Paths of Glory by Jeffrey Archer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I've read a number of books by Archer (loved First Among Equals, but this biography of George Mallory, the team-leader on the first two European attempts to ascend Everest (and possibly even the first to reach the summit) is first non-fiction I've read by him.

It was up to Archer's usual prose standard, which is fairly high. However, I did have extended periods of a little voice in the back of my head saying "he [Archer] couldn't know this." I like there to be a brighter line between "biography" and "historical fiction" than the one Archer draws. The other problem I have is that at times this biography/true life adventure comes across as more hagiography than biography.

But, that said, I felt my time was well-spent with this book. Even if Archer himself apparently leaves a lot to be desired.



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