In 1913 looking for fame and fortune, Vihjalmur Stefansson decided that being an explorer was the route he would take. At first he thought of an African expedition, but when an Arctic adventure became available he jumper at it. He hired a well known Arctic explorer, Captain Robert Bartlett, to head the expedition. They left Canada on the Karluk. The ship had seen better days, but Stefansson decided that she would do well enough.
The voyage took place late enough in the season that before they reached their destination, ice enclosed the ship making further progress impossible. Stefansson took most of the able bodied men and the dogs saying that he was going for help, but instead when he reached safety he said the others had probably gotten out also and sent no rescue parties. This left Bartlett and the remaining crew to fend for themselves on a boat mired in ice
This is a very well researched and beautifully written book telling a true story of courage and also one of self-serving connivance. The story is historically accurate and filled with detail. The use of diaries from the members of the expedition was particularly helpful in understanding who the members of the expedition were and how they reacted to the way the expedition ended.
Although the book is an historical adventure, the best part is the character development. Captain Bartlett and Stefansson were quite different leaders. The book is a much a case study of leadership as it is of Arctic exploration. I highly recommend this book.
I received this book from St. Martin’s Press for this review.
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