Reviews tagging 'Physical abuse'

The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann

21 reviews

dillhunter's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark informative fast-paced

5.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

bookmonsterally's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark informative mysterious tense medium-paced

3.0

This is a review which I know is very much reflective of my personal reaction to this book, and no real reflection of the quality of writing and storytelling. 

I found it to be a book of three stages, the 1st, an introduction which I had to wade slowly through. 

The main bulk of the story, which did grip me; it was compelling, exciting, shocking, stomach churning, and fascinating all at once. 

And finally, the final stages of the story, the judge and jury. It was interesting to read the outcome of this true story, but honestly, I again found myself trudging through those final pages. It ended with a bit of a pfft. 

This is a very well written non-fiction book, with a narrative style that very much kept me engaged and invested for the most part, so no shade there. I learnt some nifty little bits and pieces about ships, sailing, battle, and more in the 1700s a time period I don’t read much about, so I loved that. 

The writing style is easy and accessible, and if this is your topic and this is your vibe, then you will absolutely love it!
If you’re like me, and a bit of a light fiction heathen, then don’t rule it out, but be prepared to stick at this. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

elenakperez's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark informative mysterious tense fast-paced

5.0

Nonfiction that reads like fiction. I didn't want to stop reading. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

themdash's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark informative sad medium-paced

5.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

avidreaderandgeekgirl's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark informative slow-paced

2.75

Narrator Rating: 4.0 stars

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

schausjk's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous informative tense medium-paced

4.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

laura_nel13's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark informative tense medium-paced

5.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

ekcd_'s review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

2.5


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

jess_polishedcomma's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark informative mysterious tense medium-paced

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

leahthebooklover's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark informative tense

4.5

"The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder" was riveting. It is non-fiction but reads like a historical fiction thriller. The author's extensive research is evident, but serves to enhance the story rather than bog it down. Much of the story is taken directly from the actual journals of the men who were a part of the ill-fated expedition. Dion Graham is an excellent narrator, weaving together this mesmerizing story with his expressive voice. His pacing is excellent, adding urgency and suspense to an already dramatic story. Author David Grann is best known for "Killers of the Flower Moon" (*now a major motion picture*) which I read about 1 1/2 years ago. I liked "The Wager" even more than "Flower Moon". I listened to it every free moment I had. It definitely "un-romanticizes" life on the high seas, but that's part of why it's so good - it vividly portrays the gritty, unadulterated, harrowing reality of the experience. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings