Solo Faces by James Salter

Solo Faces

by James Salter

Solo Faces exposes the obsession that draws climbers away from civilization to test themselves against the most intimidating and inaccessible mountains in the world.

James Salter's novel captures the adventure of Gary, a roofer of churches, who feels restrained by conventions and flat ground. Unable to find happiness in his life, he travels to southern France to climb to the summits of the Alps. He finds peace and happiness within himself soon after. But when fellow climbers are trapped on the mountain, he makes a daring one-man rescue during a storm that brings him the notice he has always shunned. But the glory quickly dissipates and he returns to the anonymity he prefers, having thoroughly satisfied himself.

Reviewed by viking2917 on

4 of 5 stars

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A literary exploration wrapped inside a mountain adventure novel. Not unlike, although not quite the equal of, Wind, Sand and Stars. But close. Salter's writing, as always is exquisite. Like glass. You never get hung up on a sentence. Rand is a restless mountain climber challenging himself against the mountains in Switzerland (and California). A good psychological look into someone completely driven, yet very human and imperfect. I'm disappointed this never became a movie - it reads like one.

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  • 23 August, 2019: Reviewed