Regions of the Heart: The Triumph and Tragedy of Alison Hargreaves

by David Rose and Ed Douglas

Book Overview

Two experienced climbers and journalists celebrate the life and accomplishments of mountaineer Alison Hargreaves, describing her complex marriage, devotion to her children, extraordinary 1995 solo... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0792276965
• ISBN13: 9780792276968
• Release Date: June 2000
• Publisher: National Geographic Society
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A surprisingly interesting story

When I first read the description of this book, I was only slightly intrigued but since I was running out of Himalayan mountaineering reading material, I decided to give it a try. As a mother, my first impression of a woman with young children risking her life by climbing was negative. This was somewhat hypocritical for me since I believe that women should be given an equal chance, particularly in athletic pursuits, and, as the book points, many male mountaineers are fathers. After reading about her circumstances and what she went through in her marriage physically, mentally, and financially, I understood her drive and came to see that climbing had become a necessity for her financially. As a working mother, I completely sympathized with her pull to provide for her family and yet have the time to spend with her children. Only for a climber, the stakes are greater. This woman suffered so many tough breaks in her personal and climbing life, and was later vilified for being a reckless mother instead of being respected for her amazing performances. With so many accomplishments under her belt, I was surprised that I'd never heard of her before. While it wasn't the best book I've ever read, I did find it hard to put down.

A PAGE-TURNER

An excellent psychological profile!