The first woman to reach the summit of Everest broke the barriers of a traditionally male domain. In this book, Stacy Allison tells her personal story of her struggle out of the trap of domestic violence, and of finally summoning the courage to leave an abusive marriage to discover a new self and a better love. She provides a look into the world of elite mountain climbing: the idiosyncratic, dedicated individuals who make up the international climbing community; the political and strategic manoeuvring before and during an expediton; the gruelling training and single-minded ambition; and the constant danger and threat of death.