soapfaced's review against another edition

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adventurous tense fast-paced

3.75


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eleanorjmca's review against another edition

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adventurous dark informative reflective tense medium-paced

5.0

Incredible read. I was gripped from the start to the finish. It helps when you’re writing a history book if you have a thrilling event to write about, but Grann really brought it to life. I particularly liked the emphasis he placed on the competing narratives of the events left by different survivors, and the care he took to highlight the role of the Kawesqar and Chona people in the story. Very extensively researched with thorough endnotes and a bibliography for further reading. A tour de force of history writing. 

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ahoyitsjoy's review against another edition

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adventurous dark informative tense medium-paced

3.0

This book was clearly meticulously researched and features many quotes from firsthand accounts. The events are delivered in a clear and unbiased manner. 

However... I just don't think this was my kind of book. I've seen a lot of people recommend this book to those who loved Endurance, as I did, but The Wager is significantly more grim in a way that didn't make me want to read more.

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samchase112's review against another edition

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adventurous dark informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

This book truly swept me away!!! I was enthralled by the writing, the narrative, and the narrator. I lost time listening to this story, and took walks to get further. David Grann made me feel like I was traversing the hazardous seas, searching the desolate island, and scribbling on the page with these men — truly impressive. I’ll be recommending this book (and especially the audiobook!) for a while to come!

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kalaser's review against another edition

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adventurous informative reflective medium-paced

4.0


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amy14's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

5.0


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tigertheory's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

3.5

Quite an interesting read not only about a tale of (mis)adventure but also about the importance seafaring had in shaping the world. 

On a side note; I recommend looking up Wager Island on Maps after reading for a bit of a laugh. 

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mikaylawood's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional informative sad medium-paced

4.5

This is my first time reading David Grann and it will not be my last! Beautiful writing about a moving, albeit devastating, historical event. 

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simmonsj's review against another edition

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adventurous informative medium-paced

5.0

This review is for the audio book read by Dion Graham 

This is a very well researched book concerning the HMS Wager and its shipwreck in 1741, including the events of the crew while stranded on an island in Patagonia. I was surprised how many sources of information there were for this event. Grann does a fantastic job pulling together the account from many sources, making a narrative fiction-like story of true events. Everything wraps up decently with the exception of a few pieces (which I expect with real events, especially from the 1740s). 

The narrator did a great job as well, expressive and a good cadence throughout. 

Overall a really good non-fiction read of a really interesting and at times larger-than-life story of shipwreck, mutiny, and murder - just like the title promises.

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saraverboom's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

5.0


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