Rating: 
Summary: Not quite an "Arctic Tale", more a "Researchers Tale"
Review: [No Spoilers]While the research for this book was exhaustive - as the author reminds the reader at every opportunity - this is not an adventure or exploration tale. It mainly is a first-person diary-like presentation of the authors process of learning as much as he could about the practically lost tale of four Russian (Pomori) hunters who were stranded on an arctic island for six years. The story of the four men is unquestionably the reason most will want to read the book. Readers familiar with Jon Krakauers work may recognize the detective-story style of writing which is very much from the authors point of view. The personality and adventures of David Roberts come across at times as more important than the actual story of the Pomori men and their absolutely incredible feat. Unfortunately, the re-telling of their six year ordeal is discussed only sporadically between the authors own story and how he 'discovered', and researched their tale. At times I found reading the details of scholarly research exciting, especially since it was dealing with arctic exploration - one of my favorite subjects. (To be correct though, the four men were not explorers, they were hunters). But mostly it was too much filler and not enough of the real story. The most obvious annoyance was the authors continual nitpicking of Pierre Louis Le Roy, the scholar who actually interviewed the survivors in person in 1750, and his particular writing style. In the end, it was the kettle calling the pot black. Even the last chapter, where Roberts takes a dozen pages to express his opinion that too many arctic survival authors try to stamp life lessons onto their stories was a bit hollow. After all Roberts complaining, a little lesson and summation might have been a nice touch of humanity. On the positive side, I do feel I understand the facts and incredible feat of the four men now that I've read the book and am better for the experience. I do however look forward to when a real author takes up the challenge of this story and writes something readers can really sink their teeth into. [Sorry David Roberts. I'm an author too, and I know how much negative criticism can sting...]
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