Book Club Discussion Questions
Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!
For Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft, Antarctica was the ultimate destination, a
savagely beautiful landscape and a unique test of character and skill - the
defining moment in their adventure careers.
No Horizon Is So Far is the true
story of Arnesen and Bancroft's inspiration, organization, and hard work to
become the first women to cross Antarctica by foot. As former schoolteachers,
they considered the expedition to be not only a personal goal but an educational
tool, reaching more than three million children through the course of their
journey. As women, they made history, challenging gender stereotypes and
breaking barriers for future generations. As teammates, they proved to the
world, themselves, and each other that no obstacle is too great, no dream ever
out of reach.
Inspiring and exciting,
No Horizon Is So Far is narrated by both Arnesen and
Bancroft, each of whom provides an intimate perspective on the shared joys and
frustrations of their 2,000-mile, three-month trek. Whether pitching their
mission to doubtful CEOs, coordinating and financing hundreds of pounds of
equipment, or finally hoisting their flags at the South Pole, the authors are
lively, honest guides. The photos, maps, and detailed equipment lists they
include in the book help readers truly grasp the scope of their expedition. In
addition, comments from teachers and associates around the world as to how the
journey affected their own lives are a testament to Arnesen and Bancroft's
success.
And yet, throughout their arduous trek, the authors are forced to redefine
what success means to them, and what they'll gamble to achieve it. A desire to
beat the odds is at the core of No Horizon Is So Far, as Arnesen and Bancroft
trace the roots of why they came to Antarctica to risk frostbite, injury, and
death on a daily basis. From their childhood love of adventure to the challenges
they overcame as female athletes in a predominantly male field, the authors'
passion and drive fill every page and make their expedition's results all the
sweeter.
- Discuss the similarities and differences in personality between Liv and Ann.
How do these affect their approach to the journey? Give examples of their
interacting successfully and of their being at odds with each other.
- What is it that drives people to explore, to seek out danger and push
themselves to extremes? What is the stereotype of an "explorer" and how do Liv
and Ann relate to that image?
- Liv writes, "both of us were fascinated by the way Antarctica had tested
Shackleton . . . we had both been enchanted with the idea of facing that same
test" (p.23). What does that test reveal about Liv and Ann? Why does hardship
demonstrate parts of our personalities that are otherwise hidden? Which is
truer-the revealed self or the everyday self?
📖
Get the full reading guide
Join BookBrowse free to unlock all 10 discussion questions, author background, themes, and more for No Horizon Is So Far.
Join free — it takes 30 seconds
Already a member? Log in →
- How does the author develop themes of identity and belonging throughout the narrative?
- What role does the setting play in shaping the characters' decisions and relationships?
- Discuss how the ending reframes the events of the story. Were you surprised?
Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Penguin.
Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.