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Summary: It was Mrs. Chippy who led me into the Shackleton story.
Review: I first saw the haunting photograph of this intrepid explorer and the stowaway of the Endurance in a memoir written by Frank Worsely, Shackleton's captain. I was struck by the fact that writing years after the events, after service in a world war, and with all of photographer Frank Hurley's extraordinary photographs to choose from -- Worsley would choose this portrait of Mrs. Chippy as one of a handful of photos to illustrate his book. I detected a story and began compulsively reading everything I could get my hands on about the expedition. Sure enough, I eventually rounded up two photos of Mrs. Chippy, two sketches of "her" (Mrs. Chippy was a tomcat) and 27 descriptions of her antics from books and original diaries. We in fact know more about the ship's cat than about the Bosun of the expedition. It was clear to me that Mrs. Chippy was a much-loved member of the crew and I found myself driven to write her story. I like to say that I was consumed when I wrote The Endurance, but possessed when I wrote Mrs. Chippy. I have never done anything like this, and probably never will again. I broke another contract to write this book -- it was the most irresponsible thing I have ever done, and my agent and friends were rolling their eyes. How to say this?? -- I confesss I believe this is the book I was born to write. I have subsequently discovered two more photos of Mrs. Chippy; in one, she is surrounded by sailors, in the other, by officers in their white duck uniforms. In both, the men look down at this little, self-important creature with undisguised affection. This book is my tribute to the tiny but powerful spirit which clearly moved these men.
Rating: 
Summary: A new point of view for a familiar story
Review: I really enjoyed this book. Throughout the book, you learn about the men on the Endurance, what their characters were like, and what life was like on the ship, all from the point of view of a cat.
Of course, the ending is sad, but Caroline Alexander does not dwell on the details of Mrs Chippy's demise.
This story will appeal to many, animal lovers like myself, history buffs, and anyone interested in seeing how man handles himself in times of great stress.
Rating: 
Summary: Endearing, but bring Kleenex
Review: Let me first say that this book was given to me as a marvelously thoughtful gift after I put my cat to sleep. The giver, knowing how much I like reading about Scott, Franklin and Shackleton, discovered this marvelous little book about a cat on Shackleton's famous South expedition. It was amazingly thoughtful, except the giver had no idea what happened on the South Expedition. Now, I must confess to dunderheadedness in reading this book the minute I received it. I knew what happened. Still, thanks to Alexander's marvelous writing I so fell in love with the indomitable spirit of Mrs. Chippy that I fully expected Alexander would fudge the story a bit and take Mrs. Chippy along. Mrs. Chippy meets her fate with grace and dignity -- as peacefully as my beloved cat. It's not horrible, not maudlin, but very emotional. This is definitely a better book to give to an expedition enthusiast and cat lover whose cat is still living. Even then, the reader is bound to shed a tear or two. The reader who has just put their beloved cat to sleep is going to cry her heart out.
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Summary: Entertaining for cat lovers or Shackleton fans
Review: Mrs Chippy's Last Expedition is an entertaining story of Ernest Shackletons journey to Antarctica as told from the perspective of the true-life on board cat who was named Mrs. Chippy. The story is told in journal form and will delight cat lovers with a keen view of the adventure as only a cat would see things. Caroline Alexander does an excellent job of capturing the intelligence and demeanor of cats as in this passage. "The dogs were barking like mad... i suspect they are bewildered much of the time by what goes on around them." Entertaining for both cat lovers and as an adjunct to any book on the true Shackleton adventure. I highly recommend Alfred Lansings account Endurance: Shackletons Incredible Voyage although Caroline Alexander herself also wrote a serious account after this Mrs Chippy cat diary version. Giving it 3 1/2 stars....4+ if you are a cat lover.
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Summary: The best cat's-eye view you'll ever read!
Review: Mrs. Chippy's Last Adventure is the best-written book I have read in many years (and I read a LOT!) The book is written from the point of view of Mrs. Chippy, a (male) cat who was privileged enough to join Shackleford's Polar expedition in the early 1900's and who was stranded in the polar ice fields along with the remaining 28 crew members. The book is based on actual events and a great deal of research obviously went into the telling of this remarkable human and feline-interest story. The author captures Mrs. Chippy's world view remarkably well; cat lovers will KNOW that they are seeing these events unfold through the eyes of a very perspicacious cat. As an added bonus, Mrs. Chippy is a damn funny feline, albeit sometimes unintentionally - I laughed out loud throughout the book.
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Summary: Insightful cats-eye view on shipborne life 90 years ago
Review: This book is NOT precious--cat fanciers will find Alexander's narrative about how an intelligent cat views things to be one of the best, most balanced, and yet non-syrupy writings on this subject to date. Everyone else might actually learn something about the affect cats have on people, in this case some hard bitten explorers in a stressful situation most of us can't imagine. Knowing the overall context of this story (Mrs Chippy was shot at 2:55pm the day after her "journal" ends on Shakleton's orders prior to an aborted dog sled attempt to reach land) makes this story haunting, even tragic. But, it also shows how an event now considered triumphant (the crew's return unharmed) is fraught with little tragedies along the way. That is what makes this story haunting and thoughtful.
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Summary: Read this book! You will never forget it.
Review: This lovely book gives a stirring impression of the real courage of Shakleton's crew on that remarkable voyage. Men in a situation of real danger and gripping fear show a camaraderie not disclosed in ordinary times. Who could observe and describe these better than a dedicated, but completely objective, cat? Caroline Alexander clearly knows a great deal about Antarctic exploration, about maritime history, and about loyalty and sacrifice. An entertaining, informative, and in the end an inspiring and unforgettable book!
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Summary: an angle on polar exploration not previously covered
Review: This tale filled in more gaps in my knowledge about Antarctic travels. I'm unfailingly impressed by the endurance and optimism of those who journey in these harsh regions, particularly in the early part of the century. It is a well told tale and I enjoyed it although I still feel a sense of shock about the end, while accepting the pragmatism it does set off trains of thought about the use humans make of animals and the wider consequences of polar exploration. Mrs Chippy did play a very important part in the trek and deserves acclaim.
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Summary: A Pleasing Work of Historical Fiction
Review: You've read the tale of the Endurance and you can't get enough of this incredible epic. You must now read 'Mrs. Chippy's Last Expedition'. Ms. Alexander, in a delightfully strange manner, has provided a unique perspective on both the expedition and on the relationship between a cat and its mates. If you read 'The Endurance', you already appreciate Ms. Alexander's scholarly and literary abilities. (Frankly, it easily rivals the accounts of Lansing and even Shackleton, himself.) When you read 'Mrs. Chippy', you will also appreciate her profound perception of both feline and human behavior. It's a pity that other reviewers feel they must exhibit their knowledge of Mrs. Chippy's actual fate, but don't worry, if you love cats, nothing can prepare you for the end of this book. Thank you, Caroline Alexander, for a truly remarkable story.
Rating:
Summary: Profound perception of human and feline behavior.
Review: You've read the tale of the Endurance and you can't get enough of this incredible epic. You must now read 'Mrs. Chippy's Last Expedition'. Ms. Alexander, in a delightfully strange manner, has provided a unique perspective on both the expedition and on the relationship between a cat and its mates. If you read 'The Endurance', you already appreciate Ms. Alexander's scholarly and literary abilities. (Frankly, it easily rivals the accounts of Lansing and even Shackleton, himself.) When you read 'Mrs. Chippy', you will also appreciate her profound perception of both feline and human behavior. It's a pity that other reviewers feel they must exhibit their knowledge of Mrs. Chippy's actual fate, but don't worry, if you love cats, nothing can prepare you for the end of this book. Thank you, Caroline Alexander, for a truly remarkable story.
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