Paths of Glory

A Novel

By: Jeffrey Archer

Narrated by: Roger Allam

Some people have dreams that are so magnificent that if they were to achieve them, their place in history would be guaranteed. People like Christopher Columbus, Isaac Newton, Florence Nightingale, Thomas Edison, Nancy Astor, Charles Lindbergh, Amy Johnson, Edmund Hilary and Neil Armstrong - their unparalleled success has made their stories into legend.But what if one man had such a dream, and once he'd achieved it, there was no proof that he had fulfilled his ambition?

Jeffrey Archer's new novel, Paths of Glory, is the story of such a man - George Mallory. Born in 1886, he was a brilliant student who became part of the Bloomsbury Group at Cambridge in the early twentieth century and served in the Royal Garrison Artillery during World War I. After the war, he married, had three children, and would have spent the rest of his life as a schoolteacher, but for his love of mountain climbing.

Mallory once told a reporter that he wanted to climb Mt. Everest, "because it is there." On his third try in 1924, at age 37, he was last seen 400 feet from the top. His body was found in 1999, and it remains a mystery whether he and his climbing partner, Andrew Irvine, ever reached the summit.

In fact, not until you've heard the last words of Archer's extraordinary novel will you be able to decide if George Mallory should be added to that list of legends, while another name would have to be removed. Paths of Glory is truly a triumph.

©2009 Jeffrety Archer (P)2009 Macmillan Audio

Great historical novel.

Well written, well read and a tear jerker near the end. Highly recommended even for non- mountaineers such as myself. Total joy to know of the struggle to climb Everest. Courageous men. Highly recommend!

Thoughtful and Detailed Story of Bravery!

I found this story to be thoughtfully laid out as the story of exploration and conquest of Everest unfolded. It was eye-opening to know these attempts took place in the mid-1920's.
It is only because these types of brave men pushed themselves that advancements were made.

Archer Does it Again!

The first Archer book I read was The Prisoner of Birth, and I was instantly drawn into what for me is one of the best mysteries of all time. So of course when I heard Archer came out with another novel, I bought it on release day, and once again it doesn't disappoint.

Archer has this amazing way of telling a story, he slowly ramps your interest into the characters until you get to the point where your thinking about the book even when your not listening to it. I had never had much interest in climbing but after reading this book I have a whole new appreciation for their art form.

The book as a whole is brilliant, its part love story, part adventure, and a whole lot of twists and turns up until the last words. Although maybe not as earth shattering as The Prisoner of Birth, this book really deserves a look.

Great Book, Fact or Fiction?

I really enjoyed this listen. Although I have no interest in climbing, the passion that this man exudes is contagious. It's an adventure, a love story and a very easy listen. It was a bit long, and I wonder if the abridged version would have been just as good...Enjoy!

Beautiful story

As always, this is another Archer masterpiece! A wonderful story of love and passion.
I found it very hard to leave.

An Instant Classic

a captivating page Turner from the first to the last. a true Jeffrey Archer spellbinding tail, historically accurate and dramatically riveting at the same time.

Didn't Hook Me Like Other Archer Titles

First book I read of Mr Archer's was the Prisoner of Birth, which I loved.
Then it was Kane and Abel, another great title.

But Paths of Glory, just felt short to me. The narration was excellent.
Guess the content about mountain climbing just wasn't my cup of tea.

However, it did get me to look up info about some of the key part players from the book.

Roger Allam is great and the story interesting

Roger Allam could read the phone book, and I would still listen to it. But this particular story is a bit like Titanic; you know how it's going to end. Even if you're unfamiliar with Mallory's story, the first few minutes of this book inform you of the ending. While it's an interesting story, it doesn't hold any real surprises. But it's a fascinating story nonetheless. If you like listing to Roger Allam aka "Stephen Fry's favourite uncle" I'd also recommend A Prisoner of Birth.

Never seems to get off the ground.

I felt the biographical information was interesting and therefore the 3 stars but otherwise it was dry and at times boring. Narration was good. Would probably pass on this one if I know now that the book was a biography of Mallory's life. If you climb mountains you would probably would give this book an extra star. If you get this book, do not read anything about the topic until after the book. That way there is at least a little suspense.

Story of George Mallory

I loved this book. A few parts were a bit confusing because it would skip from my place to another, but it was so beautifully written, captivating, interesting, suspenseful and historical. I highly recommend it.
The narrator was excellent as well.