Polar Exposure by Felicity Aston
When Felicity Aston, an intrepid British explorer, threw out a call for a crew of women with just a smidgen of experience (or less) and a bold spirit ready to reach the North Pole, she got herself quite the surprise – more than a thousand brave souls answered the call.
Throughout the book, Aston highlights the strength, resilience, and camaraderie that emerges among the 10-woman-team as they navigate the treacherous terrain and face the extreme weather conditions of the polar wilderness. Their collective determination and unwavering support for one another propel them forward, overcoming physical and mental obstacles.
Polar Exposure differs from other travel memoirs in that each of these adventurers shares her own narrative, serving up a piece of the puzzle. They talk about the sweat and shivers endured during the prep days in Iceland and Oman. There's the anxious anticipation for the grand voyage, and the bone-chilling conditions of the Arctic, which, mind you, is undergoing a makeover thanks to climate change.
There are snapshots too, over sixty of them, giving you glimpses of the journey, from the majestic landscapes to the moments that tug your heartstrings – joy, pain, and dogged determination.
“Beyond the descriptions of the journey itself, and the challenges overcome, I loved how Aston brings together all voices, all perspectives, all hopes and fears, so that in the end we are left with a beautiful harmony of exploration.”
~ Marc