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537 Days of Winter: A Tale of Resilience, Endurance and Humanity while Stranded in Antarctica During the Pandemic
What would you do if you were stranded in the coldest place on earth as the world you knew back home changed forever…?
David Knoff had embarked on the adventure of a lifetime as station leader of Davis research station in Antarctica when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. After their ride home was cancelled indefinitely, what was supposed to be a routine mission became a high-pressure cauldron of uncertainty and anxiety that pushed David's team of 24 expeditioners to their mental limits.
Facing unprecedented challenges, including a complex medical evacuation and a fire on board the ship meant to get them out, David would need every ounce of resilience he'd gained as an infantry platoon commander and diplomat to keep the team safe and get them home.
537 Days of Winter is a high-octane, sub-zero story unlike any other in modern Antarctic history.
David Knoff had embarked on the adventure of a lifetime as station leader of Davis research station in Antarctica when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. After their ride home was cancelled indefinitely, what was supposed to be a routine mission became a high-pressure cauldron of uncertainty and anxiety that pushed David's team of 24 expeditioners to their mental limits.
Facing unprecedented challenges, including a complex medical evacuation and a fire on board the ship meant to get them out, David would need every ounce of resilience he'd gained as an infantry platoon commander and diplomat to keep the team safe and get them home.
537 Days of Winter is a high-octane, sub-zero story unlike any other in modern Antarctic history.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2022
45 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
About the author
David Knoff
2 books5 followersDavid Knoff is a speaker and specialist in remote leadership, management in isolation, Antarctic operations, resilience and mental-health strategies and practices. He has worked for 15 years as an officer in the Australian Army, in international relations with the Australian Government and as station and voyage leader for the Australian Antarctic Program. His toughest mission was one nobody saw coming: when COVID-19 hit, the world came to a virtual standstill and the team of expeditioners he was leading in Antarctica was stranded in one of the most isolated places on earth. David lives in Melbourne. 537 Days of Winter is his first book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
June 14, 2022
If you ever wanted to know what it’s like to live in Antarctica, this is the book for you. David Knoff’s 537 Days of Winter instantly transported me to the end of the Earth and made me feel like I was among the crew at Australia’s Davis Station. This is perhaps the most unique take on the pandemic you will read.
The book sees Australian Antarctic station leader, David Knoff, commanding 24 expeditioners on a year-long mission when the pandemic kicks-off around the globe.
537 Days of Winter made me feel colder than any other book. Whether it was descriptions of -50C and total darkness, or the mid-winter ice swims, I felt that cold right down to the bones. It gives excellent insight into the daily operations of a modern Antarctic base – from the various trades that work down there, to the scientific experiments and even the mystery of who dropped the burrito on the floor and didn’t clean it up (things get weird down there). I quickly felt part of the community and came to know the characters – I would happily wash dishes for Rhonda any time, while Fred will forever haunt my dreams!
Crazy Antarctic weather, an impossible medevac, difficult team members, a major fire, and of course, being stranded in a pandemic. David had a lot to deal with. The blizzard, along with the medevac were my favourite parts of the book.
“To make the medevac happen, we needed suitable weather at no less than five separate locations across a huge slice of the Southern Hemisphere.”
He shares his story with refreshing self-awareness, and succeeded in making me feel isolated too. Part of me was sad when they eventually departed Davis, as I didn’t want that part of the adventure to end.
“In a strange way, our isolation in Antarctica had brought us closer to everyone isolating back home.”
I learnt a lot in 537 Days of Winter – including about the operations which take place in a building I’ve been traveling past all my life! David explains things in a way anyone can understand, with extensive footnotes explaining various terminologies further. I loved that the Davis Station bar is named after the last husky to leave thirty years ago, and I enjoyed the photographs which depicted various aspects of Antarctic life, including specific events mentioned in the book.
Touching moments provided welcome relief from pandemic talk and management issues, such as marveling at the natural beauty (I must see the Aurora Australis someday), and drawing inspiration from his grandmother in the face of mounting challenges.
“If she could endure the tragedies of life and still face the world with a smile, then we could get through this year.”
David’s leadership style is to be admired, and there are things here anyone can incorporate into their life or workplace; such as “wellness weeks” or simply breaking goals down into more manageable phases. Occasionally things read a bit too diary-like, but when the setting is Antarctica, even the mundane or low-key becomes more interesting.
537 Days of Winter is essential reading for aspiring leaders and those in people management, as well as a must-read for anyone interested in Antarctica and modern-day expeditions.
“There is no wilderness so untouched, no landscape so remote, and no place quite like Antarctica. Once you set foot on the icy shores at the end of the Earth, you will always long to return.”
Many thanks to Affirm Press for a copy of this great book in exchange for an honest review.
The book sees Australian Antarctic station leader, David Knoff, commanding 24 expeditioners on a year-long mission when the pandemic kicks-off around the globe.
537 Days of Winter made me feel colder than any other book. Whether it was descriptions of -50C and total darkness, or the mid-winter ice swims, I felt that cold right down to the bones. It gives excellent insight into the daily operations of a modern Antarctic base – from the various trades that work down there, to the scientific experiments and even the mystery of who dropped the burrito on the floor and didn’t clean it up (things get weird down there). I quickly felt part of the community and came to know the characters – I would happily wash dishes for Rhonda any time, while Fred will forever haunt my dreams!
Crazy Antarctic weather, an impossible medevac, difficult team members, a major fire, and of course, being stranded in a pandemic. David had a lot to deal with. The blizzard, along with the medevac were my favourite parts of the book.
“To make the medevac happen, we needed suitable weather at no less than five separate locations across a huge slice of the Southern Hemisphere.”
He shares his story with refreshing self-awareness, and succeeded in making me feel isolated too. Part of me was sad when they eventually departed Davis, as I didn’t want that part of the adventure to end.
“In a strange way, our isolation in Antarctica had brought us closer to everyone isolating back home.”
I learnt a lot in 537 Days of Winter – including about the operations which take place in a building I’ve been traveling past all my life! David explains things in a way anyone can understand, with extensive footnotes explaining various terminologies further. I loved that the Davis Station bar is named after the last husky to leave thirty years ago, and I enjoyed the photographs which depicted various aspects of Antarctic life, including specific events mentioned in the book.
Touching moments provided welcome relief from pandemic talk and management issues, such as marveling at the natural beauty (I must see the Aurora Australis someday), and drawing inspiration from his grandmother in the face of mounting challenges.
“If she could endure the tragedies of life and still face the world with a smile, then we could get through this year.”
David’s leadership style is to be admired, and there are things here anyone can incorporate into their life or workplace; such as “wellness weeks” or simply breaking goals down into more manageable phases. Occasionally things read a bit too diary-like, but when the setting is Antarctica, even the mundane or low-key becomes more interesting.
537 Days of Winter is essential reading for aspiring leaders and those in people management, as well as a must-read for anyone interested in Antarctica and modern-day expeditions.
“There is no wilderness so untouched, no landscape so remote, and no place quite like Antarctica. Once you set foot on the icy shores at the end of the Earth, you will always long to return.”
Many thanks to Affirm Press for a copy of this great book in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2023
David Knoff arrived with the new season team members on the Aurora Australia in November 2019 to work their way through the normal twelve months of research at the Davis station in Antarctica. David was station leader, a position he was well qualified for, and one he was looking forward to with great excitement. After the change over of the previous team, David watched as the Australis sailed away for her last voyage and 30 years of service. A new ship would take them home the following November.
With blizzards, sea ice, freezing temperatures and more, the team weathered Christmas on the station, then with preparations for winter in full swing, the news filtered through of a pandemic hitting the world. With no idea how bad it would be, or if it would even affect them, David continued with work among the 24 people residing on Davis. But when David was informed international borders had closed and no ship - or aircraft - would be arriving in November to take them home, morale on the station dropped to its lowest ebb. Mental health was always an issue and David needed to know how to help his team keep their spirits up. And when an urgent medical evacuation was needed, the complex and detailed event took place against all odds.
537 Days of Winter is an intense, fascinating, non-fiction (and could easily pass as fiction!) read by Aussie author David Knoff and is set in the coldest place on earth, Antarctica, where Mother Nature dictates everything one does. No chances can be taken and with blizzards, strong winds, snow and ice pummelling the buildings and vehicles, any job which needed to be done, just had to wait. Frustration and anger, challenges galore, men at their mental limit - David was determined to get his team home safely. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Rowan for his exceptional review, which saw me requesting a purchase into my library, and thoroughly enjoying the read.
With blizzards, sea ice, freezing temperatures and more, the team weathered Christmas on the station, then with preparations for winter in full swing, the news filtered through of a pandemic hitting the world. With no idea how bad it would be, or if it would even affect them, David continued with work among the 24 people residing on Davis. But when David was informed international borders had closed and no ship - or aircraft - would be arriving in November to take them home, morale on the station dropped to its lowest ebb. Mental health was always an issue and David needed to know how to help his team keep their spirits up. And when an urgent medical evacuation was needed, the complex and detailed event took place against all odds.
537 Days of Winter is an intense, fascinating, non-fiction (and could easily pass as fiction!) read by Aussie author David Knoff and is set in the coldest place on earth, Antarctica, where Mother Nature dictates everything one does. No chances can be taken and with blizzards, strong winds, snow and ice pummelling the buildings and vehicles, any job which needed to be done, just had to wait. Frustration and anger, challenges galore, men at their mental limit - David was determined to get his team home safely. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Rowan for his exceptional review, which saw me requesting a purchase into my library, and thoroughly enjoying the read.
August 2, 2022
If it were not for the fact that the author experienced Covid-19 in a very unusual place, this book would never have been read outside a very small audience. David Knoff is a former Australian army and foreign service member who just so happened to be assigned to administer the Davis Research Station in Antarctica just before the world wide Covid event.
His term, as well as that of others, would have lasted one year. Summer employees would normally serve two months or less. Because Knoff and team were in place before Covid struck the outside world, they found themselves in an indefinite term of isolation from home. Normally a year long term might experience an engineering plant issue or a broken arm. This time Knoff has to deal with unknowns such as how long will we be stuck in Antarctica, Prima Donas thrown together for a very long time and just being generally cut off from the world.
The book is an explanation of crisis management in practice. As leader, Knoff had to pinpoint problems, convince a diverse group to follow the plan and adapt as necessary. Day to day life in this remote and hostile part of the world is interesting. If you are not particularly interested in team management and administration the book can seem 537 days long. In that case watch the movie The Thing.
His term, as well as that of others, would have lasted one year. Summer employees would normally serve two months or less. Because Knoff and team were in place before Covid struck the outside world, they found themselves in an indefinite term of isolation from home. Normally a year long term might experience an engineering plant issue or a broken arm. This time Knoff has to deal with unknowns such as how long will we be stuck in Antarctica, Prima Donas thrown together for a very long time and just being generally cut off from the world.
The book is an explanation of crisis management in practice. As leader, Knoff had to pinpoint problems, convince a diverse group to follow the plan and adapt as necessary. Day to day life in this remote and hostile part of the world is interesting. If you are not particularly interested in team management and administration the book can seem 537 days long. In that case watch the movie The Thing.
June 21, 2022
Review from the husband:
As I settle into a chilly Sydney winter, this is a book to help me keep perspective. Antarctica in winter is really, really cold!
David Knoff, an experienced leader and former solider, was due to lead 24 expeditioners in a standard, 12 month deployment in Antarctica. At the start of that mission, Covid-19 happened, and borders got shut, their lift home was also cancelled.
They were stuck, with no knowledge of how long they were going to be stranded.
This is a fascinating account of David's leadership in dealing with frustrations, tensions and emerging situations. Building team spirits, Christmas, birthdays etc while stuck in the most isolated of environments is a tough gig.
It is well written, descriptive and has some great photographs to accompany the narrative.
Thanks to Affirm Press for my advanced copy of this book to review. Published June 14th in Australia.
As I settle into a chilly Sydney winter, this is a book to help me keep perspective. Antarctica in winter is really, really cold!
David Knoff, an experienced leader and former solider, was due to lead 24 expeditioners in a standard, 12 month deployment in Antarctica. At the start of that mission, Covid-19 happened, and borders got shut, their lift home was also cancelled.
They were stuck, with no knowledge of how long they were going to be stranded.
This is a fascinating account of David's leadership in dealing with frustrations, tensions and emerging situations. Building team spirits, Christmas, birthdays etc while stuck in the most isolated of environments is a tough gig.
It is well written, descriptive and has some great photographs to accompany the narrative.
Thanks to Affirm Press for my advanced copy of this book to review. Published June 14th in Australia.
September 24, 2022
Antarctica is very interesting, and this is a great story about wintering over as the Covid-19 pandemic took over the rest of the world. It had everything I wanted in a memoir of life on an isolated, inhospitable, magical frontier. If you like this kind of memoir, 537 Days of Winter won’t disappoint.
January 15, 2023
Trigger warnings: COVID-19 pandemic, mentions of war
I picked this up for a reading challenge to read a book set during winter, and even though the entirety of this isn't set during winter, I figured that Antarctica should be a free pass.
Anyway. I knew from the foreword that this wasn't entirely going to be for me, with the Governor-General talking about the importance of leadership and managing people under difficult circumstances. Sir. I am here for the trapped-in-Antarctica stuff, not the people management stuff, yeah?
And the trapped-in-Antarctica stuff was pretty interesting. There were times when I wanted Knoff (who I was horrified to learn is younger than me) to go into more detail about particular incidents and scenarios, but at the same time, I understand why he didn't given a) how recently these events happened and b) that they involve other people. They're not necessarily his stories to tell.
I think I would have liked this better if I'd read it in print form and could flip back and forth between maps, footnotes and (I assume) images. Instead, I listened to the audiobook from my library, which I often found a slog, with the chapters around an hour in length. Ultimately, on audio it was...fine? But I don't think much of the story will stick with me in the long run.
I picked this up for a reading challenge to read a book set during winter, and even though the entirety of this isn't set during winter, I figured that Antarctica should be a free pass.
Anyway. I knew from the foreword that this wasn't entirely going to be for me, with the Governor-General talking about the importance of leadership and managing people under difficult circumstances. Sir. I am here for the trapped-in-Antarctica stuff, not the people management stuff, yeah?
And the trapped-in-Antarctica stuff was pretty interesting. There were times when I wanted Knoff (who I was horrified to learn is younger than me) to go into more detail about particular incidents and scenarios, but at the same time, I understand why he didn't given a) how recently these events happened and b) that they involve other people. They're not necessarily his stories to tell.
I think I would have liked this better if I'd read it in print form and could flip back and forth between maps, footnotes and (I assume) images. Instead, I listened to the audiobook from my library, which I often found a slog, with the chapters around an hour in length. Ultimately, on audio it was...fine? But I don't think much of the story will stick with me in the long run.
September 23, 2022
An Antarctic station team are already in a type of lockdown, so when COVID arrived, about 100 pages in, the lives of the expeditioners on Davis Station didn’t change greatly; their stay was extended due to a perfect storm of a global pandemic, the planned decommissioning of Australia’s icebreaker ship, a delay on its replacement, availability of suitable aircraft, border closures and lengthy quarantine periods for any international aircraft that could assist. But the station is always equipped with 2 years of supplies in the event of situations like this. The main issues were mental health and well-being and medical emergencies, and the description of the medevac was gripping - involving collaboration between the US and Chinese stations with their aviation and naval assets, international diplomacy, physical work to prepare a runway, COVID protocols, split second timing plus perfect weather conditions in five places across the huge continent.
Interesting to me that over 50% of the community are not scientists but technicians and trades to support the scientists and maintain the station. A study in crisis management and team leadership.
Interesting to me that over 50% of the community are not scientists but technicians and trades to support the scientists and maintain the station. A study in crisis management and team leadership.
January 3, 2023
This is a great experience but a surprisingly robotic book. There are virtually no characters in the book - we never learn almost anyone’s name, although some are described by nicknames. We hear almost no personal stories, even about the author. The closest he comes to a real emotional description is describing the letdown when he arrives back in Australia.
Lots about the mechanics and logistics, which was interesting. It was not uncommon to read a page about getting a piece of machinery started, but barely a sentence about the people working on that task. There are less than 30 people on this station over winter and if it were fiction I would call everyone a prop, not representative of a real person. Even the chef, who he describes the most only exists as a generic supporter. I never got a sense of her at all as a person.
I found this incredibly frustrating. It reads as if this author never saw the real people he worked with and has no real sense of them. Surely the trauma, stress and good times would have engendered true relationships and stories, but we only get to hear the bare bones, not the colour.
Lots about the mechanics and logistics, which was interesting. It was not uncommon to read a page about getting a piece of machinery started, but barely a sentence about the people working on that task. There are less than 30 people on this station over winter and if it were fiction I would call everyone a prop, not representative of a real person. Even the chef, who he describes the most only exists as a generic supporter. I never got a sense of her at all as a person.
I found this incredibly frustrating. It reads as if this author never saw the real people he worked with and has no real sense of them. Surely the trauma, stress and good times would have engendered true relationships and stories, but we only get to hear the bare bones, not the colour.
August 5, 2022
After David kindly popped into our bookstore to sign his new release, 537 Days of Winter, I recalling thinking it sounded like a fascinating story when I was ordering it, & reached out to him.
Now I am happy to report it's not only selling extremely well (as it deserves), David is also speaking at our next September First Tuesday Book Club (open to public, via Dymocks Camberwell), & I just finished reading it!
I don't often read non-fiction, but I was drawn to this story, about experiencing the pandemic on the only continent that hadn't yet been Covid-19 infected, but also how David & his team felt about the unexpected indefinite stay in one of the world's most inhospitable environments.
Recommended reading, for a unique view of the last couple of years, alongside Antarctic stories, & the joy & perils of leadership.
Now I am happy to report it's not only selling extremely well (as it deserves), David is also speaking at our next September First Tuesday Book Club (open to public, via Dymocks Camberwell), & I just finished reading it!
I don't often read non-fiction, but I was drawn to this story, about experiencing the pandemic on the only continent that hadn't yet been Covid-19 infected, but also how David & his team felt about the unexpected indefinite stay in one of the world's most inhospitable environments.
Recommended reading, for a unique view of the last couple of years, alongside Antarctic stories, & the joy & perils of leadership.
December 16, 2024
Not the descriptive, adventure book I was hoping for.
June 24, 2023
What a breath of fresh Antarctic air this book was! I thoroughly enjoyed David Knoff’s account of his time spent locked into the untouched wilderness of Antarctica, at Davis Station for @537 days, a few more days than he expected. David and crew were trapped, for better words, on the continent for longer than expected because of the wonderful pandemic that graced the globe with its presence. And it sounded like the place to be while Australia was in the grip of the toilet paper shortage (they had a well stocked supply, lol).
Such beautiful imagery David captured in his words, and a great insight nto the life of staff who keep the operations up at the bases across Antarctica. The machinations of levelling an airfield and quarrying vehicle to and from Whoop Whoop (the name of said airfield) was mind-blowing. It is quite humbling to read how self-sufficient they are in the day-to-day work, and the with the added isolation for almost two years away from the mainland of Australia. David is so centred, and this shone through his leadership at Davis Station. We live in his shoes and are introduced to so many foreign concepts and terminology (with explanations and footnotes scattered through the book). There are moments from David’s own life that he refers to and uses to inspire himself and keep his spirits up in some very tough moments. The art shows and video making sessions were quite funny, and that morale was key factory to maintain operations and minimal issues arising during those hundreds of days. This was more than resilience; you could sense that there was a sheer joy to be a part of such an adventure at Antarctica among the scientific experiments and research, global partnerships, and part of a historical legacy that has continued for many years.
Such beautiful imagery David captured in his words, and a great insight nto the life of staff who keep the operations up at the bases across Antarctica. The machinations of levelling an airfield and quarrying vehicle to and from Whoop Whoop (the name of said airfield) was mind-blowing. It is quite humbling to read how self-sufficient they are in the day-to-day work, and the with the added isolation for almost two years away from the mainland of Australia. David is so centred, and this shone through his leadership at Davis Station. We live in his shoes and are introduced to so many foreign concepts and terminology (with explanations and footnotes scattered through the book). There are moments from David’s own life that he refers to and uses to inspire himself and keep his spirits up in some very tough moments. The art shows and video making sessions were quite funny, and that morale was key factory to maintain operations and minimal issues arising during those hundreds of days. This was more than resilience; you could sense that there was a sheer joy to be a part of such an adventure at Antarctica among the scientific experiments and research, global partnerships, and part of a historical legacy that has continued for many years.
November 29, 2022
As a person who has been fascinated by Antarctica for years, this title really jumped out at me when I saw it at my local library.
David Knoff's account of his time as leader of Davis Station in Antarctica was interesting anyway, but when COVID came into the mix, ensuring that the whole world got turned on its head, it also threw a spanner in the works for David and his team of expeditioners.
I could not believe how young David Knoff actually is; he clearly has maturity beyond his years. As a person who has never wanted to be in any type of leadership position, you have to admire people who step up and say "yes, I will do this, I will take on this responsibility" and carry out those duties to the best of their abilities. And wow, his leadership skills really got put to the test, considering the series of events surrounding them going home at the end of their contract. I won't spoil it for everyone else, but wow!
4.5 stars from me.
David Knoff's account of his time as leader of Davis Station in Antarctica was interesting anyway, but when COVID came into the mix, ensuring that the whole world got turned on its head, it also threw a spanner in the works for David and his team of expeditioners.
I could not believe how young David Knoff actually is; he clearly has maturity beyond his years. As a person who has never wanted to be in any type of leadership position, you have to admire people who step up and say "yes, I will do this, I will take on this responsibility" and carry out those duties to the best of their abilities. And wow, his leadership skills really got put to the test, considering the series of events surrounding them going home at the end of their contract. I won't spoil it for everyone else, but wow!
4.5 stars from me.
May 15, 2023
A cheerful 3! Knoff is at his best when he's talking about the beauty and quirks of life in Antarctica. While his insights into the human responses in a pressure- filled situation were interesting at times, his leadership advice often boiled down to "look for the positives and keep on keeping on" which, while true, is not exactly groundbreaking. He's clearly an excellent leader, I just don't think there's much to say about leadership that hasn't already been said in a million boring management books.
June 13, 2022
537 Days on Winter is a great story, well written and the perfect book for holidays! It was very easy to read, and a unique experience of the pandemic. Would highly recommend!
August 7, 2022
“Once you set foot on the icy shores at the end of the Earth, you will always long to return”
Loved this story of 537 days spent enjoying and enduring Davis Station (and the trip home) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While I wish I had longer than 3 hours in Antarctica I’m certain I could not have survived the summer/ winter/ summer experienced by David and his team.
Fascinating read 📚
Loved this story of 537 days spent enjoying and enduring Davis Station (and the trip home) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While I wish I had longer than 3 hours in Antarctica I’m certain I could not have survived the summer/ winter/ summer experienced by David and his team.
Fascinating read 📚
November 25, 2023
This book was very interesting and I learned a lot about Antarctica, in particular the operations of Davis Station and Woop Woop. I had never thought about what it must have been like to be in an isolated place like Antarctica when the pandemic started and to not be able to go home. It was a very interesting read! I listened to the audiobook (it was all the library had) and I thought the narrator did a good job. I did end up googling Woop Woop to make sure I was hearing it correctly.
November 11, 2023
Delving into life in Antarctica, this book proved interesting, heightened by the complexities introduced by a global pandemic that prolonged the team's stay in the unforgiving conditions.
The author skillfully recounts the challenges inherent in leading a team, further compounded when the anticipated return date becomes a distant memory. The narrative emphasizes the paramount significance of relationships within the team and the synergy of teamwork.
Beyond its appeal to Antarctic enthusiasts, this book serves as a valuable resource for those aspiring to leadership roles, offering insights into navigating challenges and fostering effective teamwork in the face of adversity.
The author skillfully recounts the challenges inherent in leading a team, further compounded when the anticipated return date becomes a distant memory. The narrative emphasizes the paramount significance of relationships within the team and the synergy of teamwork.
Beyond its appeal to Antarctic enthusiasts, this book serves as a valuable resource for those aspiring to leadership roles, offering insights into navigating challenges and fostering effective teamwork in the face of adversity.
November 11, 2024
i love antarctica so this book was great
August 2, 2022
A very interesting read of one man's journey to be station leader of a station in Antarctica that was extended due to the covid pandemic.
Very easy to read, well written, great photos.
Very easy to read, well written, great photos.
April 7, 2023
A truly riveting tale of a beautiful and terrifying place and the spirit of human resiliency in the face of the unknown.
July 19, 2022
An easy and very interesting read. Not usually something I would pick up but it was a gift and I very much enjoyed it. Great insights into life at Antarctica and written so well that you can 'see' it all!
June 29, 2022
I enjoyed this book for the journey to Antarctica, and loved the honest and personal reflections on leadership, learning and growth through times of difficulty. Great read.
December 14, 2022
Interesting experience and reflections. Wish there was more description - e.g the mental hardship of the situation or funny things penguins do are noted but never truly expanded on to bring them to life. As an audiobook the footnotes also hugely interrupted the flow of the narrative. But a really fascinating insight into life on Antarctica and a unique perspective on the pandemic
October 23, 2022
Very very basic read. Interesting subject matter area, but reads as if a 14 year old went on a tangent and wrote the book.
May 26, 2023
"As station leader at the Davis Research Station in Antarctica, David Knoff was leading 24 expeditioners in a standard six-month mission when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, international travel came to a standstill and their ride home was cancelled – indefinitely. What was supposed to be a routine mission became a high-pressure cauldron of uncertainty and anxiety where everyone was pushed to their mental limits. They’d have to draw on every ounce of resilience to ensure a safe return.
Facing unprecedented challenges, including a complex medical evacuation and a fire on board the ship meant to get them out, David would need all his experience as an infantry platoon commander and diplomat to keep the team safe and get them home, albeit to a world that was completely different to the one they’d left.
David Knoff is an Australian who has worked in military and diplomatic positions all over the world and it was suggested to him that he might like to apply for a station leader position on Australia’s Davis base in Antarctica. He was successful and was due to take up a 12 month contract beginning in late 2019. He would oversee not only the busy summer research time where there would be over 90 people on base but also the winter maintenance period where a skeleton crew of about 24 are left to keep things going. A year there would be tough enough but the explosion of the corona virus pandemic led to most, if not all of the countries with a presence on Antarctica, suspending the resupply and personnel exchange in the latter part of 2020, which means that David and the others there over the winter would be staying on around about six more months. Without negotiation.
Antarctica is an adventure and it can be a highly sought after position not just for scientists with certain focuses but also for those in other professions: chefs, engineers, electricians, plumbers etc, all of which are required to keep a base running smoothly year round in extreme temperatures. “Overwintering” is peak Antarctica, with no shortage of people happy to undertake these positions and check that off their bucket lists. However, the people who do undertake these roles know that they do so with a definite end date in mind where they return to civilisation and sun, even if it’s just briefly before many of them return to base for another season or move to a different base for a stint there. Australia maintains a strong presence in Antarctica via 4 permanent research stations and it also “claims” over 5.9 million square kilometres as the Australian Antarctic Territory (which is actually only recognised by a handful of countries, most or all of which also “claim” other parts of Antarctica), which is around 42% of the continent. It’s all under the authority of the Australian Antarctic Division which operates out of Hobart, probably the closest capital city.
This is a really intimate look at what it’s like to live and work on Antarctica in both “normal” times and then after the covid outbreak changed the world. You wouldn’t think that the impact would be felt on remote research stations but the new protocols meant that it was imperative not to expose the remote basis to the virus when they did not have the capabilities to deal with something so infectious and an emergency medevac (medical evacuation) would be not only difficult to coordinate because of the distance of Antarctica from mainland Australia but also subject to weather patterns. Instead the decision is made that it’s best to just leave the crew already there in place until things improve and they can resume resupply and exchange missions. For the people working there, this is grim news. Not only are they already in a sort of ‘lockdown’ already living and working in very close quarters in extreme weather but now there was the reality of being stuck there for so much longer than anticipated, with the same people that you’d probably already be sick of by the time your original contract was up.
Knoff’s job is pretty much to oversee everything: approve scientific expeditions, manage rosters, mediate disputes, keep up morale and make sure that any petty grievances don’t escalate into something that could become a problem. This isn’t so bad for the “summer” when he arrives (love how he describes beautiful days of 0 and 1*C as warm) when everyone is busy doing their work and getting outside and exploring. It still involves being cautious due to the dangers on the ice, both hidden and not but things take on a whole new level during the winter months when when it can get to -30*C and is dark for almost the entire time. In this book he gives an insight into pretty much everything: life in close quarters, the difficulty of moving from base to base at times, what to do when there’s a dispute etc. But there’s also so much about how wonderful it is too. He describes seeing penguins, seals, whales, exploring the terrain via helicopter (he has to approve a lot of expeditions by personally seeing the landscape first) and quad bike. There’s also quite an amazing section devoted to a medevac coordinated in December 2020 that involved three countries, multiple bases, helicopters and two planes. It was an incredible example of camaraderie and cooperation between the various bases who have a presence in Antarctica who were willing to help out even with the corona issues.
I really enjoyed this. It felt like a great showcase of what life must be like and for most of us, who will never get a chance to see Antarctica in person, it’s a great way to experience it. I also recommend a documentary called Continent 7, which focuses on a New Zealand base (Scott base)".
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
Facing unprecedented challenges, including a complex medical evacuation and a fire on board the ship meant to get them out, David would need all his experience as an infantry platoon commander and diplomat to keep the team safe and get them home, albeit to a world that was completely different to the one they’d left.
David Knoff is an Australian who has worked in military and diplomatic positions all over the world and it was suggested to him that he might like to apply for a station leader position on Australia’s Davis base in Antarctica. He was successful and was due to take up a 12 month contract beginning in late 2019. He would oversee not only the busy summer research time where there would be over 90 people on base but also the winter maintenance period where a skeleton crew of about 24 are left to keep things going. A year there would be tough enough but the explosion of the corona virus pandemic led to most, if not all of the countries with a presence on Antarctica, suspending the resupply and personnel exchange in the latter part of 2020, which means that David and the others there over the winter would be staying on around about six more months. Without negotiation.
Antarctica is an adventure and it can be a highly sought after position not just for scientists with certain focuses but also for those in other professions: chefs, engineers, electricians, plumbers etc, all of which are required to keep a base running smoothly year round in extreme temperatures. “Overwintering” is peak Antarctica, with no shortage of people happy to undertake these positions and check that off their bucket lists. However, the people who do undertake these roles know that they do so with a definite end date in mind where they return to civilisation and sun, even if it’s just briefly before many of them return to base for another season or move to a different base for a stint there. Australia maintains a strong presence in Antarctica via 4 permanent research stations and it also “claims” over 5.9 million square kilometres as the Australian Antarctic Territory (which is actually only recognised by a handful of countries, most or all of which also “claim” other parts of Antarctica), which is around 42% of the continent. It’s all under the authority of the Australian Antarctic Division which operates out of Hobart, probably the closest capital city.
This is a really intimate look at what it’s like to live and work on Antarctica in both “normal” times and then after the covid outbreak changed the world. You wouldn’t think that the impact would be felt on remote research stations but the new protocols meant that it was imperative not to expose the remote basis to the virus when they did not have the capabilities to deal with something so infectious and an emergency medevac (medical evacuation) would be not only difficult to coordinate because of the distance of Antarctica from mainland Australia but also subject to weather patterns. Instead the decision is made that it’s best to just leave the crew already there in place until things improve and they can resume resupply and exchange missions. For the people working there, this is grim news. Not only are they already in a sort of ‘lockdown’ already living and working in very close quarters in extreme weather but now there was the reality of being stuck there for so much longer than anticipated, with the same people that you’d probably already be sick of by the time your original contract was up.
Knoff’s job is pretty much to oversee everything: approve scientific expeditions, manage rosters, mediate disputes, keep up morale and make sure that any petty grievances don’t escalate into something that could become a problem. This isn’t so bad for the “summer” when he arrives (love how he describes beautiful days of 0 and 1*C as warm) when everyone is busy doing their work and getting outside and exploring. It still involves being cautious due to the dangers on the ice, both hidden and not but things take on a whole new level during the winter months when when it can get to -30*C and is dark for almost the entire time. In this book he gives an insight into pretty much everything: life in close quarters, the difficulty of moving from base to base at times, what to do when there’s a dispute etc. But there’s also so much about how wonderful it is too. He describes seeing penguins, seals, whales, exploring the terrain via helicopter (he has to approve a lot of expeditions by personally seeing the landscape first) and quad bike. There’s also quite an amazing section devoted to a medevac coordinated in December 2020 that involved three countries, multiple bases, helicopters and two planes. It was an incredible example of camaraderie and cooperation between the various bases who have a presence in Antarctica who were willing to help out even with the corona issues.
I really enjoyed this. It felt like a great showcase of what life must be like and for most of us, who will never get a chance to see Antarctica in person, it’s a great way to experience it. I also recommend a documentary called Continent 7, which focuses on a New Zealand base (Scott base)".
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2023
'There is no wilderness so untouched, no landscape so remote, and no place quite like Antarctica. Once you set foot on the icy shores at the end of the Earth, you will always long to return.'
'537 Days of Winter' articulates 'the price of leadership' in a remote landscape amidst an unprecedented pandemic known as COVID-19. Davids position as the station leader not only impugned his mentality, but also strengthened his character. On Davis, expeditioners vented their anger through 'negative responses and blame' directed at David as it was a way of them 'deal[ing] with the longer stay'. Such hostile outlets placed David in incredible strain and drain, where he must 'detach himself from [his] position' and 'separate [his] own emotions', not 'revealing [his] personal opinions'. Thus, shedding insight on the magnitude of being a leader, where David not only had to exhibit excellent interpersonal skills, foster a responsible and safety environment, but also suppress his inner emotions and present himself logical and unbiased whilst 'being hated, and questioned, and challenged, and doubted, and alone', requiring immense willpower, grit, and self-control.
I was hit with an emotional peak in this story during the medevac, showcasing the beauty of human alliance across different nations; Australia, China and America, 'all working together' with the 'common goal' of assisting someone in crisis. With all the gratitude expressions such as 'thank you', and 'all the best and Merry Christmas' with the successful patient transfer, nostalgia arose, where I recalled the last days of my part-time jobs and was engulfed with feelings of appreciation and loss. However, David draws a fine line to the extent of human interaction, where 'close quarters' between one another for prolonged periods result in 'bickering over the smallest of issues and nitpicking over others role and habits', with close proximity and a void of personal 'space' 'wearing everyone down' and wanting 'a break from each other'. This propinquity mentality with 24 expeditioners on the worlds most isolated continent starkly contrasts with the isolated mentality of individuals living on civilization. Such dichotomy demonstrates the spectrum of isolation, ranging from geographical isolation to social isolation, with social isolation augmenting negative thoughts and detrimental health impacts as the livelihood of humans heavily rely on intimate social connections.
My favorite section of the book is undoubtedly the photographs of major events that unfolded in the written aspect. They not only provided a tangible representation, but displayed the infinite landscape with breathtaking natural phenomenons such as sunrise and southern lights. Such scenery and challenge posed by Antarctica refines my determination to visit one day.
