Gangrene and lost limbs were their price to fame, but they had done what none would do again. Maurice sighed, leaning back in the train sofa. He knew what was left behind, but future was still unwritten.
In the back of his head, he was recapitulating their adventure.
They had explored, reconnoitred and climbed. They had made mistakes but they were all returning. Maurice saw the pages of his unwritten book marking the road to his future.
“There are other Annapurnas in the lives of men – I have met mine”, He sighed and starting preparing to meet the king.
Copyright Madison Woods
This week I saw that Rochelle did not do Historical Fiction. So instead I did, picking up on Maurice Herzog‘s story about the first climb of Annapurna. I immediately saw one of the scenes by the end from his book in this gory picture.
Annapurna by Maurice Herzog
—
August 27, 2014
Björn Rudbergs writings 
Bjorn, A different genre for you, but it was really well written. Creative take on the prompt. Well done. 🙂 —Susan
The book about Annapurna had a big influence on me.
Very good take on the prompt – the first two sentences showed you are the writer – you did not start with ‘Maurice’ but with ‘Gangrene,’ and that made all the difference. Those mountain guys are different, completely. Chris Bonington used to write very good books about his mountain years, too. Yes, frostbite…there have been some incidents to many of them through the years.
I assume this book might have had some impact..
that is a nasty picture…ha…lost limbs is quite the cost…for fame or recognition…
amputations in the field – too
A different approach from you and it worked well.
Bjorn I loved this take. Of course you have only served to further the disgusting nature of the image-“Gangrene and lost limbs. Ugh!
Lost limbs, yes. But what was gained in the heart far outweighs the ache of the physical.
I would have had no idea what to do with the prompt. You did well. When epic meets personal history.
The picture was quite different – but this time I saw it directly.
Bravo! 😀
Climbing? I thought they were coming back from a war!
Actually – those early climbs was planned like missions of war.
I have to chime in that “it wasn’t your usual genre” but also that it was very well done. I think, though, that you need “were” in the first sentence, as you have two subjects. 🙂 (That’s how you know I’m back, right?)
janet
Of course – that pesky little error 😉 glad you’re back
Great story Bjorn well written and informative. I really enjoyed it.
well-written as always. enjoyed reading it.
You wrote this like a true athlete, which I suspect you are.
Dear Bjorn, I thought this was the creepiest picture I’ve seen in a long time and I really like your point of view on it. Well done. I’m just glad I finished mine real quick so I didn’t have to look at the picture of gangrene too long. You are a great writer! Nan 🙂
It sounds like quite a cost for their fame – especially if their gangrene looked like the photo! Still, at least he is looking to the future and his book.
I love the focus on the page of his unwritten book 🙂
Mountain-climbing is challenging.
I have been to the mountain top…..
some people go there literally.
Others just dream it…. and still are KING
Maurice sounds satisfied and like he’s accepted the price for what he accomplished. It was interesting to follow the book’s link.
Ellespeth
Sometimes success comes at great personal cost. An unexpected take from you, Bjorn, but still very effective! 🙂
”There are other Annapurnas in the lives of men” — that line still inspires adventurers to answer the challenge of the mountains. Of course the real story behind the quote is equally fascinating.
This is great, Bjorn. Have you seen the movie The North Face? It really shows how early mountain climbers prepared for their climbs.
Gangrene – i can see that all too clearly, Well written. I did wonder about “recapitulate” though?
Gangrene, yes, I could see how you went this direction. And then to connect it to mountaineering is a realistic and creative take. I definitely will not be attempting any mountains. Ever. Nicely written.
Gangrene is very descriptive! I see it. What men will pay for adventure.
Lily
Oh, you picked my favorite book of all time. i read it every year for fun. Too bad there are those out there who claim he lied through his teeth about the whole climb. I prefer to read Herzog’s book every year, not any others. I visited the Chamonix Valley where they trained for the climb when i was at University in Rouen. Well done. Lucy
I need to read it again, but it made a deep impression on me when I read it.
Dear Björn,
Ah historical fiction, my favorite and well done, I might add. I’ve learned something from this and am grateful.
Shalom,
Rochelle
“Recapitulating” threw me out of the story, but the rest was good.
the price paid to quench the inner drive within…a very moving historical story. thanks for the history lesson.
Gangrene and Lost Limbs sounds like a great name for a rock group. Very interesting and well-written story.
Thank you for this week’s history instalment. I found this line ‘They had made mistakes but they were all returning.’ so simple but powerful, the admission of mistakes along with the recognition and relief of no lives lost.
Great story, Bjorn. Yes, we all have mountains to climb. I bet that book is a great read.
A new direction for you, Björn. Very interesting and compelling. The imagery is hard to visualize, but this photo is so creepy! Nice job.
A very gripping opening, obviously. And I especially like the final line, too – “He sighed and starting preparing to meet the king” – which could be taken literally or figuratively.
In the book he had a meeting with the king of Nepal.. which it could be.
Most superbly done, Björn. As always, my friend! A true pleasure to read your written words! 🙂
Long time our roads crossed Penny.. 🙂 Thank you for your kind words