Book Review: Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey by Nick Bertozzi

Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey by Nick Bertozzi

This graphic novel recounts Ernest Shackleton's attempt to cross Antarctica on foot. He had tried a few times to make it to the South Pole but was never successful. Roald Amundsen succeeded in 1912, followed one month later by Robert Falcon Scott. Making it to the pole had already been done. To gain glory for himself and England, Shackleton conceived the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. After gathering financing, he set out in 1914 (just as World War I started). His ship, the Endurance, became trapped in the ice of Vahsel Bay, just short of landfall on Antarctica. After waiting it out for several months, it became clear they would never cut through the ice and make it to land. As the ship was slowly crushed by the ice they turned back. The journey back was hardly easier. Shackleton brought his entire crew back to civilization, an impressive feat in and of itself.

The simple black and white art tells the story quite well. The attention to detail is amazing and the story of perseverance through adversity is inspiring. The book includes a bibliography for further reading.

Recommended.