SOUTH

One might expect this story told by a Victorian explorer about his own exploits in Antarctica to be a little tedious. To the contrary, it’s filled with fascinating developments and details and doesn’t shrink from the stark realities of the story, as evidenced by the description of shooting and eating the sled dogs to prevent their and the humans’ starvation. Sir Ernest Shackleton writes mostly in the first person. The audio publisher uses a “different acoustic” (a hollow and reverberant sound) for quotes and letters from others, which is an interesting, but disconcerting, technique. However, Barnett’s reading remains at all times sober, straightforward and undramatic, as befits the seriousness of the subject. J.D.N. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 95]