The Abominable

By Dan Simmons

Book Overview

ALA Reading List Award for History, Short List
A thrilling tale of high-altitude death and survival set on the snowy summits of Mount Everest, from the bestselling author of The Terror

It's 1924 and the race to summit the world's highest mountain has been brought to a terrified pause by the shocking disappearance of George Mallory and Sandy Irvine high on the shoulder of Mt. Everest. By the following year, three climbers -- a British poet and veteran of the Great War, a young French Chamonix guide, and an idealistic young American -- find a way to take their shot at the top. They arrange funding from the grieving Lady Bromley, whose son also disappeared on Mt. Everest in 1924. Young Bromley must be dead, but his mother refuses to believe it and pays the trio to bring him home.

Deep in Tibet and high on Everest, the three climbers -- joined by the missing boy's female cousin -- find themselves being pursued through the night by someone . . . or something. This nightmare becomes a matter of life and death at 28,000 feet - but what is pursuing them? And what is the truth behind the 1924 disappearances on Everest? As they fight their way to the top of the world, the friends uncover a secret far more abominable than any mythical creature could ever be. A pulse-pounding story of adventure and suspense, The Abominable is Dan Simmons at his spine-chilling best.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316198838
• ISBN13: 9780316198837
• Release Date: October 2013
• Publisher: Little Brown and Company
• Length: 672 Pages
• Weight: 2.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.8" x 6.1" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Book Review of The Abominable

"The Abominable" by Dan Simmons is a historical thriller that delves into a fictionalized account of the race to climb Mount Everest in 1925. The novel is rich with detailed mountaineering descriptions and historical research, which, while impressive, can sometimes feel overwhelming and detract from the narrative flow. The story follows a three-man climbing team—Richard David Deacon, Jean-Claude Clairoux, and Jacob William Perry—who, after hearing about the death of George Mallory, decide to climb Everest to uncover the truth behind his demise. The plot thickens with the introduction of elements like missing British lords, Tibetan monks, and Nazi involvement, adding layers of intrigue and suspense. Despite its slow start, the book eventually captivates readers with its vivid and immersive portrayal of the climbers' journey and the mysterious events surrounding their expedition. While the novel may not appeal to everyone due to its extensive focus on mountaineering details, it offers a thrilling and engaging adventure that pays homage to classic adventure literature.

Not sure what Dan Simmons was thinking with this one.

I have read several books by Dan Simmons and usually find them enjoyable. I have no idea what happened with this book. SPOILERS: I went into it thinking that it was going to be along the line of The Terror, however this book didn't seem to know what it wanted to be. The first third of the book, about 250 pages, really should have been condensed down to ten or fifteen pages. The first part of the book goes into painfully slow detail about 1920s mountain climbing techniques and equipment. The second third of the book moves along ok and has a kind of adventure book feel to it, which wasn't to bad by itself. The last third though is just awful, the book goes from being a mystery/adventure book to some kind of lame espionage spy chase on a mountain that makes no logical sense. Simmons is a good writer and has some excellent novels, but he missed the mark on this one.

I didn't like it

Ending is awful

Dan simmons favorite

One of the best books that Dan simmons write, I could not hardly put it down, love it

Very slow read!

I really enjoy Dan Simmons novels but this one just seemed to drag and repeat itself. I had a very hard time keeping any interest in the story. It took me over 2 months to finish because I could only endure a chapter at a time.