Saved: The Extraordinary Tale of Survival and Rescue in the Southern Ocean

I enjoyed this book immensely. It started out as a decent read, but the further I got into it, the more interesting and compelling it became. Then about midway through the book I had a hard time putting it down. I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next, but I also knew I was going to hate to finish it too quickly! I bought it for bedtime reading, but during the last half of the book it ended up keeping me awake and cutting into my sleep for a few nights as I had such a hard time putting it down! The story itself is astounding and very well told. Mr. Bullimore suffered unbelievable misfortune when the keel snapped off of his racing yacht in a violent Antarctic storm. His description of it leaves the reader ever so grateful that they would never have to endure something similar. (I hate to be cold so I would have just given up and tried to die quickly just to get it over with!) The story is told through a series of rotations through three different viewpoints: Mr. Bullimore's, his wife and friends back home, and the participants involved in his rescue. I think that this method worked well because it adds a lot of suspense to the story. The reader could see what was happening with the rescue effort in detail, but know that at the same time Mr. Bullimore had no idea that anyone was coming to save him and all! In the final hours, it is incredible to me that he maintained the will to live. The rescue effort itself was so massive that it chokes you up to know what great people the Australians are. At the point of the actual rescue I cried for three solid pages! It was incredibly moving. I would also like to add that I've read otherwise good stories that were made somewhat boring by lack of writing skill. Mr. Bullimore's skills at writing are quite good. never once did, I think he needed improvement in that department. What's more, I found him to be a very likable regular guy. I found myself wanting to know more about him and being interested in his life. Most excellent work, Tony! I hope you're alive and well....and still writing!