Alone

The Classic Polar Adventure

By: Admiral Richard E. Byrd

Narrated by: Tim Halbur

In January of 1934, Admiral Richard E. Byrd began an Antarctic expedition that would change his life forever. Already a celebrated explorer, Byrd's expeditions were media sensations on radio and film. On this trip, Byrd had an audacious undertaking in mind: manning a weather station alone, miles from the American base along the coast, through the harsh Antarctic winter. The solitude would bring enlightenment and personal reckoning for Byrd as he struggled to survive the bitter -70 degree temperatures. "This book is the account of a personal experience," Byrd begins. "so personal that for four years I couldn't bring myself to write it." Despite Byrd's reluctance, the book is a riveting account of survival and endurance.

This version of Alone is fully produced with a soundscape of music and atmospheric effects to place you right there with Admiral Byrd through this harrowing adventure. Many voices fill in the other characters that interact with Byrd as he launches his expedition, speaking with him over the shortwave radio. The experience is reflective, beautiful, and gripping. Alone is a survival tale like no other.

©1938 Richard E. Byrd (P)2024 Tim Halbur

Riveting Audiobook

I first discovered this memoir decades ago on a dusty library shelf while a polar vortex roared through the upper Midwest. Admiral Byrd's diary is the perfect fireside read and I have returned to the book every time the temps dip below zero. This year I tried the Audible version, and it takes the experience one step further. The narrator really connects with Byrd's personal voice and the sound effects lick through the track subtly. The distant yowls of the huskies, the howl of the wind, quaver softly in the background just enough to give you the shivers. Byrd's words remain foremost. It all amounts to a really engaging radio play. Grab the popcorn!

Good Narration, Bad Sound Effects

I found the added background audio to be such a distraction that I considered not finishing this worthy work.

background

I can't continue listening because of the sound effects. They are so distracting I cannot concentrate on the story.