Dancing on Ice: A 1930s Arctic Adventure

by Jeremy Scott

"Scott is a charming writer who douses the reader with lush descriptions of the jaunty era that produced these men, of the love some found with Eskimo women, of the brutal choices that befell them." €” Star Tribune (Minneapolis) "Gripping. . . . Scott paints a vivid and riveting picture of the experiences of these men . . . an exhilarating, fascinating story" €” Library Journal "A stunning addition to the best-selling arctic exploration genre . . . a breathtaking adventure story." €” Publishing News "One of the most gripping stories to emerge from the polar regions." €” Daily Telegraph In 1930, fourteen young men with barely a shred of experience between them traveled to the Arctic and stayed there for a year. In that time, led by Gino Watkins, they charted the east coast of Greenland, discovered a mountain range, ate polar bears, and taught the Inuit people to dance the Charl

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2009

Reviews

[Pippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely incredible book. A true story which takes you to the absolute limits of human endurance - and also provides vivid insight into the innocence and spirit of a group of men, who weren't much more than boys. Definitely not to be missed! Beautifully written too.

[Ruth Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of adventure to a cold and unforgiving climate. A colleague recommended and then lent me this book. It was right up my street. At times it felt like you were on the trip yourself. It was descriptive and informative. Though at times repetitive. Having been to Svalbard, whilst not quite the same as Greenland, I could relate to aspects of Arctic living. An enjoyable read that has me enthusing for more adventure.

[SabreWulf · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an inretesting story and Watkins is a fascinating character. The book however does not do him justice. Clunky language, repetitive and the shift between present and past tense was confusing at times.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

An exploitation I knew nothing about. And one that had such an impact on how we travel today. And possibly why the ice cap is melting. It is obviously will researched - I guess being the son of the explorers would help with that. But I didn't find it as engaging as other adventure tales. Some such tales have had me turning the pages even though I knew how they turned out. This one didn't. and I didn't know the outcome. I'd have enjoyed it more if it had been more story and character focused.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A loving tribute to the author's father and his father's friends and their boyish adventures in the arctic. Their escapades were funded by the Royal Geographic Society and, while their purpose was practical, they were a good example of where knowing the right people can get you. The title describes it pretty well.

[Francis Bacon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-written, thrilling in parts. As much a study of the lives of socialites in the roaring 20s as a tale of risk, adventure and exploration.

Only negative point is that because of the nature of the story the final few chapters seem to hang off the end; so the book never quite reaches its climax. Still, an interesting and exciting page-turner nonetheless.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can only say these people are nuts. I totally cannot understand what would drive these men to take the risks they did. Hooray for explorers though, we'd be a smaller world without them.