Theodore Jerome Cohen wrote Frozen in Time: Murder at the Bottom of the World in a genre all of
his own by combining fact with fiction, reality with storytelling, and history
with adventure. This unique combination
of writing is a style unto itself, simultaneously delivering exceptionally high
entertainment value while providing immense educational insight. Based on Dr. Cohen’s true once-in-a-lifetime
adventure of a journey to Antarctica, back in the early 1960’s as a younger
man, he actually did embark on a mission to monitor the gravitational field of
the earth for scientific research. As
one would think memoirs of such a fantastic journey would be sufficient
material for fascinating reading, Theodore Cohen goes further in Frozen in Time by interlacing within the
novel a factious story about a theft of grand proportions. The escape path along with the stolen wealth
finds its way on the Piloto Pardo, a
vessel in the port of Punta Arenas, Chile, destined to Antarctica, along with
the “cast and crew” – the cast of characters and crew of the vessel.
What is most unique is how Dr. Cohen, a Ph.D. in real life
with more degrees than all of the thermometers in Antarctica, writes specific
details and events which actually did occur, along with the fictional account
of “the heist.” Citing real events,
Theodore Cohen includes in the galley text an abundance of footnotes allowing
the reader expert insight of the details of the story’s true aspects. This creates a clear dichotomy of fact versus
fiction, as the footnotes bring to the reader’s attention avenues for further
research, or expert explanations of the true circumstances described. Then are the elements of his plot, character
development, and twist of fate of the “novel” aspect of Frozen in Time. Together one
perceives a window into the soul of the author, who simply changes his last
name from Cohen to Stone for the sake of the story, but still is called
Ted. I enjoyed the progression of the true
events as the book continued, while also enjoying the “cat and mouse” of the
crime; in essence reading two books within one novel. Having the human survival aspects combined
with human greed made this the unique book it truly is.
Meticulously written, footnoted, including photographs, maps,
memorabilia from the voyage, Frozen in
Time: Murder at the Bottom of the World is an author’s doctorate work in
novel creation, hardbound with chilling cover art. I am told by the author the characters are
soon to reemerge in a sequel. Frankly,
from the mind of Ted, a series of life’s adventures must certainly be awaiting
his keyboard for release.
I certainly recommend this book for the travel enthusiast,
adventure seeker, scientist and thrill seeking novel nerds among us, as well as
anyone looking to read something different and as true to life as fiction can
be.
Buy this book at Amazon.com
