zsabella's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

sarasreading's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark informative reflective tense fast-paced

4.5

This was pretty unputdownable. So much was happening all of the time it read much more like fiction than nonfiction, which I enjoy. It can get pretty gruesome, so know that going in. It can be harder to stomach since it's a true story. But I flew through this and will definitely read more from this author. 

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

soapfaced's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous tense fast-paced

4.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

eleanorjmca's review against another edition

Go to review page

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. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

ahoyitsjoy's review against another edition

Go to review page

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.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

samchase112's review against another edition

Go to review page

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!

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

kalaser's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous informative reflective medium-paced

4.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

amy14's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

5.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

tigerkind's review against another edition

Go to review page

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. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings