Dark Summit

As David Sharp lay dying on Mount Everest in the climbing season of 2006, he was passed by more than 40 people. Nick Heil looks into the events surrounding Sharp's death and the surprising rescue of another climber, Lincoln Hall. Narrator David Drummond stresses the ironies and dramatic moments in Heil's work, while remaining evenhanded as Heil considers whether Sharp could have been saved. Drummond's voice work humanizes the key figures--most notably Aussie Hall and New Zealander Russell Brice, a larger-than-life figure prominent among Everest expedition leaders. At times chilling, Heil's account of the tragic spring of 2006 is compelling as it delves into the issues of compassion and responsibility. J.A.S. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

March 31, 2008
In this mountain-climbing narrative, Heil examines the 2006 climbing season on Mount Everest that resulted in 11 deaths. Heil focuses on the fate of two climbers: Lincoln Hall and David Sharp, whose attempt at a solo ascent was his third try at conquering Everest. Heil, a former editor at Outside, analyzes Sharp's climb and subsequent death as he tries to deduce if the young Brit could have survived given the fact he was still alive when 40 climbers passed him on the way to the summit. Lincoln Hall, meanwhile, was left for dead below the mountain's Second Step, but thanks to perseverance and good fortune he made it home alive. Heil seamlessly intertwines these amazing storylines with well-thought out reflections on the ethics of high-altitude climbing and the problems that come with the commercialization of climbing the world's largest peak. Furthermore, Heil, an experienced climber, proves adroit at explaining such climbing perils as freezing death and acclimatization. Enthralling from start to finish, Heil has created a timely, thought-provoking story that will thrill adrenaline junkies and armchair adventurers.