Touching the Void: A Journey of Survival and Resilience

Book Review: Touching the Void by Joe Simpson

Overview

Touching the Void is a gripping and harrowing true story of survival about Joe Simpson’s near-fatal climbing expedition in the Peruvian Andes. Climbing partners, Simon Yates and Simpson attempted to conquer the unclimbed west face of Siula Grande (6,344m). However, disaster strikes during the descent when Simpson falls and breaks his leg. This is an extraordinary tale of resilience, and the will power to survive against all odds.

Summary

Simpson and Yates make a daring and technically challenging ascent of Siula Grande in Peru. In 1985, they aimed to claim the unconquered West face of Siula Grande. There was controversy surrounding whether the British Climbers should have climbed the mountain. This was due to advice from locals and the unpredictable weather forecast which only added to the rush to climb. They encountered difficulties when Yates had a near fatal fall over a cornice but held on for dear life. But catastrophe did in fact happen when Simpson broke his leg during the descent. Simpson fell off an ice cliff and landed badly which significantly slowed their progress and forced a night on the mountain. Yates attempts to lower Simpson down the mountain using a rope system but is eventually forced to make a life-or-death decision. He chose to cut the rope to save himself, believing Simpson is already dead.

This has been documented in great detail about whether Yates did the ethical choice or not. The graphical details of his injuries and the escape is a hard read at points. Against all odds, Simpson survives the fall into a crevasse and, in an almost superhuman effort, crawls and drags himself to base camp over three days without supplies or water. He only has extricating pain to accompany him as he manages to survive and live to tell the tale.

Strengths

• Authenticity and Detail: Simpson’s vivid and brutally honest account engages the reader thoroughly. He manages to capture clearly the physical pain and mental anguish he endured.
• Moral Complexity: Yates’ decision to cut the rope sparks ethical debate, making the story not only about survival but also about the difficult choices climbers face in life-and-death situations.
• Inspiration and Perseverance: The book highlights the incredible resilience of the human spirit, showing how sheer determination and the will to live can overcome unimaginable challenges.

Considerations

• Intense and Graphic: The raw detail of Simpson’s suffering and the psychological trauma endured may be difficult for sensitive readers.
• Technical Climbing Jargon: The climbing terminology and descriptions may be complex for those unfamiliar with mountaineering.

Conclusion

Touching the Void is a vivid story of survival and an exploration of human strength, resilience, and the ethical dilemmas inherent in extreme adventure. The book balances a technical account of alpine mountaineering with the complex human dilemmas caused by the disaster and determination to survive. Simpson’s gripping narrative not only provides a thrilling adventure but also forces readers to reflect on the limits of endurance and the nature of trust. The mountains almost proved too much for these ambitious climbers and is a reminder of the power held by nature. A must-read for adventure enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by stories of survival against the odds. The 2003 film produced by Joe Simpson and Simon Yates documented their wild adventure in Peru as an alternative.

Rating

BM Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5.0/5)
Goodreads Rating: 4.23 / 5 (62,301 Ratings)

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What is your favourite mountaineering book? I’m always looking to build my book collection.