In the Kingdom of Ice by Hampton Sides

In The Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the USS Jeannette by Hampton Sides

True Adventure – Book

 

Novel Details

Author: Hampton Sides

Publisher: Double Day

Number of pages: 410

Year of publication: 2014

Novel Characteristics

Published after 2000

Brief Response

Hampton Sides tells of the years leading up to, the voyage itself, and the tragedy that befell the USS Jeannette on her failed attempt to the North Pole beginning in 1879. The slow, first quarter of the novel is used to “set the scene”, introduce the players, their personalities, and their reasoning for being drawn to such an expedition. The latter three-quarters walks readers through the harrowing journey itself, and shedding light on the disaster that was a breached hull, a sunken ship, and the men’s brutal struggle to survive. Sides not only does justice to these tragic adventurers, but he shows nothing but respect for them and their surviving loved ones.