Story Description:
McClelland &
Stewart Inc.|June 19, 2012|Hardcover|ISBN: 978-0-7710-7635-0
The Paris Wife
meets Into Thin Air in this breathtaking debut novel of obsession and divided
loyalties, which brilliantly weaves together the harrowing story of George Mallory’s
ill-fated 1924 attempt to be the first man to conquer Mount Everest, with that
of a single day in the life of his wife as she waits at home in England for
news of his return.
A captivating
blend of historical fact and imaginative fiction, Above All Things moves seamlessly back and forth between the epic
story of Mallory’s legendary final expedition and a heartbreaking account of a
day in the life of Ruth Mallory. Through
George’s perspective, and that of the newest member of the climbing team, Sandy
Irvine, we get an astonishing picture of the terrible risks taken by the men on
the treacherous terrain of the Himalaya.
But it is through Ruth’s eyes that a complex portrait of a marriage
emerges, one forged on the eve of the First World War, shadowed by its losses,
and haunted by the ever-present possibility that George might not come
home.
Drawing on years
of research, this powerful and beautifully written novel is a timeless story of
desire, redemption, and the lengths we are willing to go for honour, glory, and
love.
My Review:
I thoroughly
enjoyed this novel! The alternating
chapters between different days of George’s legendary climb and only one day in
Ruth’s life was a brilliant concept on Ms. Rideout’s part. The exhilaration, suspense, and gripping
writing is amazing. The vivid descriptions
of the bone-chilling cold, the cutting wind, and the glaring ice made you feel
as if you were there climbing with the group.
I felt a special
affinity for Ruth who waited at home in England to hear word from George, a man
she loved very deeply. Ruth did not want
George to go on this expedition but knew deep in her heart that it was
something George just had to do. The
call of Everest was just too much for him to resist.
Above All Things would make for an
interesting discussion among book club members or just between two
friends. There is so much to review in
this phenomenal story. I’ll be highly
recommending it for sure.
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