Karen
This is a harrowing tale of a British Navy shipwreck off the coast of Patagonia in 1742, and the struggle of the survivors to save themselves. David Grann sets the scene thoroughly, describing how the voyage came to be planned, how the ships in the convoy got their crews, who the notable personalities were, so that by the time they set out on their voyage, you have a good picture of the situation and a sense of dread about what's going to happen to them.
Grann includes extensive notes on his research for each chapter. Logbooks and diaries from the voyage exist, as well as narratives written by survivors after they made it back to England. As Grann points out, all of these were carefully constructed to make the writer appear justified in his actions, though it's clear that almost everyone did terrible things after the shipwreck.
I recommend reading this wrapped up in blankets, with a hot beverage within reach, while a storm rages outside. Feel deeply thankful that you are not a castaway on a remote island off the Patagonian coast, and that you can read about this fascinating disaster and its aftermath in comfort.
This is a harrowing tale of a British Navy shipwreck off the coast of Patagonia in 1742, and the struggle of the survivors to save themselves. David Grann sets the scene thoroughly, describing how the voyage came to be planned, how the ships in the convoy got their crews, who the notable personalities were, so that by the time they set out on their voyage, you have a good picture of the situation and a sense of dread about what's going to happen to them.
Grann includes extensive notes on his research for each chapter. Logbooks and diaries from the voyage exist, as well as narratives written by survivors after they made it back to England. As Grann points out, all of these were carefully constructed to make the writer appear justified in his actions, though it's clear that almost everyone did terrible things after the shipwreck.
I recommend reading this wrapped up in blankets, with a hot beverage within reach, while a storm rages outside. Feel deeply thankful that you are not a castaway on a remote island off the Patagonian coast, and that you can read about this fascinating disaster and its aftermath in comfort.