Annapurna: A Woman’s Place

Annapurna: A Woman’s Place cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Technical
  • ID: 1959
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • Reviews: 2
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-15
inspirational 4.00

The book Annapurna: A Woman's Place by Arlene Blum is a compelling account of the first all-women's team to climb Annapurna, the tenth highest mountain in the world. The review highlights the team's determination and the challenges they faced, providing a unique perspective on gender roles and adventure.

Annapurna: A Woman's Place by Arlene Blum is a remarkable narrative that chronicles the first all-women's expedition to climb Annapurna. The book delves into the physical and emotional challenges the team encountered, as well as the societal expectations they defied. The reviewer appreciates the detailed accounts of the climb and the personal reflections of the team members, which add depth to the story. They also note the book's significance in highlighting the capabilities of women in traditionally male-dominated fields. While the review does not provide a specific rating, the overall tone is positive, emphasizing the book's inspirational and educational value.


Quick quotes

    The book provides a unique perspective on gender roles and adventure.

    The detailed accounts of the climb and the personal reflections of the team members add depth to the story.

    The book's significance lies in highlighting the capabilities of women in traditionally male-dominated fields.

muse.jhu.edu · Unknown · 1982-01-01
inspiring 4.50

Arlene Blum's 'Annapurna: A Woman’s Place' is more than just a climbing book; it's an adventure filled with introspection and a statement on women's potential. The narrative highlights the team's struggles and narrow escapes during their expedition, emphasizing the psychological barriers women face in such challenges.

Arlene Blum's 'Annapurna: A Woman’s Place' is a compelling account of a women's expedition up one of the highest peaks in the Himalayas in 1978. The book goes beyond a typical climbing narrative, incorporating elements of adventure, introspection, and a strong statement about women's potential. Blum vividly describes the harsh realities of the trek, from pulling leeches off in the rainforest to the suspense of narrowly escaping avalanches. The narrative retains its tension throughout, even though the outcome is known. Blum does not overemphasize the political achievement of the all-women team but focuses on their battle against the mountain and the psychological barriers that prevent women from taking on such challenges. The book also touches on the scrutiny and criticism the team faced, including accusations of taking unwarranted risks and involving Sherpas in the summit team. Blum's honesty about her own and her companions' fears and self-doubts adds depth to the story, making it a powerful read for anyone interested in adventure, women's empowerment, and the human spirit.


Quick quotes

    That’s the kind of book that changes people’s lives

    Blum does not overplay her team’s political achievement. Women are pitted against the mountain, not against their male counterparts.

    She paraphrases the first Annapurna climb leader, Maurice Herzog, saying, “There are other Annapurnas in the lives of women.