Joe Simpson

The author. Joe is on a climbing expedition with his climbing partner Simon Yates. They are in the Peruvian Andes trying to reach the summit of Siula Grande via the West Face, which has never been climbed before. Joe is optimistic and they reach the summit with only a few minor difficulties. It is on the way down that Joe falls, breaking his leg and heel when he impacts the bottom. When he realizes he has broken the bone and cannot support his weight on his leg, he knows he is in serious trouble. He believes he is going to die because that is what happens to a person with an injury such as his in the current conditions. Simon knows it as well, though neither of them voice it. Joe stands, unwilling to show signs of weakness and the two men begin their descent rather than...