What do you think?
Rate this book
The race
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 28, 2025
The Race is a powerful psychological novel that delves deeply into the minds of two remarkable explorers: Roald Amundsen and Robert Falcon Scott. The story carries a persistent tragic undertone, which feels entirely fitting given the extreme conditions of the South Pole expeditions and the ultimately harrowing outcome of Scott’s journey. While some passages were emotionally challenging to read - especially those describing the fate of the ponies and dogs - their rawness added a sense of authenticity that drew me in even more. Holt does not shy away from the brutal reality of polar exploration yet he presents it with a sensitivity that reveals the human struggles beneath the surface.
Although I found myself sympathizing more with Scott (perhaps because of his idealism and vulnerability), it was clear from the beginning that Amundsen was far better prepared. His team was experienced, disciplined, and equipped for the harsh conditions: they could all ski proficiently, and they didn’t hesitate to rely on seal meat for survival, unlike Scott’s men, who were less prepared and more reluctant to adapt.
Although I found myself sympathizing more with Scott (perhaps because of his idealism and vulnerability), it was clear from the beginning that Amundsen was far better prepared. His team was experienced, disciplined, and equipped for the harsh conditions: they could all ski proficiently, and they didn’t hesitate to rely on seal meat for survival, unlike Scott’s men, who were less prepared and more reluctant to adapt.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews