Book Review From Rick’s Library: Polar Exposure

⏱️ 11 min read                                         

So, there you are, fighting the harsh frigid Arctic winds slamming into your face, while building bridges between cultures from around the world. In April 2018, a fearless group of ten women from Europe and the Middle East embarked on an extraordinary journey to the North Pole. This is a story of adventure, resilience, and the power of cross-cultural bonds in the most extreme conditions on Mother Earth. Welcome to my book review of this groundbreaking expedition found in the book titled, ‘Polar Exposure’ by Felicity Aston 

Welcome to That's Life, I Swear. This podcast is about life's happenings in this world. Happenings that conjure up such words as intriguing, frightening, life-changing, inspiring, and more. I'm Rick Barron, your host. 

That said, here’s the rest of this story

Abstract of the book  

It’s not that often I come across a book where I say ‘I just couldn’t put this book down.’ Well, the book by Felicity Aston, titled, ‘Polar Exposure’ fits that compliment. 

In a groundbreaking expedition that blended cultural exchange with extreme adventure, a diverse group of women from Europe and the Middle East embarked on a transformative journey to the North Pole in April 2018. This remarkable team, comprising ten individuals from various backgrounds, ages, and professions, faced not only the harsh Arctic environment but also the challenge of fostering cross-cultural understanding.

The expedition, which involved skiing the final degree to the North Pole, was more than a test of physical endurance. With temperatures dropping to -38°C [or -36°F] and dealing with the dangerous ongoing of shifting ice, the journey became a powerful platform for dialogue between Western and Arabian cultures. It served as an inspiration for women worldwide, encouraging them to surpass societal expectations and pursue their most ambitious dreams.

Notably, this expedition may stand as one of the last successful attempts to reach the North Pole on skis no doubt, as subsequent years have seen no successful repetitions due to changing environmental conditions.

The team's composition was a testament to diversity and the all-inclusiveness of the team. Selected from nearly 1,000 applicants through an open online process, the final group represented a wide spectrum of experiences, cultures, and perspectives. Members included a British Muslim finance manager, a Saudi entrepreneur, a Swedish Arctic expert; and representatives from Kuwait, Slovenia, Oman, France, Qatar, Russia, and Cyprus.

Their preparation for the expedition was very rigorous, involving two years of training and preliminary expeditions in Iceland and Oman. The main journey began on April 14th, 2018, culminating in their triumphant arrival at the Geographic North Pole on April 21st. This achievement marked several firsts, including the first women from certain countries to reach the North Pole on skis.

Beyond its adventurous aspect, the expedition contributed to scientific research. The team participated in two studies:

·       examining the effects of extreme environments on human physiology and psychology,

·       collaborating with distinguished institutions to advance knowledge for future space exploration.

The expedition's impact extends beyond its completion, with ongoing social media presence allowing followers to engage with members of team as they shared their stories of their daily journey to the Artic. A unique account of the journey, collaboratively written by all team members, offers a multifaceted narrative of their shared experience. This approach provides an authentic glimpse into the challenges of teamwork in extreme conditions, balancing personal struggles with the awe-inspiring Arctic landscape.

Trust me when I tell you, the members of this expedition had their moments, but in the end achieved the goal, and in the process learned a lot about themselves, along with making new friends from various cultures.

Their collective narrative chronicles the physical hardships but also delves into the mental and emotional journeys of each participant. It reveals the inner conflicts, moments of self-doubt, and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit, all set against the backdrop of one of Earth's most unforgiving environments.

About the author: 

British explorer, Felicity Aston. Courtesy of Northern Exposure book

Felicity Aston is a renowned British explorer and scientist who has pushed the boundaries of human endurance and polar exploration. Her most notable achievement came in January 2012 when she became the first woman to ski solo across Antarctica, covering an astounding 1,084 miles in 59 days, roughly 18 miles per day. This incredible feat earned her a place in the Guinness Book of World Records and solidified her status as a pioneering polar adventurer.

Susan taking the lead as the team skis through a small line of ice rubble on the Artic Ocean. Courtesy of Northern Exposure book

Born in 1977, Aston's passion for exploration began early. She studied Physics and Meteorology at University College London, which led to her first Antarctic experience. From 2000 to 2003, she worked as a meteorologist for the British Antarctic Survey, spending extended periods at the Rothera Research Station on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Aston's list of accomplishments extends far beyond her solo Antarctic crossing. In 2009, she led the Kaspersky Lab Commonwealth Antarctic Expedition, guiding a team of seven women from Commonwealth nations to the South Pole. This 38-day, 566-mile journey marked the largest and most international women's team to ever reach the South Pole on foot.

Her other expeditions include:

1. Leading the first British women's crossing of Greenland
2. Completing a 450-mile winter crossing of Lake Baikal in Siberia
3. Participating in the first all-female team to finish the Polar Challenge, a 350-mile race to the magnetic North Pole
4. Conquering the grueling Marathon des Sables, a 150-mile ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert

Aston is also an accomplished author, having written several books about her experiences. "Alone in Antarctica" details her solo crossing, while "Call of the White" recounts the Commonwealth expedition. Her works not only document her adventures but also inspire others to push their limits and pursue their dreams.

In recognition of her contributions to polar exploration and science communication, Aston was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2015. She continues to be an influential voice in the world of exploration, giving talks and presentations worldwide, and advocating for environmental awareness and women's empowerment in adventure sports.

Felicity Aston's remarkable journey from meteorologist to record-breaking explorer exemplifies the power of determination, scientific knowledge, and human spirit in conquering some of the world's most extreme environments.

What drew my interest in reading this book? 

"Polar Exposure" by Felicity Aston offers several compelling aspects that were of interest to me.

Having been a follower of Felicity, I’m well aware of her accomplishments in exploration as a British explorer, author and climate scientist.

She’s revealed from her past expeditions how she loves challenges, and this one wasn’t different. Felicity was set out to dismantle stereotypes and challenge cultural barriers by gathering a novice team of ten women from across Europe and the Middle East, to ski together over the frozen Arctic Ocean to the North Pole. 

As boldly pioneering as the expedition, this account of the journey is told by each team member in their own words, to vividly reveal the determination, bravery and humor necessary to reach the top of the world. 

The team clockwise from top: Asma, Mariam, Misba, Susan, Olga, Natasa, Felicity, and Lamees. Courtesy of Northern Exposure book

Reading the passages in the book from the various members, was so honest and sincere as to how each member dealt with adversity. They share the various dealings with unexpected challenges and adapting quickly to resolve the issue at hand. They learn quickly how they overcome obstacles for themselves but also not to let the other team members down. 

Readers can experience the thrill and challenges of polar exploration through the eyes of someone who has actually lived it.

The book explores the mental challenges of extreme expeditions, offering insights into human resilience and psychological endurance, from the members and Felicity.

What I like about the book was having various cultures become more aware of the environment close up. The story touches on climate change and its impact on polar regions, increasing readers' environmental consciousness.

In the end Aston's accomplishments and reflections could serve as motivation for readers to pursue their own challenging goals.

This book would likely appeal to adventure enthusiasts, aspiring explorers, science buffs, and anyone interested in stories of human perseverance and achievement in extreme conditions.

What can we learn from this book? What's the take away?

For Felicity Aston to review over 1000 applications and pluck out a team that could hopefully meet the hardships of such an adventure, but to have personalities that would get along. It’s rolling the dice in hopes her judgement gave the guidance to find the right fit for those selected.  

The book provided keen insights into team dynamics. The story details how an all-female team worked together in one of the harshest environments on Earth, providing lessons in leadership, teamwork, and overcoming adversity.

Well, there you go. That’s life, I swear.

For further information covered in this episode, I invite you to visit my website, which you can find on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, for show notes and the episode transcript.

As always, I thank you for the privilege of you listening and your interest. 

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