Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve
Few days pass without our being reminded of the often catastrophic impact of weather, made more regular and severe as the climate changes.
Dennis Glover’s riveting account of the fatal Scott expedition to the Antarctic linked with a present day science based thriller, demonstrates that although tragic in outcome, the
1910 -1913 nightmare trek to the South Pole was when it all began. George Simpson’s meticulous data collection with instruments that were a far cry from the sophisticated ones scientists rely upon today were the first steps in establishing new sciences. Today, glaciology and meteorology are vital predictors of the state of our planet.
Glover has included primary sources, letters, lectures and firsthand accounts of that fateful journey when five men lost their lives. With great skill he weaves his knowledge into the facts so that the book becomes gripping but at the same time, awe-inspiring. For six months of the year, darkness smothers the landscape and late and early summer benefits only from a weak sun peering over the horizon for a few hours. The planning, when other men are reliant on your expertise, means considering capabilities and determination, which have to contend with hard pulling of loads, agonising cold, often producing frostbite, scurvy and sheer exhaustion.
Well prepared as they were, the facts they knew were nothing to the surprise that awaited them on The Barrier, en route to the Pole. Data gathered in more recent years in the 21st century shows that once in twenty years, extreme temperatures result and it was the little group of five men that had the great misfortune to experience that fatal variation in 1913. In that year, Simpson in his famous Halley lecture at Oxford, announced that the temperatures those men tried to endure were around 40 degrees below expectation.
The book brings the five courageous men to life in an understated way. He identifies them by quirks or characteristics – the Captain, Scott, inspired complete confidence and respect. Birdie, cheerful, energetic and liked for his optimistic spirits. Evans was tall and strong yet the first to be overcome by the cold, Wilson, the chief scientist and lastly, Oates who was not just the pony handler.
Alternating with these facts is the modern day story of Professor Jim Hunter, Missy Simpson, great granddaughter of George Simpson, meteorologist, and Trudy in archives and Georgia, also passionate about climate studies, in the Cambridge Institute – all are in incensed by the outrageous misinformation published by Wolfson, a notorious journalist and climate change denier who delights in spreading lies, especially concerning admired figures like Scott and Simpson.
The group leave the University to go to the Antarctic. Jim wants to witness surface melting, and Missy to unearth relics from the 1913 expedition. This gives a stark contrast to the difficulties that faced the explorers. They faced arduous years with the final stage lasting months in torturous conditions. Whereas today, planes and drones and snow vehicles make it possible in relative comfort – excluding the seasickness in the Great Southern Ocean.
For the heroes of Scott’s attempt there was a combination of critical factors, as Glover indicates – time, distance, food, fuel but predominantly, Wind and Temperature. All affected morale.
In recent years, coal has been unearthed and fossils of leaves been discovered in the great southern continent. Questions arise as to what millions of years have done to alter this little known vast frozen land, which contains 60% of the planet’s water held in ice. Scientists maintain would raise sea levels by eighty metres, were it to melt. They know that the continent is melting from beneath due to warming oceans.
The deaths of the explorers are both heartbreaking and harrowing. Nonetheless, Thaw is a thrilling read.
I could not read the factual accounts for any length of time as I found the challenges and difficulties faced, at times, were distressing as was the unimaginable cold (-73 at one stage).
The modern story of Missy and her quest bring relief and a touch of mystery with the appearance of Lady Mary.
Weather is a universal topic; people cannot ignore its importance so the appearance of a book of this calibre is certain to be welcomed and the bravery and awe-inspiring spirts of these men should forever be remembered.
Thank you Dennis Glover. Brilliant book.
Thaw
[2023]
by Dennis Glover
Black Inc Books
ISBN 978 176064 445 1
$32.99; 303pp