'my mantra was to always seek the reasons behind mistakes and learn from them'
'once you can understand what is happening physiologically to you and others, you enter a whole new level of operating on the face of fear'
'I felt the same way. While nothing compared to what happened in the jungles of Vietnam or at Long Tan, Antarctica had aged me. Since I returned I hadn't wanted to socialize, I didn't want to go out, and I didn't want to return to full-time work. I wasn't interested in meeting new people and I was pushing those away who tried to connect with me. I wasn't quite myself and felt like an old man.'
'537 Days of Winter' articulates 'the price of leadership' in a remote landscape amidst an unprecedented pandemic known as COVID-19. Davids position as the station leader not only impugned his mentality, but also strengthened his character. On Davis, expeditioners vented their anger through 'negative responses and blame' directed at David as it was a way of them 'deal[ing] with the longer stay'. Such hostile outlets placed David in incredible strain and drain, where he must 'detach himself from [his] position' and 'separate [his] own emotions', not 'revealing [his] personal opinions'. Thus, shedding insight on the magnitude of being a leader, where David not only had to exhibit excellent interpersonal skills, foster a responsible and safety environment, but also suppress his inner emotions and present himself logical and unbiased whilst 'being hated, and questioned, and challenged, and doubted, and alone', requiring immense willpower, grit, and self-control.
I was hit with an emotional peak in this story during the medevac, showcasing the beauty of human alliance across different nations; Australia, China and America, 'all working together' with the 'common goal' of assisting someone in crisis. With all the gratitude expressions such as 'thank you', and 'all the best and Merry Christmas' with the successful patient transfer, nostalgia arose, where I recalled the last days of my part-time jobs and was engulfed with feelings of appreciation and loss. However, David draws a fine line to the extent of human interaction, where 'close quarters' between one another for prolonged periods result in 'bickering over the smallest of issues and nitpicking over others role and habits', with close proximity and a void of personal 'space' 'wearing everyone down' and wanting 'a break from each other'. This propinquity mentality with 24 expeditioners on the worlds most isolated continent starkly contrasts with the isolated mentality of individuals living on civilization. Such dichotomy demonstrates the spectrum of isolation, ranging from geographical isolation to social isolation, with social isolation augmenting negative thoughts and detrimental health impacts as the livelihood of humans heavily rely on intimate social connections.
My favorite section of the book is undoubtedly the photographs of major events that unfolded in the written aspect. They not only provided a tangible representation, but displayed the infinite landscape with breathtaking natural phenomenons such as sunrise and southern lights. Such scenery and challenge posed by Antarctica refines my determination to visit one day.
'my mantra was to always seek the reasons behind mistakes and learn from them'
'once you can understand what is happening physiologically to you and others, you enter a whole new level of operating on the face of fear'
'I felt the same way. While nothing compared to what happened in the jungles of Vietnam or at Long Tan, Antarctica had aged me. Since I returned I hadn't wanted to socialize, I didn't want to go out, and I didn't want to return to full-time work. I wasn't interested in meeting new people and I was pushing those away who tried to connect with me. I wasn't quite myself and felt like an old man.'
January 14, 2023
It was the trip of a lifetime, until one summer turned into two and trip became trapped. Knoff was the station leader for one of Australia’s stations on Antarctica when COVID-19 hit—and while they managed to keep COVID off the station itself, it still knocked the station for a loop. Suddenly everything back home was different, and the ship that was meant to get them out at the end of their tour was delayed…and because of COVID-19 protocols, other countries couldn’t help unless it was a critical emergency.
One thing I love about reading Antarctica memoirs: you don’t get a position in Antarctica—any position, from top research scientist to janitor—unless you’re curious, and interested in science, and on some level want an adventure. Sure, Knoff talks about the divide between people who wanted to get out and do everything, see everything that a weekend trip from the station could offer, and those who just wanted to do their work and go back to Australia…but even the latter crowd came to Antarctica for a reason. As far as I’m concerned, this means a high probability that Antarctica memoirs will hit the spot, because even if the writer doesn’t know the first thing about writing (and I’m talking generally, mind, not about Knoff specifically), they’ll still have a story to tell.
Knoff’s story is occasionally impeded by his status as station leader. He’s acutely aware of the power difference and the need to maintain others’ privacy. I’m not going to argue with that—it’s much preferable to a book in which he names names and airs dirty laundry—but it does mean that we don’t get to know very many of the other characters well, because Knoff is so careful not to go into detail about others’ experiences. I’d be curious about others’ stories from this unexpected year and a half—people who feel that they can talk a little more candidly.
I was also sort of surprised that there was less of a…sense of adventure, I guess, about the experience. Granted: I have never been trapped in Antarctica. I don’t know how I would react. And while the pandemic did subject me to things like Zoom funerals, I was never anywhere near as completely cut off as the folks on this station. But when Knoff has to spend one night that turns into several at a remote outpost, trapped in a blizzard…I can’t help but think (again: never having been in this position) oh man, that is adventure, not as much the tedious chore that they treat it as. Because what is more emblematic of being stuck in Antarctica?
Still…this hit the spot nicely. I don’t really imagine that I’ll ever find my way to Antarctica, let alone for a stretch that lasts a year or longer. But books can help fill in that experience void.
One thing I love about reading Antarctica memoirs: you don’t get a position in Antarctica—any position, from top research scientist to janitor—unless you’re curious, and interested in science, and on some level want an adventure. Sure, Knoff talks about the divide between people who wanted to get out and do everything, see everything that a weekend trip from the station could offer, and those who just wanted to do their work and go back to Australia…but even the latter crowd came to Antarctica for a reason. As far as I’m concerned, this means a high probability that Antarctica memoirs will hit the spot, because even if the writer doesn’t know the first thing about writing (and I’m talking generally, mind, not about Knoff specifically), they’ll still have a story to tell.
