Ghosts of Everest: The Search for Mallory & Irvine by Hemmleb & others - 4 stars

[Joy D]

Ghosts of Everest: The Search for Mallory & Irvine by Jochen Hemmleb & others - 4 stars

Non-fiction account of the 1999 Mallory & Irvine Research Expedition to seek answers to the mystery of what happened to them during their 1924 ascent of Everest. Did they make it to the top? What is the evidence that says they did or did not? And what happened to them on that last day when they disappeared? This book attempts to answer these questions as much as is possible from the evidence in existence. Three of the 1999 participants told their story to William Nothdurft, who has done an excellent job of capturing the dual journeys of both the 1924 and 1999 expeditions. The authors employed the approach favored by Sherlock Holmes to get to the crux of the mystery. The first half got a little bogged down in the logistics, but I found the last half of the book extremely engrossing. I found a hardcover edition of this book in the library, and the maps and photos add context to the narrative. Recommended to readers interested in mountain-climbing, its history, unsolved mysteries, or adventures in the extreme cold.

Memorable quote:

“If one should ask me what ‘use’ there was in climbing, or attempting to climb the world’s highest peak, I would be compelled to answer ‘none.’ There is no scientific end to be served; simply the gratification of the impulse of achievement, the indomitable desire to see what lies beyond that ever beats within the heart of man. With both poles conquered, the mighty peak of the Himalayas remains as the greatest conquest available to explore.”
--George Mallory

Link to my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Anita]

This sounds a little like the book I just finished (and you said you read). Another one for the pile. I really love these books about climbing despite having no desire to try it myself.

[Joy D]

Yes, it is similar to Dead Mountain: The Untold True Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident in that it takes on an unsolved mystery. I think you might like it, Anita. I enjoy books on climbing, possibly because I'll never do it myself but want to understand the attraction.

[LibraryCin]

I'm reading an Everest book about Mallory now. Maybe this is one I should follow up with at some point!

[Joy D]

Sounds like a good plan!

[LibraryCin]

I finished my book last night (review will be posted today), and I see that this one was mentioned in the references, as well (along with plenty of others that try to figure out what happened!). I've added it to my tbr.

[Joy D]

Looking forward to reading your review