The latest book from BritMums Book Club was the rather wonderful Above All Things by Tanis Rideout. Yes, I actually managed to read this book from beginning to end and loved it. I love historical novels, especially when they’re based on true events which is perhaps why I enjoyed this so much.
Here’s what Good Reads has to say:
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.
I’m ashamed to say that although I had heard of George Mallory I didn’t know how successful his expedition had been until I read the book. I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll just say the ending surprised me!
The book has really stuck in my mind since I read it. The cast of characters is quite small so it was easy to get to know them and what motivated them. I also enjoyed the style of the book which alternates between George and his wife and their experiences and view points. At the beginning of the story I found Ruth quite annoying but as I read the book I empathised with her a lot more, being left at home to bring up three young children on her own.
This was a great read and all the more interesting for being based on real events.
I’ve just put two and two together…. I did wonder why I got a random book through my door last month and now I remember filling out the form!
The book really touched me too, and then I wikipedia’d Mallory!
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It is strange the way they are sent with no note inside! This was my favourite book from the BritMums book club so far, can’t wait for the next one 🙂
I found the book has really haunted me since reading it and i keep googling stuff about Everest. I really enjoyed it too. x
It’s wonderful to see how many people enjoyed this book, it really does capture the reader.
I knew about Mallory and Irvine but found myself wanting to know more.