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December 2005:

Touching the Void by Joe Simpson.

Touching the Void
by Joe Simpson.

First Published: 1988.

Wikipedia entries:


Touching the Void
by Joe Simpson

Everyone agreed that this was a truly amazing story though opinions varied regarding the book as a work of literature.

Some admired the book’s emotional honesty and Joe’s ability to convey his feelings. The story was gripping and exciting - real Boys’ Own ripping yarns stuff - even though the outcome was evident (ie Joe had written the book). Some thought the book was well-written for its genre and whilst scoring it highly this was for the story rather than the writing.

There was fairly general agreement that Joe and Simon were not particularly likeable or admirable people but that criticism of Simon after his act of bravery which certainly saved Joe’s life was unjust.

NS. February 2006


Awards:

AA Book Club
Four stars

  • 1989 Boardman Tasker Prize for Mountain Literature
  • 1989 NCR Book Award

Adaptations:

  • 2003: Documentary Film.