Snow Widows: Scott'S Fatal Antarctic Expedition Through the Eyes of the Women They Left Behind

The book "The Women of Captain Scott's Polar Party" tells the story of the race for the South Pole from the perspective of the women whose lives were forever changed by it. It explores the thoughts and feelings of the five heroes, including Kathleen Scott, Oriana Wilson, Emily Bowers, Caroline Oates, and Lois Evans, and reveals the five heroes as the real people they were.

Format: Hardback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

An intricate and richly textured masterpiece, akin to a tapestry woven with profound intricacies, [MacInness] has crafted a significant contribution to the field of polar studies. The Spectator lauds her work as a welcome addition, praising her masterful handling of the subject matter, which takes readers on an immersive journey to the very core of hope, love, anguish, and grief. The Times further acclaims her for her exceptional skill, describing her as a guiding light that leads us deep into the hearts of the remarkable men of Captain Scott's Polar Party. These men, hailed as heroes of their era, endured immense hardships in their pursuit of furthering the reputation of the Empire they served. Yet, they were also husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers, embodying the complexities and multifaceted nature of human existence.

For the first time, the captivating story of the race to the South Pole is presented from the unique perspective of the women whose lives were forever altered by this historic expedition. Five remarkable women, each offering a window into a bygone age and providing a profound insight into the thoughts and feelings of the five heroic men, come forward to share their stories.

Kathleen Scott, the spirited young wife of the expedition leader, embarked on a relentless campaign to uphold her husband's reputation. However, her burning ambition for glory may have pushed her husband to take unnecessary risks. Oriana Wilson, a true helpmate and partner to the expedition's doctor, possessed a remarkable scientific mind and a deep understanding of the challenges the men faced in Antarctica. Emily Bowers, a passionate advocate of the Empire, dedicated much of her life to serving as a missionary teacher in the colonies. Caroline Oates, the epitome of decorum and the ideal Edwardian woman, gracefully declined all invitations to celebrate her son Laurie's noble sacrifice. Lois Evans, faced with a harder life than the other women, constantly battled poverty and faced the media's classist assertions that her husband, Taff, the sole "Jack Tar in a band of officers," must have been responsible for the party's downfall.

Through extensive archival research, her story has been brought to light for the very first time, and it is shared here in all its poignant detail. In a remarkable feat of storytelling, [MacInness] has intricately woven together the lives of these five women, creating a tapestry that sheds light on a forgotten era and provides a captivating glimpse into the minds and hearts of the five heroic men. This captivating work is a testament to the power of historical research and storytelling, offering a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in human history.

Weight: 834g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 48 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008394653