A Grue of Ice

A Grue of Ice. A 1962 adventure thriller novel by South African author Geoffrey Jenkins, set against the perilous backdrop of the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic region. The plot follows a desperate hunt for a lost whaling ship and its valuable cargo of ambergris, intertwining maritime survival with corporate intrigue. The novel is noted for its authentic nautical detail and vivid descriptions of the harsh polar environment, reflecting Jenkins's own experiences and research.

● Plot summary

The narrative centers on Bruce Wetherby, a determined marine salvage expert hired by the powerful Gorringe corporation to locate the missing whaler *S.S. Cyclops*, which vanished in the treacherous waters near Bouvet Island. Accompanied by the shipowner's daughter, Linda Standish, Wetherby's expedition aboard the vessel *Theron* faces not only the lethal natural hazards of pack ice and icebergs but also sabotage from a rival corporate faction. Their journey reveals the ship was carrying a fortune in ambergris, leading to a tense confrontation on the icy slopes of the Scott Mountains and a climactic struggle for survival that uncovers a deeper conspiracy linked to World War II secrets and a hidden Nazi refuge.

● Publication history

*A Grue of Ice* was first published in 1962 in London by the publishing house Collins, known for its popular fiction line. The novel was subsequently released in several international markets, including editions in the United States and translations in countries like Germany and the Netherlands. It formed part of a prolific period for Jenkins, who had established his reputation with earlier works like *A Twist of Sand* and *The River of Diamonds*. The book has seen multiple reprints over the decades, often as part of collections of classic adventure literature.

● Critical reception

Upon its release, the novel received generally positive reviews for its pace and atmospheric setting, with critics in publications like *The Times* and the *Johannesburg Star* praising its compelling action and technical authenticity. Jenkins was frequently compared to other masters of the adventure genre, such as Alistair MacLean and Hammond Innes, for his ability to weave detailed research into a suspenseful plot. Some contemporary literary reviews, however, noted that character development was secondary to the plot-driven narrative and the vivid depiction of the Antarctic landscape, which was considered the book's true strength.

● Themes and analysis

The novel explores several core themes characteristic of mid-20th century adventure fiction, primarily the conflict between man and the implacable forces of nature, as embodied by the Antarctic's deadly ice fields and storms. It also delves into themes of corporate greed and moral ambiguity, as the quest for the ambergris treasure exposes the ruthless ambitions of entities like the Gorringe conglomerate. The subplot involving a hidden Nazi outpost introduces elements of historical conspiracy, reflecting post-war anxieties and the genre's fascination with unresolved secrets from the Third Reich. The title itself, referencing an archaic term for a shiver of fear, underscores the pervasive themes of dread and elemental danger.

● Adaptations

To date, *A Grue of Ice* has not been adapted into a major feature film or television series, unlike some of Jenkins's other novels, such as *The Watering Place of Good Peace*, which was filmed as *Dingaka*. There have been occasional radio dramatizations, particularly on South African radio networks, which capitalized on the story's local authorship and maritime themes. The novel's detailed and cinematic descriptions of Antarctic survival have led to periodic interest from documentary and adventure film producers, but no formal production has been announced.

Category:1962 novels Category:South African adventure novels Category:Novels set in Antarctica Category:English-language novels