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Ascent cover art

Ascent

By: Sir Chris Bonington
Narrated by: Gordon Griffin
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Summary

Hear Sir Chris Bonington's extraordinary story, read by Gordon Griffin.

His memoir, Ascent, charts not only his many triumphs in the climbing world - such as the Eiger and the Himalayas - but also the struggles he has faced in his life bringing up a family and maintaining a successful and loving marriage over the decades of travelling the world to conquer mountains.

He has undertaken 19 Himalayan expeditions, including four to Mount Everest, which he climbed in 1985 at the age of 50, and has made many first ascents in the Alps and greater ranges of the world. Along the way his many adventures have included meeting the mercurial Dougal Haston, the legendary-tough Don Whillans, the philosopher of the rock Stephen Venables and the enigmatic Doug Scott, plus many more.

Ascent is a memoir like no other - a timely and uplifting narrative for anyone who has ever dreamed of adventure.

©2017 Chris Bonington (P)2017 Simon & Schuster UK

What listeners say about Ascent

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Disappointing

I finished this book unconvinced that Bonnington had actually tried give an honest account of his character. The public persona of a nice chap, and his constant reference to the great love and friendship of those around him seem to be at odds with the way in which all of these were ditched immediately when the next opportunity for a jolly came along. And this is where this fails as an autobiography. I moved between admiration of someone not taking a conventional route in life, but then lost this as no recognition was apparent that he was only able to do this as he is from a privileged background. Bach to admiration of someone who managed to turn his hobby into a way of avoiding work in the real world, which of course those not born into such privilege dream of, but without a real understanding of how lucky he had been. A man who wanted the freedom to follow his own path, but also wanted the conventional things such as wife and family but no real care for the impact this freedom had on them. I therefore finished without clear understanding of the man, which is surely the point of an autobiography.

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15 people found this helpful

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Ascent

I've read about a number of Sir Chris Bonington's mountaineering expeditions but this book offers so much more than an account of such trips. Indeed, to write this book he must have experienced an intense adventure into his own soul. No stone is left unturned as Sir Chris writes about moments of great joy, fear, love and loss. It really is an incredible life which has been led but he does not hold back when considering the impact upon his family, accepting that ultimately the life of a serial adventurer must be a selfish one. Also for someone who is considered a kind of action hero it is perhaps reassuring to find that he has often lacked confidence and felt insecure, both as a young boy and later in life. The journey from extreme mountaineering to struggling to look after his Wife during her illness is sobering and make it very clear that his true loyalties were always closer to home. The narration was very good being soft and easy to listen to. I didn't find it difficult to picture the great man as I listened to it on my drive into work. I have always believed that Sir Chris' life has inspired millions around the world to seek joy in the natural environment and the company of friends. I am sure that this great book will continue to do this.

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7 people found this helpful

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Moving and uplifting

I have read just about everything the author has written, this throws a poignant sidelight on these earlier writings. An uplifting book with a fascinating twist at the end.

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3 people found this helpful

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A journey from the heart

I started this book a few weeks ago after 5 minutes I turned it off... thinking I'd made a mistake in my purchase as it just wasn't gripping me... I was bored 1 night so tried the book again and I'm so pleased I did... it is a full on emotional rollercoaster filled with full detailed accounts of the adventures of Chris's life... the highs the lows the happiness and of course the sadness.. 10/10

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Life lived to the extreme!!

Very much enjoyed reading - fascinating life full of extreme challenges, successes, failures & tragedies. Extraordinary person's life story honestly told.

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2 people found this helpful

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Really brilliant autobiography

Really interesting and well written and narrated, I wouldn’t even say you have to be a massive mountaineering buff to enjoy this.

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Fantastic account of a life lived

Chris Bonington is not only a brilliant climber , expedition leader and explorer but also a fantastic writer.
A true tale of life , love and loss .
Nobody could ever say Chris didn’t live to the full . A real kick up the backside for the negative.

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What a very selfish man

Chris Bonnington comes across as a very unlikeable man and I suspect a narcissist, he is very selfish and boring. The every day normal achievements of his children growing up are made to sound like they are geniuses but the carelessness of the parenting is astounding. Their first born toddler left alone in the garden with a river running through, drowns whilst his mother is indulging in her love of folk singing ! The next child at 10 taken climbing where he was lucky not to fall to his death ! Chris Bonnington pulls his wife away from the Lake District and her established group of friends which she needs as he is away all the time, moves for his convenience. His short temper. His lack of empathy. His wife supports him and he ‘loves’ her so much but when she becomes ill and finds talking difficult, he gets angry. He needs to get away to do his thing. 8 months after her death he is engaged to someone who he says is so beautiful!
He makes mountaineering sound dull, a thoroughly unpleasant man. All successful explorers have to be strong willed and selfish to a point, I expect Sir Ranulph Fiennes is no picnic to live with but his accounts are interesting and he is not repellent.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Tried desperately to enjoy it

I kept listening trying desperately and wanting to enjoy it but the book left me wanting more. It was lacking something, but I can’t quite put my finger on what - maybe more feeling, emotion - not sure.

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    2 out of 5 stars
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Insight of Mountaineer

Switched off at times, due to boredom. Felt more empathy for Wendy than respect Chris.

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