Mixed Emotions

In Mixed Emotions, Child remembers the mountains, the people, and the episodes
that have made me feel my life acutely, including the 1986 K2 tragedy that
killed 13 climbers; a near-fatal snakebite in his native Australia; and the
loss of climbing partner Pete Thexton. He recalls his associations with world-
renowned mountaineers Doug Scott, John Roskelley, Voytek Kurtyka, and Don
Whillans.

Child also narrates fascinating off-mountain journeys to a secluded Hindu
shrine, and the remote, harsh landscape of the Baltoro Glacier, where progress
has left its indelible mark.
Finally, Child comments on some less tangible aspects of climbing, such as the
ghostly presence that accompanies climbers under duress, and the meanings of
and inevitable meetings with death.