Touching the Void

by Joe Simpson
Touching the Void cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Adventure
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Format • £10.44
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Technical
  • ID: 1230
  • Added: 2025-10-01
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9783526528425
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2007-01-01
  • Formats: 69
  • Reviews: 4

Touching the Void is a gripping account of a disastrous mountaineering expedition in the Peruvian Andes. The book chronicles the harrowing experiences of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates as they attempt to climb the west face of Siula Grande. What begins as a thrilling adventure quickly turns into a fight for survival when Simpson falls and is left hanging off a cliff, severely injured. The book is not just a story of survival but also a deep exploration of human resilience and the limits of endurance. /n/n Written with raw honesty and vivid detail, Touching the Void is a testament to the power of the human spirit. It delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil faced by the climbers, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in adventure and the human condition.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-10-30
harrowing 4.00

The book is a jaw-dropping account of survival, but it was difficult to read at times. The narrative is gripping but emotionally intense.

This book is a powerful and intense read. The reviewer found the account of Joe Simpson's survival to be both awe-inspiring and harrowing. The emotional weight of the story is heavy, making it a challenging read at times. However, the narrative is so compelling that it keeps the reader engaged throughout. The reviewer appreciates the raw and honest portrayal of the events, which makes the story even more impactful.

Quick quotes

    This book is undoubtedly a jaw-dropping account of Joe Simpson's survival in a situation most others would not have survived.

    However, it was difficult to read at times.

    The narrative is gripping but emotionally intense.

Hackwriters · Dan · 2025-10-20
inspiring 4.00

The writing style is taut and spare, though the reviewer notes some technical jargon. Overall, the book is highly regarded.

The reviewer appreciates the author's taut and spare writing style, which effectively conveys the intensity of the experience. They note that while there is some technical jargon related to mountaineering, it does not detract from the overall impact of the story. The book is praised for its ability to capture the essence of survival and the human spirit. The reviewer finds the narrative to be both harrowing and inspiring, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    Joe has a taut, spare style of writing.

    Perhaps the only negative one can point to is that he goes a little too much into techno-speak on mountaineering.

    The book is a testament to the human spirit and the will to survive.

The StoryGraph · outsmartyourshelf · 2025-10-11
intense 4.00

The book is very detailed and honest, but it may not be suitable for those with anxiety due to its intense descriptions.

The reviewer appreciated the detailed and honest account of the climbing experience, praising the book for its vivid and authentic narrative. However, they cautioned that it might not be suitable for readers with anxiety, as the intense and suspenseful descriptions could be overwhelming. The reviewer acknowledged the bravery of the climbers but noted that the book's content could be quite harrowing. Overall, they found the book to be a compelling read, albeit one that requires a strong stomach.

Quick quotes

    It's very detailed & honest, but it's not a book to read if you have anxiety!

    At the point where Joe was still trying to reach the camp & the others were giving up, I was on the edge of my seat.

    The book is a testament to the bravery of the climbers, but it's not for the faint-hearted.

The StoryGraph · neilaeilloh · 2025-10-11
mixed 3.50

The story of survival is remarkable, but the ending left a bit of a sour note due to the author's comments on therapy and counseling.

The reviewer found the survival story to be truly remarkable and gripping. However, they were left feeling disappointed by the author's comments towards the end regarding therapy and counseling, which they felt detracted from the overall impact of the book. They appreciated the honesty and detail in the narrative but wished the author had handled this aspect differently. The book is a powerful account of survival, but the reviewer's final impression was somewhat soured by these comments.

Quick quotes

    The story of survival was remarkable, but I was left feeling a bit disappointed at the end regarding Joe's comments about therapy and counselling.

    It may not be the end of the story that I was hoping for, but it is an honest one.

    The book is a powerful account of survival, but the final comments left me feeling a bit let down.

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