Surviving Erebus: An Antarctic Adventure by John Barell

  "A recommended and engaging tale" Midwest Book Review

...this tale is a humbling reminder of the mystery and the mastery of the sea...

Surviving Erebus is based on an amazingly courageous and pioneering Antarctic voyage of exploration that began in 1839 and lasted for several years. Told through the eyes and experience of a young stowaway, whose chances for survival were low when he is discovered and who has to prove himself again and again to the ship's usually hostile and aggressive crew, this is a tale of confronting the most adverse conditions on the planet.

His adventures of exploration and discovery in Antarctica are described graphically and accurately and the reader can almost hear the cracking of the ice and the creaking of the ship’s timbers as winter closes in; feel the discomfort of the cramped and basic living quarters and share the fear of young David as he wonders how he got himself into this most challenging environment.

That he comes through, survives to become a valued crewmember and grows up, is due not only to his resilience, deep curiosity and basic good nature, but also to the support of an important mentor, the ship’s scientist who enrolls him as his assistant.

A wonderful tale that will enthrall and involve any young person.

About the Author: John Barell became an explorer at age thirteen when he first read Admiral Richard E. Byrd's book Little America. From this story of intrepid adventurers camped out on the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica in 1928, Barell developed so many questions about the heroes who risked their lives to conquer the south pole: Why did they sail south to explore? How did they survive? What kept them safe and secure? What did they discover and what is the future of this southern continent enshrouded in mystery, snow and ice? He wrote Admiral Byrd who not only answered with four letters, but the Admiral also invited him to visit and urged him to explore Antarctica.

Barell sailed to Antarctica on board Admiral Byrd's flagship, USS Glacier, and served as Operations Officer during Operation DeepFreeze '63 and '64.

Subsequently, Barell became an educator attempting to explore the many possibilities for educating young people in non-traditional settings in New York City and at Montclair State University (NJ). His published writings reflect an attempt to challenge students and their teachers to take risks by adventuring into complex problematic situations there to inquire, solve problems and think critically.

Now professor emeritus at Montclair State University, Barell worked for several years as a consultant to The American Museum of Natural History in New York City helping teachers and students develop their inquisitiveness about the wonders of earth and space.

Visit his website: Curious Minds.

Reviews of Surviving Erebus :

“A rippin’ good yarn. One which makes you turn the page, over and over again. But it’s more than this. It is historically faithful to the extraordinary, epic voyage of Sir James Clark Ross. It captures the characters of the leader and those whom he led in the treacherous waters and ice of Antarctica. It brings events, which happened over one hundred and fifty years ago, vividly to life. A compelling read. Congratulations on a considerable achievement.”
—James Ross, Great-great-grandson of Admiral Sir James Clark Ross, Commander of the Voyage of Discovery and Research in the Southern and Antarctic Regions during the years 1839–43

“For the mariner, this tale is a humbling reminder of the mystery and the mastery of the sea. For the adventurer, the story of hardy shipmates sailing a small bomb vessel in the wildest place on earth stretches the imagination. For all readers, the lessons for young Davey, from adolescence to experience and eagerness to patience, catch the spirit as dashing sea conquests lash us to the mast and hold us there.”
—Capt. Nonnie Thompson, USCG Merchant Marine Officer