51 pages • 1 hour read
Touching the Void: The True Story of One Man's Miraculous Survival
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Book Brief
218
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Peruvian Andes • 1980s
1988
Adult
14+ years
600L
Super Short Summary
Touching the Void by Joe Simpson recounts his and Simon Yates's near-fatal attempt to ascend the West Face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes, detailing the harrowing ordeal that followed Simpson’s broken leg and fall into a crevasse, his miraculous survival, and the complex dynamics of trust and moral decisions in extreme situations. This book includes graphic descriptions of injury and intense psychological distress.
Suspenseful
Challenging
Inspirational
Melancholic
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
66,869 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Joe Simpson's Touching the Void captivates readers with its gripping, true account of survival against all odds. Praised for its detailed narrative and intense emotional depth, the book immerses audiences in the perilous world of mountaineering. However, some critique the dense technical jargon and occasional pacing issues. Despite this, it stands out as a powerful and harrowing tale.
Who Should Read Touching the Void?
An adventurer at heart, captivated by survival tales and human resilience, will devour Joe Simpson's Touching the Void. Fans of Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air and Cheryl Strayed's Wild will find this gripping mountaineering story equally enthralling, appreciating its intense portrayal of nature's challenges and triumphs of the human spirit.
66,869 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Simon Yates
Simon Yates
Joe Simpson's climbing partner during the expedition, portrayed as dependable and sincere, who played a crucial role in their survival. He later pursued further mountaineering adventures and authored nonfiction books.
Richard Hawking
Richard Hawking
A non-climber who provided crucial assistance after the climbing expedition, helping with logistics and communication to facilitate Joe Simpson's medical treatment.
Gloria, Norma, and Spinoza
Gloria, Norma, and Spinoza
Three siblings who live in a remote hut in Peru, representing local life, and acted as a link to the outside world for the climbers. They provided supplies and transport, despite some conflicts over perceived exploitation.
218
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Peruvian Andes • 1980s
1988
Adult
14+ years
600L
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