The Endurance isn't your ordinary run of the mill man verse nature epic. Caroline Alexander dives deeper past all the polar survival gear and explores each crew member, scientist and explorer in a new way. Using diary excerpts, the reader begins to feel a connection with the men. When real danger strikes the expedition, the reader's worry for the crew is real. The men's daily lives, filled with domestic chores, are exposed by Alexander. The whole recounting of the expedition is set with the backdrop of jaw dropping photos from the expedition's photographer, Frank Hurley.

With the intention of making a legendary journey across the Antarctic continent the Endurance is hindered by an ice pack. Unable to travel farther towards land the expedition must halt and battle the elements of dangerous ice floes. Soon with the loss of their beloved ship, "All emotion was expended on the death of the ship" (Alexander 89) the men of the Endurance battle their way to Elephant Island. Marooned on Elephant Island, Shackleton and five men make one last heroic attempt to seek help to rescue the men.

As mentioned early in the book, "Setting out the year after the news of Scott's death, the Endurance expedition was ambivalently perceived as both a gripping national event and an anticlimax" (Alexander 9). The grim expectations of Britain's people for the success of the Endurance paint Shackleton as being the inspiring optimist. Shackleton is glorified as a leader who "became known as a leader who put his men first" (Alexander 13). Shackleton leads the expedition through trials and shows the endurance and resilience of human nature.

I greatly enjoyed The Endurance. When beginning this selection I was not thrilled being that I am not a wilderness kind of person. Each time I picked up the book I loved viewing the awe inspiring photos. This book did not drag at all. I felt like I grew attached to the crew through the read. Some hilarious moments made me laugh out loud. This is a great non-fiction book that I would recommend to anyone who really isn't too thrilled about reading a typical story about man verse nature.

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