Arlene Blum
Auteur van Annapurna: A Woman's Place
Over de Auteur
Arlene Blum has taught at Stanford University, Wellesley College, and the University of California, Berkeley.
Fotografie: Photograph by John Kokoska
Werken van Arlene Blum
Triumph and Tragedy on Annapurna 1 exemplaar
Gerelateerde werken
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Tagged
Algemene kennis
- Geboortedatum
- 1945
- Geslacht
- female
- Nationaliteit
- USA
- Woonplaatsen
- Berkeley, California, USA
- Opleiding
- PhD|Biophysical Chemistry
- Beroepen
- professor
biochemist
mountaineer
Leden
Besprekingen
Lijsten
Prijzen
Misschien vindt je deze ook leuk
Statistieken
- Werken
- 3
- Ook door
- 1
- Leden
- 362
- Populariteit
- #66,319
- Waardering
- 3.8
- Besprekingen
- 8
- ISBNs
- 15
However, I felt it difficult to learn much about the women individually and so, even though they had different names, the names weren't very useful for 90% of the book. Only near the end of the book as each gave up or had some sort of medical issue did they become recognizable and memorable individuals. However, even the remaining women that summitted seem indistinguishable. For example, it wasn't clear which were in great shape and which were in denial of their terrible condition.
In that sense, the book seemed like it was written more for friends (who already knew some of the women) than for complete strangers.
I would have liked a lot more detail. For example, there were several incidents of frostbite however the coverage of these were too brief. Similarly, there was very little explanation about use of oxygen tanks. And almost no coverage of high-altitude sickness. Even the summit episode was too brief.
The book became rather confusing after reaching base camp, particularly where each person was on the mountain. Would have been nice to have diagrams on each page showing which women (and sherpas) were at each camp at that moment. (The book had huge margins - plenty of empty space that just went to waste could have been used for illustrative purposes.)
On the other hand, there were things I really enjoyed. The coverage of the planning and management of the climb was very good. The incident with the geese was a nice touch.
One comment that really has nothing to do with the writing. The description of the frequent avalanches on Annapurna convinced me that the women were completely nuts. It was like they were rolling the dice with their lives. (Did they not research this before selecting this route up Annapurna?) Several other topics also had me questioning their rationality such as the idea of rescue by helicopter. I've read enough other books to know the problems with that.
In summary, I wasn't too thrilled by this book and wouldn't recommend it. There are thousands of books written by climbers. (600 books alone just about trips up Everest!) This is far from the best although if the all-womens nature of it is compelling, then this is the book for you.… (meer)