Title: Expeditionen: min kärlekshistoria
Author: Bea Uusma
First published January 1, 2013
265 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9789113061658
Rating: 4.22
Overview
Bea Uusma, a doctor and writer, has delved into the tragic story of the polar expedition led by engineer Andrée with a passionate and personal touch. In July 1897, three men with minimal knowledge of the Arctic set off in a hydrogen balloon towards the North Pole.
After just three days, they crash-landed on the ice, beginning a grueling journey dragging heavy sleds towards solid ground. Despite access to warm clothing, canned food, and guns, they perished on their quest.
It wasn’t until thirty-three years later that the expedition members were discovered on White Island. In Expeditionen: My Love Story, Uusma travels to the Arctic and North Pole to uncover the truth about the expedition’s fate.
About the Author
Mari Beatrice Uusma is a multi-talented individual who wears many hats. She is not only a Swedish author but also an illustrator and a medical doctor.
You may also know her as Bea Uusma Schyffert.
Editoral Review
Expeditionen: min kärlekshistoria is a stunning memoir by Swedish anaesthesiologist and researcher Bea Usma. First published in 2013, the book narrates Usma’s quest to unravel the mysterious disappearance of Swedish explorer and scientist S.
A. Andrée, who died with two fellow expedition members in the Arctic in 1897.
But the book is more than just a historical chronicle. It is a poignant tale of love, loss, passion, and perseverance that transcends time and place.
Usma brilliantly weaves together multiple threads of the narrative, each adding depth, nuance, and emotional resonance to the central theme of love. Apart from the historical account of Andrée’s ill-fated balloon expedition, Usma delves into her personal history, her medical career, her romantic affairs, her family dynamics, and her obsession with Andrée’s story.
She also intersperses the text with excerpts from Andrée’s diaries, letters, and logbooks, creating a rich tapestry of voices, perspectives, and experiences. One of the book’s strengths is Usma’s writing style, which is vivid, evocative, and immersive.
Her attention to detail, whether it is describing the Arctic landscape or the medical procedures, is meticulous and lyrical. The pacing of the narration is also excellent, with Usma switching seamlessly between different time frames and settings without losing the reader’s interest or focus.
Another major strength is Usma’s character development. She imbues each character, whether historical or fictional, with unique traits, quirks, and motivations.
She also explores their inner worlds with empathy, insight, and vulnerability, making the reader feel invested in their lives and choices. The main character, Usma herself, is a complex and fascinating personality, torn between her professional duties, her romantic desires, and her intellectual ambitions.
She is also a feminist icon, defying traditional gender roles and norms in a male-dominated field. The book also has historical and cultural significance, shedding light on a little-known but significant episode in the history of Arctic exploration and Swedish imperialism.
It also raises larger questions about the nature of scientific inquiry, the ethics of adventure tourism, and the impact of climate change on the Arctic ecosystem. Usma’s deep knowledge of medical history and anaesthesia adds another layer of interest and relevance.
One minor limitation of the book may be its occasional digressions into tangential topics or subplots, which can distract from the main story or dilute the narrative tension. The book also assumes some familiarity with Swedish geography, history, and language, which may be challenging for non-Swedish readers.
However, these limitations are minor compared to the overall quality and impact of the book. Expeditionen: min kärlekshistoria is a remarkable achievement, combining scholarship, artistry, and humanity in equal measure.
It is a book that can be savoured and treasured for its insights, its beauty, and its relevance. It is a book that reminds us of the power of love to conquer all obstacles, to transcend all boundaries, and to unite all humanity.
As a result, I highly recommend Expeditionen: min kärlekshistoria to all readers who enjoy historical memoirs, adventure narratives, medical dramas, or romantic tales. The book is suitable for both scholarly and general audiences, offering different levels of engagement and appreciation.
I would give the book a rating of 9/10, based on its writing quality, character depth, historical significance, and emotional impact.
