Piers Paul Read, Alive

Having seen the film Alive numerous times, i had a look around for some books about the story and finally settled for this book by Piers Paul Read. (308 pages pub. 1993)

This book was written to give a truthful and open account of the tragic plane crash in the Andes in 1972.

An Uruguayan Air force plane had been chartered for a trip to Chile by an amateur Uruguayan rugby team. With Rugby being a relatively young sport in South America, the team were very fortunate to be able to travel and ambassador the sport, challenging other teams in nearby countries. Besides the players, the flight had needed to be filled in order to make the trip affordable. Friends, family and supporters packed the plane, and it set off for Chile across the Andes.

The book is a compilation off accounts. Firstly those of the survivors and their epic battle with the trauma of the crash, their injuries and losses. Then off the family members back home trying desperately to orchestrate search parties and get information about their loved ones. The stories are intermingled and help to create equal measures of empathy and hopelessness as events occur. When the survivors finally hear that the search parties have been called off, they are stuck on a mountain side with no chance of rescue, no food and improper clothing.

The book takes us honestly through the despair and courage of the survivors, with sufficient character depth to understand each individuals discomfort with what's required to survive.

Equally, for those that make it, the book deals with their difficult return to society, their change in personality from the experiences, all under the watchful eye of the world's media.

The author writes in a concise manner, not dallying too long with detail, but covering all aspects well, and leaving you in awe of the tragedy and the incredible mountains of the Andes. It's also good to have a perspective of the searches and crash theories going on in the background, as this is not included in the film.

I wouldn't say it's a great book, but the story is touching for the courage and sacrifice of the passengers and their families. The only thing i really didn't like was the small print in this edition. Definitely recommended despite that.