Armstrong’s vivid imagery and incredible story telling drew me into the story of the Endurance from the very first page. Being that I am ordinarily a huge fan of fiction, I was hesitant to pick up Shipwreck, but I was pleasantly surprised. Armstrong does an incredible job of weaving together pictures from the trek, diary entries from the crew, historical facts from the period seamlessly while telling the story in the style of a regular novel. Although she gives us the end of the story at the beginning (and those familiar with the Shackleton’s tale, already know!) she writes in such a way that the reader does not care to put it down. It is not “what happens” to the men or how the book ends—we already know that, it’s history! —but it is the journey, and as any experienced reader knows, this is the making of a good story.
Armstrong’s ability to create a documentary style story that is personal, intriguing, and emotional made it hard to believe she wasn’t there. I felt as though some of the emotions expressed in the story could only have been recorded by a member of the crew. Armstrong keeps her reader emotionally engaged in the experience by using similar language as the crew. The ship becomes a part of the crew, a character in the story: “Struggling out onto the ice, the crew witnessed the last of Endurance, a mile and a half away, as her bows went under. Then the ship dived quickly and the ice closed over her with a rush…The long-delayed death of their ship sent a wave of sadness and depression over the crew. While she lasted, Endurance had been a visible link to the world they once knew” (59).
In the past when I have read nonfiction texts, I have been disappointed by their lack of focus on the people, the players in the drama themselves. I was concerned that this text would primarily give me detailed information on the weather, the ship, the wildlife etc, but leave out the most interesting part: the adventurers! However, I was not disappointed. Armstrong’s incredible, no doubt intensely involved research provided her with stories galore to share about the men that made up Shackleton’s Endurance. I could imagine nearly every one of the men with their own unique quirks and tastes and I could envision their arguments, practical jokes, and their celebrations of “the Ritz.” I must not forget to recognize Frank Hurley’s photography for these incredible images! There is one photo in the book in which the men are dressed for a variety show and one man is in blackface. At first I was shocked that this was included in a book published today, but then my concern quickly diminished when I noticed Armstrong’s informative description of the concept with subsequent disapproval: “The crewman on the left in ‘blackface’ illustrates a form of racial slur common to the era which no one today would tolerate” (38). This carefully composed commentary alongside a riveting story of survival is what makes this book great.
I feel that an excellent nonfiction text for young adults is comprised of factual information, narrative, stimulating language and illustrations (either vivid descriptions or pictures themselves). Unfortunately, young adults often find history to be boring and it is up to educators and nonfiction authors to alter this perception. Nonfiction not only teaches the reader something, but asks questions too. What does this historical event teach us about the human experience? How will this concept affect our future? Etc. Jennifer Armstrong is one example of an author who has done this successfully. She has done her research; not only of Endurance and her men, but also of young adult writing. Her style includes engaging language that assumes a certain degree of knowledge, but also works to teach her reader new vocabulary in an interesting, non-condescending way. Her descriptions of the men, particularly Shackleton, beg the question: How do we nurture hope? What can this crew of determined, brave men teach us about the human condition?
Like Howard Zinn, Armstrong teaches history through the people who experienced it. Because of her dedication to creating such a reading experience, young adults, alongside their teachers and parents, will be drawn to this human story of struggle and perseverance.
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