Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Wager:
Maybe the mutineers had a point.
Quick synopsis:
The story of the shipwreck and mutiny on the HMS Wager.
Fun Fact Non-History People Will Like:
If you were the captain of an English ship and it sank, you were automatically given a court martial. Well, assuming you survived.
Fun Fact for History Nerds:
Maintenance of ships is vital. Otherwise, you may end up like the Royal George. It sank in port because of decay and killed 900.
My Take on The Wager:
To say I was excited for this book would be a major understatement. All my favorite elements are here. First, an author I already love (and if you didn’t read Lost City of Z and Killers of the Flower Moon then you need to get on that). Next the tale of a shipwreck which is always a winner for me if done even remotely well. Add in some mutiny and murder and what could go wrong? The answer: absolutely nothing. This book is great.
The story is about the British ship, the Wager, and its participation in the War of Jenkins’ Ear. Do you think that’s a ridiculous name for a war? Well, you won’t be disappointed in how it all came to be. It’s as lame as you think. The Wager was sent out with other ships and the problems started before they even left port. Before long, they are getting wrecked trying to get through the worst waters on Earth off the coast of South America. Hence, the mutiny and murder. Sounds amazing right? I didn’t even mention how some of the castaways got back to England.
The story itself is enough to interest anyone. On top of that, you have one of the best writers out there in David Grann. He has already proven himself adept at writing a story with perfect pacing, the right amount of mystery, and a satisfying conclusion.
Unlike the men of the Wager, I got exactly what I was hoping for.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Doubleday Books.)
Verdict:
A fantastic book for everyone. Read it! Buy it here!
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