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Title: The Cruelest Miles
Subtitle: The Heroic Story of Dogs and Men in a Race Against an Epidemic
Author: Gay Salisbury, Laney Salisbury
Narrator: Margot Dionne
Format: Abridged
Length: 5 hrs and 45 mins
Language: English
Release date: 06-27-03
Publisher: Random House Audio
Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 32 votes
Genres: Travel & Adventure, Essays & Travelogues
Publisher's Summary:
The port was icebound and the nearest railhead was almost 700 miles away across mountains, rivers, and the treacherous ice of Norton Sound. A blizzard was brewing, and airplanes, in 1925, could not fly in such conditions. Only the dogs could do it. A relay was set up, and the drivers, many of them Native Alaskans, set off into the night at 60 below zero, often trusting their lead dogs to find the trail under feet of driven snow. The legendary heroism and endurance of the men and dogs in the Serum Run need no enhancement. Here, for the first time, their story is told in full.
Critic Reviews:
"This is an elegantly written book, inspiring tremendous respect for the hardy mushers and their canine partners." (Publishers Weekly)
"The Salisburys have written an amazing story of endurance and courage." (Booklist)
"Margot Dionne delivers this mind-numbing experience in a calm voice, allowing the words to convey the terror and agony that characterized the journey." (AudioFile)
Members Reviews:
Read This Book!
"The Cruelest Miles" is a remarkable book about the human spirit and the bond between animals and their human companions. Highly recommended for anyone who loves dogs or stories of adventure and overcoming adversity. Very entertaining and extremely engaging.
Just a Story...
I enjoyed this book, truly did, but up to a point. The story is good and has to be told. Certainly the epidemic was terrible and the actions of the people were very courageous, with lots of sacrifices made. And I even loved the way bonds were formed between man and dog. However, this was just an historical narration. There were no interactions between the people involved, just a "person telling a story." When I read or listen to a book, I like to get into the characters involved, to feel what they are feeling, to feel the excitement or anger, or explore other emotions. Sadly this book is lacking in that area. The narrator's voice was clear and concise, but lacking in emotion. If you enjoy this type of narration, then you will very likely enjoy this book. But for me personally, I found my mind wandering at times, and can only give it a 3.
just enough
I love stories about the human spirit, and people who rise to meet the most difficult challenges. The Cruelest Miles is such a story. You find yourself agonizing over the terrible disease raging through Nome, and cheering heartily for the brave men fighting to stop it. It has a good balance of Alaska lore and the day-by-day account of the race against the epidemic. The narrator was very pleasant, never getting overly dramatic. It is beyond me why people would choose to live there, but their self-sacrifice and spirit of co-operation are inspiring. There is also an unabridged version of this book, but 5+ hours of bone-chilling descriptions was enough.
AMAZING!!
Would you listen to The Cruelest Miles again? Why?
YES! It was one of the most entertaining audiobooks I've ever listened too. And now, probably one of my favorite true stories.
Any additional comments?
You will not be disappointed with this book! The story is gripping with larger than life heroes - dogs and humans alike! The fact that it's a true story makes it even more amazing.
