Above All Things

"Above All Things" is a heart-wrenchingly romantic historical novel by Tanis Rideout and is based on British mountaineer George Mallory's fatal attempt to climb Everest, and his wife Ruth, who is left at home, waiting for him to return to her. 1924, England, a country still reeling from the devastating events of World War I. Celebrated hero and explorer George Mallory remains a symbol of England's lost empire, a figurehead for Britain's glory. George and his team set out for their third attempt to reach the summit of Everest, desperate to conquer the mountain but destined to perish. They struggle to endure the unrelenting Himalaya: faced with immense danger from accidents, avalanches and the daring risks they take to survive, they are pushed to the limits of human endurance. Their story is one of astonishing bravery and inspiring camaraderie. All the while, George's devoted wife Ruth, all but hidden from the pages of history, waits for news, praying that he is safe. She tells of the private Mallory and their marriage, defined as much by absence as by great love. Brilliantly weaving George's and Ruth's perspectives, from his struggles on the desolate mountain, to her anxious wait at home, and skilfully combining historical fact and imaginative fiction, "Above All Things" is a powerful and timeless novel of one courageous man's journey for honour and glory, and the heartache and loss of those left behind. ""Above All Things" has it all: adventure, tragedy, mystery, and a deeply moving love story. It's gorgeously written and beautifully paced. I could not put it down. Prepare to be dazzled". (Alison Pick, author of "Far to Go"). "A love story, a tale of adventure, and a study in obsession all at once, "Above All Things" is simply breathtaking. With Tanis Rideout's debut, a major new voice in Canadian fiction arrives". (Joseph Boyden, author of "Through Black Spruce"). "Rideout's debut is provocative, challenging, captivating and polished - quite possibly perfect", (CBC Books, "10 Canadian Writers to Watch"). "A must-read for Everest buffs with a sensitive side, and for those who want to understand the anatomy of climbing accidents. It is also the perfect summer read for anyone lured by the romance of adventure, as the story goes well beyond the vast summit of Everest into much trickier terrain: the unmapped topography of the heart". ("Globe and Mail"). "Rideout's graceful turns of phrase, her realistic knack of winging us back and forth between Cambridge and Everest, and her powerful portraits of Mallory and his climbing team allow "bove All Things" to reach its own spectacular literary summit". ("Toronto Star"). "Timeless romance, an unflinching love story that touches the very core of the human condition. Rideout leaves readers holding the book close to their chest, knowing that the purpose of life, above all else, is love". ("Telegraph"). "With "Above All Things", Tanis Rideout finally fills in this void, illuminating one of the great, tragic adventure stories of the modern-day age. It's a fantastic read". (David Grann, "New York Times" bestselling author of "The Lost City of Z"). "Truly mesmerizing, a powerful weaving of the tensions and heartaches of a marriage in conflict with an obsession ...a deeply satisfying blend of truth and imagination that stands out from the crowd". (Kate Alcott, author of "The Dressmaker"). "Magnificent ...deeply felt, richly imagined, immaculately styled, and utterly compelling, "Above All Things" takes us to the heights of human experience and endurance, both in physical fortitude and erotic longing". (Robert Goolrick, author of "A Reliable Wife" and "Heading Out to Wonderful"). Tanis Rideout's work has appeared in numerous publications and been shortlisted for several prizes, including the Bronwen Wallace Memorial Award for Emerging Writers and the CBC Literary Award. In 2006, she was named the Poet Laureate for Lake Ontario by the environmental advocacy group Lake Ontario Waterkeeper and joined Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip on a tour to promote environmental justice on the lake. Born in Belgium, Tanis grew up in Bermuda and in Kingston, Ontario, and now lives in Toronto. She recently received her MFA from the University of Guelph-Humber. "Above All Things" is her first novel.