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Trained teams of park rangers respond to catastrophes ranging from weather emergencies to presidential visits. In this book, Anna Pigeon is assigned to a team that is attempting to rescue an injured "caver" who has broken her leg down in the Lechuguilla, a relatively uncharted cave near New Mexico's Carlsbad Caverns. The injured woman is Frieda Dierkz, the dispatcher from Mesa Verde and a friend of Anna's. It is felt that Frieda will find Anna's presence soothing. The only problem is that Anna is highly claustrophobic. The idea of venturing into dark, tight caves is anathema to her; and she struggles to overcome her own fear so she can help her friend. Frieda seems to welcome her presence, however, and confides that she believes her injury was caused by someone intentionally. As the team transports Frieda out of the cave, there is a huge avalanche. Anna finds evidence that this was caused by a human, not by nature. The stakes become higher when another caver is killed and Anna is shot at. Every one on the team in the cave is the object of Anna's suspicion, and she makes only one friend while investigating. Park officials are only too anxious to see her leave. Anna doesn't always follow the rules, and she irritates many of the people in power. Barr describes the cave environment lyrically. The descriptions are vivid; and despite Anna's claustrophobia, she appreciates the subterranean wonders of the cave. Barr also emphasizes the concern that the cavers have for the environment, which cannot repair itself. There's a funny scene where all the cavers strip naked to cross a pool. They don't want to despoil the water with the grime from their clothing. There's more development of Anna's internal character than in past books. Her fear of the cave is real, and her tenacity in spite of her inner qualms is commendable. One area that doesn't ring true is the fact that Anna is a recovering alcoholic of 2 years and begins to drink beer and wine again with no problem. Most alcoholics would not be able to handle the return to drinking so easily. BLIND DESCENT is filled with the details of the world of cavers, including the processes they use to traverse a cave and the awesome sights that may never be seen by other eyes. Despite the beautiful prose and the skilled characterization, the plot dragged during several points in the book. However, the heart-stopping action of the ending redeemed the book. Barr is a best-selling author, and this book a fine example of what she does well.
Reviewed by Maddy Van Hertbruggen, November 2003
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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