Knoff’s story is occasionally impeded by his status as station leader. He’s acutely aware of the power difference and the need to maintain others’ privacy. I’m not going to argue with that—it’s much preferable to a book in which he names names and airs dirty laundry—but it does mean that we don’t get to know very many of the other characters well, because Knoff is so careful not to go into detail about others’ experiences. I’d be curious about others’ stories from this unexpected year and a half—people who feel that they can talk a little more candidly.
I was also sort of surprised that there was less of a…sense of adventure, I guess, about the experience. Granted: I have never been trapped in Antarctica. I don’t know how I would react. And while the pandemic did subject me to things like Zoom funerals, I was never anywhere near as completely cut off as the folks on this station. But when Knoff has to spend one night that turns into several at a remote outpost, trapped in a blizzard…I can’t help but think (again: never having been in this position) oh man, that is adventure, not as much the tedious chore that they treat it as. Because what is more emblematic of being stuck in Antarctica?
Still…this hit the spot nicely. I don’t really imagine that I’ll ever find my way to Antarctica, let alone for a stretch that lasts a year or longer. But books can help fill in that experience void.
April 28, 2023
A down to earth recount of what can happen when a tough situation gets even tougher. David Knoff was team leader for what was supposed to be a 12 month expedition. But then COVID hit the world and the team's stay was extended indefinitely. I know how some people struggled in their familiar home situations, but David and his small team of 24 were devastated not only for being stranded in the coldest place on earth, but also fear for their families, missing important events, and the feeling of being "alone"
David's description of the weather - cold, blizzards - made me feel cold just reading.
What would you do if you were stranded in the coldest place on earth as the world you knew back home changed forever…?
David Knoff had embarked on the adventure of a lifetime as station leader of Davis research station in Antarctica when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. After their ride home was cancelled indefinitely, what was supposed to be a routine mission became a high-pressure cauldron of uncertainty and anxiety that pushed David's team of 24 expeditioners to their mental limits.
Facing unprecedented challenges, including a complex medical evacuation and a fire on board the ship meant to get them out, David would need every ounce of resilience he'd gained as an infantry platoon commander and diplomat to keep the team safe and get them home.
537 Days of Winter is a high-octane, sub-zero story unlike any other in modern Antarctic history.
David's description of the weather - cold, blizzards - made me feel cold just reading.
What would you do if you were stranded in the coldest place on earth as the world you knew back home changed forever…?
David Knoff had embarked on the adventure of a lifetime as station leader of Davis research station in Antarctica when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. After their ride home was cancelled indefinitely, what was supposed to be a routine mission became a high-pressure cauldron of uncertainty and anxiety that pushed David's team of 24 expeditioners to their mental limits.
Facing unprecedented challenges, including a complex medical evacuation and a fire on board the ship meant to get them out, David would need every ounce of resilience he'd gained as an infantry platoon commander and diplomat to keep the team safe and get them home.
537 Days of Winter is a high-octane, sub-zero story unlike any other in modern Antarctic history.
March 5, 2025
Always so random giving a rating on someone's lived experience haha. The insight into Antarctica is amazing and five stars all around to shed light into something as fascinating as the society that they have built there. I didn't know about the different countries who all had different stations set up in Antarctica and how they manage to do the scientific research that they do. Also the complexities of keeping facilities going all year around and how they adjust to the different terrains.
I was gifted this book as part of a corporate gift bag, it wouldn't of been a book I would've picked up otherwise. I'm looking forward to reading more and more stories that come out of the Covid lockdowns ... a book like this is a lot more interesting than what I've come across in fictional writing about covid. I'd imagine we will hear more and more stories from this time as perspective starts to kick in.
Unfortunately as a book it fell a little flat to me. I didn't get a great sense of the people and challenges that would have happened over this time. I think the story would've benefitted from having some more point of views shared from the other people who were living on the station. As for the leadership and management aspect, this also felt a little bit surface level to me. I empathise with David Knoff's situation and the challenge that he was faced with leading an entire team to live somewhere they did not sign up for. However, I didn't get a real sense of what I could take from the story.
The descriptions of the environment that they were in did make the read worth it but I found it a bit of a struggle towards the end.
I was gifted this book as part of a corporate gift bag, it wouldn't of been a book I would've picked up otherwise. I'm looking forward to reading more and more stories that come out of the Covid lockdowns ... a book like this is a lot more interesting than what I've come across in fictional writing about covid. I'd imagine we will hear more and more stories from this time as perspective starts to kick in.
Unfortunately as a book it fell a little flat to me. I didn't get a great sense of the people and challenges that would have happened over this time. I think the story would've benefitted from having some more point of views shared from the other people who were living on the station. As for the leadership and management aspect, this also felt a little bit surface level to me. I empathise with David Knoff's situation and the challenge that he was faced with leading an entire team to live somewhere they did not sign up for. However, I didn't get a real sense of what I could take from the story.
The descriptions of the environment that they were in did make the read worth it but I found it a bit of a struggle towards the end.
February 1, 2023
I quite enjoyed this book, but I would not say it was a great read. I think I probably would have liked it more if I had not just read 'Kabloona', which is an absolute cold clime classic. 'Kabloona' is a Frenchman's account of living with Eskimos/Innuit in the 1930s, and after you've read about people feasting off raw frozen fish and seal, drinking seal blood out of muskox skulls, sleeping on caribou skins that have been softened by chewing and scraping, spending days at a time perched beside a hole in the ice hoping to spear a fish, and become familiar with the careful ritual of applying ice to the runners of dog sleds, the accoutrements of contemporary living don't quite cut it. Tins of tuna, salted cashews that have had the salt washed off them, puffer jackets, quad bikes and helicopters pale by comparison. I know Antarctica is still a very hostile and dangerous environment, but it all sounds so manageable compared to one hundred years ago. I wonder what Antarctica will be like in another hundred years.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the book was the final few pages, when the author talked about his difficulty re-integrating back into suburban life, and his decision to head back south again, in spite of all the difficulties and frustrations.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the book was the final few pages, when the author talked about his difficulty re-integrating back into suburban life, and his decision to head back south again, in spite of all the difficulties and frustrations.
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