This
novelisation of Amundsen’s race to reach the South Pole before Captain Robert Scott
showcases the brutality, adventure and tactics of polar exploration. Amundsen
created the deception of travelling to the arctic just so he could fool Scott.
Not
sure if he has angered the Norwegian Parliament and the King of Norway by his
deception, Amundsen believes his only chance is to successfully reach the South
Pole. But it’s not just about who reaches the pole first, but who makes it back
to civilisation first with the news.
Assembling
his team which includes Fatty his cook, National ski champion Olav Bjaaland and
a number of fellow adventurers including Wisting, Hassel, Hansen, Stubberud and
Prestrud – Amundsen sets up the race.
After
sending a telegram to Captain Scott notifying him of his intentions – the race
is on. Sailing through the Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties, they make it
round the southern tip of Africa.
Captain
Scott accepts the challenge and sets forth to set up a base in McMurdo Sound,
complete with motorised sleds. Amundsen’s goal is closer, The Great Ice
Frontier (now known as the Ross Ice Shelf), while not much of an advantage,
with your ultimate goal over 1000 kilometres away, any advantage must be taken.
Courage,
determination and the chance of fame galvanise the men in their quest to reach
the South Pole.
The
scale of the adventure meant dogs were brought from Norway, including a hut
built in Amundsen’s garden for the base camp. Skis, dog sleds, sewing machines
all are considered essentials to survival as the gear cannot fail. Amundsen
caters for the worst scenarios and prepares his crew accordingly.
Reinforced
tents, reindeer sleeping bags, 250kg of equipment per sled, over 100 dogs and
still Amundsen knows they will face harsh conditions.
Throughout
their journey to the South Pole, Amundsen’s adventurers experience plummeting
temperatures of minus 39 degrees, frostbite, starvation, emaciated dogs,
crevasse fields and much more all in their quest. In total it takes them 99
days and travelling 3,000 kilometres to accomplish their quest.
While
we all know how the race ends, this story delves behind the facts and reveals
the hardships, passions and the reality of what it was like to dream and
accomplish polar exploration.
Title:
Amundsen’s Way: The Race To The South Pole
Author:
Joanna Grochowicz
Publisher:
Allen & Unwin, $16.99
Publication
Date: 6 May 2019
Format:
Paperback
ISBN:
9781760637668
For
ages: 10 - 14
Type:
Middle Grade Fiction
