Touching the Void

by Joe Simpson
Touching the Void cover
Good Books rating 4.58
Adventure
Technical:
  • ID: 1230
  • Added: 2025-10-01
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • ISBN: 9780099771012
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 1998-01-27
  • Formats: 54
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99 Hardback • £15.00
Bookshop
Format • £10.44

Touching The Void recounts the harrowing true story of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates' ascent of the 21,000ft Siula Grande peak in the Peruvian Andes. The book delves into the psychological traumas and life-or-death decisions they faced after achieving the summit, providing a gripping narrative of survival against all odds. /n/n Written with raw honesty and vivid detail, this memoir explores the limits of human endurance and the bonds of partnership in the face of extreme adversity. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unforgiving nature of the mountains.

Reviews
Reddit - Mountaineering · 2023-01-01
excellent 4.50

The book is an excellent read and one of the best in the mountaineering genre. It is harrowing but not terrifying to read.

The reviewer found the book to be an excellent read and one of the best in the mountaineering genre. They appreciated the harrowing tale and the detailed account of the mountaineering experience. While the story is intense, the reviewer did not find it terrifying to read. They highlighted the book's ability to keep the reader engaged and immersed in the narrative.

Quick quotes

    It is an excellent read. One of the best of the mountaineering genre.

    It is a harrowing tale, no doubt, but I wouldn't say terrifying to read.

    The book's ability to keep the reader engaged and immersed in the narrative is commendable.

Reviews by Writers · Linda · 2021-01-10
gripping 4.50

The book vividly captures the extremes of terror and anguish, as well as the exhilaration of the mountaineering experience. The writing is powerful and immersive.

The reviewer found the book to be an incredibly vivid and powerful account of a harrowing mountaineering experience. They appreciated how the author managed to convey the intense emotions and physical challenges faced during the climb. The reviewer was particularly impressed by the detailed descriptions of the terror and anguish, as well as the moments of exhilaration. They felt that the book was a gripping read that kept them engaged from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    It seems that he relived the experience in vivid detail through his writing, capturing the extremes of terror and anguish but also of giddy exhilaration.

    The book is a powerful and immersive account of a mountaineering experience.

    The writing is vivid and detailed, making the reader feel as if they are part of the journey.

Joe's Notes Blog · 2020-01-11
must-read 4.75

The book is a must-read, with the author's firsthand account adding depth and authenticity to the story. The reviewer highly recommends it.

The reviewer found the book to be a must-read, particularly because it is written by the person who experienced the events firsthand. They appreciated the authenticity and depth that this brought to the story. The reviewer was impressed by the raw and honest account of the mountaineering experience, which they found both harrowing and inspiring. They highly recommend the book to anyone interested in adventure and survival stories.

Quick quotes

    Being written by the man who experienced it gives the book that much more punch.

    It is a must-read in my mind and I recommend it heartily to anyone who enjoys adventure stories.

    The raw and honest account of the mountaineering experience is both harrowing and inspiring.

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