Bitter Passage by Colin Mills is a gripping historical novel set during a harrowing Arctic expedition in the mid-19th century. In 1845, Sir John Franklin and his crew of 128 men vanish while seeking a Northwest Passage. Four years later, Royal Navy Lieutenant Frederick Robinson and Assistant Surgeon Edward Adams lead a perilous rescue mission. Adams, driven by idealism, seeks to save his hero, while Robinson pursues career advancement. Their clashing ambitions and the brutal Arctic environment test their endurance and resolve. As they face isolation, starvation, and frigid dangers, survival becomes a desperate struggle. Based on true events, the story delves into themes of redemption, resilience, and the human spirit’s limits in the face of relentless adversity.
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (January 1, 2025); Pages: 290 pages; ISBN-13: 978-1662520600; ASIN: B0CVQVH956
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Author biography: Colin Mills graduated from the University of Queensland in 1987 with a BA in Japanese language and literature. He spent 18 years in Japan, working first as a wire service reporter before transitioning to a decade in investment banking and another ten years in portfolio management. In 2008, he left the financial industry and is now pursuing a PhD in creative writing at Queensland University of Technology. He lives in Brisbane with his wife and two daughters.
Summary: Bitter Passage by Colin Mills follows a perilous 1849 Arctic rescue mission. Lieutenant Robinson seeks glory, while Surgeon Adams aims to save a hero. Amid isolation and survival struggles, their clash mirrors the brutal, unforgiving landscape.