Touching the Void

By Joe Simpson

Synopsis

Touching the Void is the heart-stopping account of Joe Simpson's terrifying adventure in the Peruvian Andes. He and his climbing partner, Simon, reached the summit of the remote Siula Grande in June 1995. A few days later, Simon staggered into Base Camp, exhausted and frostbitten, with news that that Joe was dead.

What happened to Joe, and how the pair dealt with the psychological traumas that resulted when Simon was forced into the appalling decision to cut the rope, makes not only an epic of survival but also a compelling testament of friendship.

Setting

Andes, Peru

Themes

Isolation

Resilience/determination

Power of nature

Genre

Non-fiction

Autobiography

Adventure

Educational Aspects

• Links to PSHE/English Curriculum

• Introduction to non-fiction writing

• Inspirational