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The Beckoning Silence

Author: Joe Simpson
Publisher: Vintage
Category: Book

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Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars

25 reviews
Sales Rank: 8478

Media: Paperback
Edition: New Ed
Pages: 328
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.7 x 5 x 0.9

ISBN: 0099422433
EAN: 9780099422433
ASIN: 0099422433

Publication Date: January 2, 2003
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days

Customer Reviews:

Showing reviews 6-10 of 25

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Likes blowing his own trumpet... February 10, 2007
0 out of 5 found this review helpful

I really enjoyed the accounts of climbing, the recounts of famous climbing disasters, and his descriptions of the authors' friends. However, while reading this book I began to get annoyed with Mr Simpson constantly blowing his own trumpet (he is entitled to in some respects). I'm not sure his editor introduced him to the notion of modesty. Most of the chapters should have had the sub-heading of "Goodness me, I'm quite someone- just read on to find out how good I really am."

5 out of 5 stars

A personal, bittersweet love letter to mountaineering August 5, 2005
11 out of 13 found this review helpful

I have enoyed all Simpson's books, but this is my favourite. It deals more with the author's clearly painful decision to give up climbing. After the tragic (not climbing-related, as it happens) death of a close friend, and with the list of departed acquaintances just getting longer, Simpson has decided to pack in the climbing game.

Before bowing out, he decides to have a crack at the north face of the Eiger, possibly one of the most mythical and dangerous climbs in Europe if not the world.

This book explores Simpson's relationship with the mountains, and recounts some of what may be his final climbs (from Colorada to Switzerland). It's written in the same dark, sometimes abrasive, and often witty style anyone who's read his books will be familiar with. It's also possibly his most touching book, showing more maturity than the fantastic Touching the Void.

And of course there's the Eiger. It's a mountain that fascinates many people, mountaineers or no. It clearly represents something powerful to the author, who, having read Harrer's The White Spider in his youth, has a long-held fear/respect/awe for the mountain.

This book drew me in, made me shiver, and even hurt at times. If you only ready one book about the Eiger, read this. If you only read one book about mountaineering ... this book is a good place to start, because you'll want to read on, I guarantee you!

2 out of 5 stars

It's no Touching the Void. July 4, 2005
11 out of 17 found this review helpful

A lot of this book is about Simpson's doubts and reflections on why he climbs, what still motivates him to do it and why he wants to give it up. I found that, although articulated reasonably well, it comes across as simple padding and also downright contradictory - read to the last few chapters and you'll see why. Furthermore, he repeats himself! The same information is relayed as if in a mantra and it becomes a trifle wearing. This book needed editing and a proper story and I ended up skimming it a bit towards the end - but even still, you can finish this in a day sitting in the park (or side of a mountain!).

He references a few other books here - Into Thin Air, The Climb and The White Spider - that are totally compulsive reading about climbing and mountaineering. Read them, not this.

5 out of 5 stars gripping and amazing June 16, 2005
5 out of 6 found this review helpful

I've read nearly all of joe simpson's books and i have to say, this is one of his best. His use of comedy, grappling with his frustrations and uncertainties towards the hobby he has devoted his life to are beautifully written and gripping. Having grown up with climbing and being surrounded by climbers most of my life, even though, i myself, do not climb, the only problem i found with the book was his descriptions of equipment and gradings in the first part of the book. I feel that this is just because i have knowledge of the subject however and it would not deter any non-climber from the book. I would recomend it to anybody, especially those who have grown up within a climbing society. It puts what these people i have known all my life do, into perspective, and why they eventually fall out of love with the sport.

5 out of 5 stars Highly recommended March 3, 2005
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

I enjoyed this book almost as much as "Touching the Void", although for different reasons. "The Beckoning Silence" has a more psychological approach, is more reflective, and describes many other expeditions and events, including historic ones, unlike the earlier book which centred on a particular excursion of Joe Simpson`s.
This book describes his thoughts, feelings and reactions to many different events; there is a particular emphasis on his struggle with the possible beginning of the end of his passion for climbing. It includes a chapter on paragliding, and one on a climb up the Bridalveil Falls in Colorado. I had not realised that people climbed frozen waterfalls, and I was happy, though incredulous, to see the photographs accompanying the text.
Most of the second half of the book concerns an attempt by Simpson and his colleague to climb the north face of the Eiger, and the events surrounding this.
It is well written, clear, and has the detail, intricacy, and emotional expressiveness which are characteristic of this author. I liked the photographs very much, especially the black and white section. This includes a beautiful and fascinating portrait photo of George Mallory and his wife.
As much about introspection and emotions as about mountaineering, the book is excellent and I highly recommend it.