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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Denise Evans’s 92-year life, marked by resilience and adventurous pursuits, is captured in her autobiography, Reaching Beyond, a significant contribution to women’s adventure literature.
Reaching Beyond
In a world hungry for authentic heroines, Denise Evans’s posthumously celebrated autobiography, “Reaching Beyond: The Mountains and Voyages of Denise Evans,” delivers a powerful punch. This remarkable woman, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 92, leaves behind a legacy of resilience, courage, and an insatiable thirst for adventure, proving that neither age nor gender can define one’s limits.
“Reaching Beyond” is more than just a captivating read; it’s a vital contribution to adventure literature, a genre often dominated by male voices. Denise, wife of Charles Evans, deputy leader of the 1953 Everest Expedition, and a formidable adventurer in her own right, invites us into her extraordinary life, spanning decades and continents. From her early years in France to her peaceful end in Capel Curig, her story is one of unwavering spirit, filled with climbing peaks, sailing vast oceans, and overcoming personal trials.
For seventy years, a member of the prestigious Pinnacle Club for women climbers, and later President of the Alpine Club in 1986, Denise’s passion for mountaineering was ingrained in her DNA. But her adventurous spirit extended far beyond the mountains. The book details her incredible voyages in her small yacht, navigating the treacherous waters around South America, Greenland, and Svalbard, demonstrating a fearless approach to the unknown.
What makes “Reaching Beyond” truly special is Denise’s authentic voice. Her wit, passion, and “can-do” attitude shine through every page, offering a rare and valuable firsthand account of a woman who lived life on her own terms. Readers are invited to embrace the spirit of exploration, defying societal and personal limitations alongside her.
This 300-page treasure, complete with a preface by Celia Bull, an introduction by her son Peter, 35 pages of photographs, 10 maps, and 5 of Denise’s own paintings, as well as an Afterword, Glossary, and Further Reading section, offers a comprehensive glimpse into a life lived fully. Denise continued her adventures well into her mid-eighties, proving that adventure is timeless.
“Reaching Beyond” is a testament to the power of an unwavering spirit, a reminder that courage and resilience know no bounds. In a world that desperately needs inspiring stories, Denise Evans’s autobiography is a beacon, encouraging us all to embrace the unknown and live life fearlessly.
Denise Evans
Denise Evans, born in Paris in 1931 and sadly passed away in November 2023 at the age of 92, was a force of nature. A significant female adventurer, and the first and only woman to hold the presidency of the esteemed Alpine Club, her story is one that deserves far greater recognition.
Denise’s passion for the outdoors was woven into her very being. She was born into a family of mountaineering pioneers; her parents, Jean and Nea Morin, instilled in her a deep love for adventure. Her mother, Nea, penned the classic “A Woman’s Reach,” a testament to early 20th-century European women’s rock climbing, showcasing the spirit that Denise would inherit.
Growing up in Paris, Denise spent her childhood amidst the climbing community, playing beneath the Fontainebleau boulders and learning to ski. Her early membership in the Ladies Alpine Club and the Pinnacle Club solidified her connection to the world of climbing.
The outbreak of World War II prompted Denise, her mother, and brother to relocate to North Wales, where she would spend the majority of her life in the picturesque village of Capel Curig. In 1957, she married Charles Evans, a pivotal figure in mountaineering history, known for his role as deputy leader of the 1953 Everest Expedition and leader of the 1955 British Kangchenjunga Expedition.
Denise’s commitment to adventure never wavered, even as life presented its challenges. In 1962, despite having a young child, she joined the Pinnacle Club’s Himalayan Jagdula Expedition, demonstrating her unwavering spirit. Later, as her husband Charles battled Multiple Sclerosis, confining him to a wheelchair, Denise’s resilience shone through.
Undeterred, she embraced sailing, embarking on remarkable voyages around Scotland, the Azores, Greenland, and South America, as documented in her captivating autobiography. Her life was a testament to the power of perseverance, filled with climbing, sailing, and the triumph over personal obstacles.
Denise Evans lived a life of unwavering courage and boundless enthusiasm, continuing her adventures well into her mid-eighties. Her story, marked by resilience, adventure, and an unyielding spirit, serves as a powerful inspiration for all. She was a true pioneer, and her legacy deserves to be celebrated and shared.
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