In 1912 Captain Robert Falcon Scott sails for the South Pole. Along the way he and his crew plan to examine the environment. The story follows Scott and four of his crewmen from their home berth in England, south to the dangers of the last frontier in a race for the Pole.
Based on a true story The Birthday Boys is told from the point of each of the five men, who tell the tale with their own opinions and prejudices. Their story unfolds as one of arrogance--believing their mechanical monstrosities will endure the harshest elements known to man; continuing into the depths despite their predecessors' advice; and believing courage will triumph when sense advises caution.
Each portion of the tale conflicts and readers are encouraged to make their own truth as the men leave home, sail around Africa, resupply in Australia, and finally brave the Antarctic winter in a vessel ill-suited to the task. It is a race, but one against the elements and the hourglass of time itself.
Bainbridge's story can be complex and its themes are better understood by older readers, though the events themselves follow along the historical accounts. The Expedition's narrators will never return home, and their story, while short, leaves behind a melancholy taste.
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