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Author: SocialGoose
Rating: 5
Review: I gave this book five stars because firstly it is a good read, and secondly it was a completely new and very considered telling of a familiar story, all be it mostly in factual accounts, of climbing on Everest. The author Matt Dickinson clearly draws on his own expereinces of climbing Everest, and of spending time in Nepal to paint a vivid, engrossing and exciting tale about a young Nepalese Sherpa and his heroics. It explores many aspects of Sherpa life, values and society, as well as the influence of Western climbing expeditions. The books takes the reader along on quite an adventure, and as the protaganist has to grow up fast along the way, so too does the book have a lot of elements to challenge its intended target market, that of the young teenage boy/girl. Indeed for me the strength of this book is its depth, yes it is a good adventure story, but I believe it has a lot more to offer the reader. The book deals with greed, death, accidents, friendships and loyalties. It is set in the beautiful mountain regions of Nepal, a land of snow leopards, deadly avalanches and high altude sickness all under the enthralling beckoning on Everest herself. For the adult reader the first 50 or 60 pages of scene setting need to be got through in order to get to the more pacey and exciting mountain action, but for the teenager the early chapters are essential introductions and a good frame to the plot that ensues.
