It is difficult to read this engaging memoir without a smile on one's face, such is the author's enthusiasm for the world's southernmost continent and its endemic penguin species, the Emperor. 'Empire Antarctica', which was published in Britain at the end of last year and has just come out in America, tells the story of Gavin Francis's time as a doctor at the Halley Research Station, a British Antarctic Survey base formerly known as Ice Station Zebra. His 14-month role as 'Zdoc' comes at the perfect time for Mr Francis. After attending medical school in Edinburgh, he finds himself increasingly discomfited by the promise of a high-achieving career and a life of obligations and responsibilities. Eager for mental freedom, he sees Antarctica as the place to work out what he plans to do for the rest of his life.
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