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
218
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Peruvian Andes • 1980s
1988
Adult
14+ years
600L
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