The White Darkness -- Geraldine McCaughrean

Colleen, have you read this one? I think you might dig it.

Symone doesn't share the interests of other teenage girls:

In the general way of things, I don't know much about anything. Uncle Victor says I'm "the victim of a shoddy education system." But I do know about the Polar Regions. The bookshelves over my bed are full of books about the North and South Poles.  Icebound almost. A glacial cliff face teetering over my bed.

Her choice of confidante and soul mate is not one that could be considered typical, either:

I have been in love with Titus Oates for quite a while now—which is ridiculous, since he's been dead for ninety years. But look at it this way. In ninety years I'll be dead, too, and then the age difference won't matter.

So, when her Uncle Victor* whisks her off on Her Dream Trip—an all-expenses-paid-trip to Antarctica—Sym decides to ignore the possibility that something might be amiss. And there is plenty of evidence to suggest that something is amiss.

For instance... At first, Uncle Victor doesn't inform Sym about their destination. In fact, he lies. To her and to her mother. He offers them both a weekend in Paris, and then, when her mother's passport mysteriously disappears at the train station, goes on alone with Sym. 

In Paris, he destroys his cell phone. And Sym finds her mother's passport in his coat pocket.

But, because she doesn't want to give up this chance, she doesn't say anything.

This book freaked me the hell out. Geraldine McCaughrean managed to convey the vastness of Antarctica AND make my claustrophobia kick into high gear. Really, really original and offbeat psychological thriller/ survival story.

Not so much for the reluctant reader set—it's not your generic thriller. It's nuanced and layered and just... GOOD.

____________________________________

*He isn't technically her uncle. He is a friend of the family who, after the sudden death of Sym's father, unofficially adopted Sym and her mother.

Comments

[Colleen]

I'm actually reading it right now! How's that for synergy and coincidence and all that?

As it happens I am also reading a new biography of Robert Scott (Scott of the Antarctic by David Crane) so I'll have to figure out a way to mention White Darkness when I review that too. (I think Darkness will be in my June column but I'm not sure yet.)

You are right though - I absolutely could not resist a book where the protagonist idolizes Titus Oates! I'm so glad to hear that it's as great as I hoped it would be.

[Little Willow]

Bring it ON. Sounds nice.

[Geraldine McCaughrean]

Pleased you liked it
G

[Frank Johns]

I enjoyed the review, but who wrote it?

Thanks,

Frank

[Lily]

I loved it, I guess?? :/