The White Darkness

by David Grann
The White Darkness cover
Good Books rating 4.0
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  • ID: 11175
  • Added: 2026-02-21
  • Updated: 2026-02-21
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
ExplorersWeb · 2018-12-06
compelling 4.00

The book is a compelling expansion of a New Yorker article, enriched with previously unseen photographs. It captures the essence of polar exploration and the personal journey of Henry Worsley.

This review highlights how David Grann effectively transforms his popular New Yorker article into a full-length book, adding depth with unpublished photographs. The reviewer appreciates the vivid portrayal of Worsley's Antarctic expedition, noting the book's ability to convey both the physical and emotional challenges of such a journey. They find the narrative engaging and well-researched, making it a must-read for those interested in exploration and adventure. The inclusion of personal anecdotes and historical context adds layers to the story, making it more than just an account of a trek but a reflection on human ambition and resilience.

Quick quotes

    American nonfiction writer David Grann has repackaged his popular New Yorker article on Worsley into book form, along with previously unseen photographs.

    The book captures the drama and sheer audacity of his subject's forays into forbidding places.

    It's a compelling tale of adventure and ambition.

Los Angeles Review of Books · 2018-11-17
good 3.50

While the book is engaging, it is considered less substantial compared to Grann's previous work, The Lost City of Z. It offers a gripping narrative but lacks the depth of his other works.

The reviewer compares The White Darkness to Grann's acclaimed The Lost City of Z, noting that it feels somewhat lighter in comparison. They acknowledge the book's ability to tell a thrilling story of polar exploration but feel it doesn't reach the same level of depth and complexity as Grann's other works. The narrative is praised for its excitement and evocative prose, but the reviewer suggests that readers might find it less satisfying if they are expecting a more comprehensive exploration of the subject matter. Overall, it's seen as a good read but not Grann's best.

Quick quotes

    Comparing The White Darkness to Grann's excellent The Lost City of Z makes the new book seem even slighter.

    Though it also began life as a New Yorker article, it doesn't reach the same heights.

    It's a good read but not Grann's best.

The Christian Science Monitor · 2018-10-01
riveting 4.50

The book is praised for its straightforward yet evocative prose, capturing the drama and audacity of Worsley's Antarctic expedition. It is a riveting tale of adventure and heroism.

This review highlights the book's evocative prose, which effectively captures the drama and sheer audacity of Henry Worsley's Antarctic expedition. The reviewer finds the narrative riveting, praising Grann's ability to convey the physical and emotional challenges of such a journey. They appreciate the book's focus on the heroic aspects of exploration, making it a compelling read for those interested in adventure and history. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to evoke a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world, adding to its overall appeal.

Quick quotes

    In straightforward but evocative prose, Grann captures the drama and sheer audacity of his subject's forays into forbidding places.

    It is a riveting, exciting and thoroughly compelling tale of adventure.

    A wonderful story of a lost age of heroic exploration.

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