerrard, Birdie Bowers and Edward Wilson to secure an emperor egg for science: ‘It takes the two men an hour to bash the third man out of his sledging gear at the end of the day, pummelling him with their fists to break the ice so they can then remove his harness and over-garments. It takes another hour for each of them to force open their frozen sleeping bags so they can thrust their aching bodies into the icy depths.’

By focussing on the comradeship between the men, Grochowicz underlines their terrible plight, and readers can’t help but feel respect for their efforts – despite the mistakes. ‘Together they have taken on the greatest march ever made and come very near to great success; never giving up, and never giving up on its other.’

A block of photographs, many of them by master Herbert Ponting, are well known, but the line drawings and maps by Sarah Lippet add a fresh touch. If you only ever read one book on Scott, this would be a great choice. And for younger readers, this is the perfect introduction to the heroic age of polar exploration.

[Jude · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells the tragic story of Robert Scott's race to be the first person to reach the South Pole. The author has painted a great picture of the terrible, terrible conditions these incredible men faced - the extreme cold, the lack of food, the frostbite, snow blindness etc. This is a great read and worth 5 stars in my opinion. The photographs from the expedition are a really worthwhile addition.

[St Stephen's C C]

The enthralling and harrowing true story of Robert Falcon Scott's ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition, with evocative photographs, and illustrations by Sarah Lippett.
This is the story of Robert Falcon Scott’s Terra Nova expedition to Antarctica and the memorable characters, who with a band of shaggy ponies and savage dogs, follow a man they trust into the unknown.
Battling storms at sea, impenetrable pack ice, maneating whales, crevasses, blizzards, bad food, extreme temperatures, and equal measures of hunger, agony and snow blindness, the team pushes on against all odds.
But will the weather hold? Will their rations be adequate? How will they know when they get there? And who invited the Norwegians?
Into the White will leave you on the edge of your seat, hoping against hope that Scott and his men might survive their Antarctic ordeal to tell the tale.