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sandylc's review
informative
3.0
An interestingly different view of twelve historical time periods, each inspired by a shipwreck and the knowledge obtained from that wreck. The author expands on the findings from the wreck to give a picture of the world at that time. The author dived personally on many of the wrecks and these chapters have a personal touch.
kalliegrace's review
informative
slow-paced
3.0
This could have been a really fascinating book, but I think the author took the wrong approach in the presentation and organization of the history. This felt very text book, with few events or characters standing out in the sea of facts.
I listened to this on audio, which may also have hampered my enjoyment. I thought for sure an AI was narrating, the vocal rhythm was so punctuated and choppy. I do not recommend the audio.
I listened to this on audio, which may also have hampered my enjoyment. I thought for sure an AI was narrating, the vocal rhythm was so punctuated and choppy. I do not recommend the audio.
ocoury23's review
Had to stop an hour in to the audiobook simply because of the narrator. His disjointed and broken rate of speech was such a headache to listen to. Maybe I’ll give this book another try in the future by reading it, but the audiobook was not worth the 14 hours of teeth grinding it would have caused me.
duchessofreadin's review
4.0
From ancient to more modern shipwrecks, this book takes you on a wonderful adventure! Get to know past civilizations from artifacts found on sunken ships. Dive into the greatest mysteries of maritime history, and discover a waterlogged time capsule of goodies.
While life on board a vessel might not have been easy, some of these wrecks have afforded us a glimpse into how they lived, and functioned aboard these vessels. From artifacts of warfare, to everyday items such as shoes and cooking utensils - each wreck offers a different look into life, death, and even medicine.
This was a truly fantastic read, and I highly enjoyed the way it was laid out. From the ancient wrecks to looking into the lost Franklin expedition, each chapters brings interesting facts, and well researched information. I learned so much from reading through this. Highly recommend for those who enjoy history - it is a great way dive into some new information, and perhaps learn a new fact or five.
While life on board a vessel might not have been easy, some of these wrecks have afforded us a glimpse into how they lived, and functioned aboard these vessels. From artifacts of warfare, to everyday items such as shoes and cooking utensils - each wreck offers a different look into life, death, and even medicine.
This was a truly fantastic read, and I highly enjoyed the way it was laid out. From the ancient wrecks to looking into the lost Franklin expedition, each chapters brings interesting facts, and well researched information. I learned so much from reading through this. Highly recommend for those who enjoy history - it is a great way dive into some new information, and perhaps learn a new fact or five.
cj_lovesbooks's review
informative
3.5
This book offers a wide overview of many historical time periods from the Bronze Age to WW2. If you have a basic knowledge of history, this book offers an interesting insight into those time periods, often focusing more on trade and cultural practices than politics and wars (though those are covered too) than I typically see.
I definitely found some wrecks more interesting than others, but I liked the choice of those featured. The author’s unique insight on diving was also something I had never considered but was really cool to learn about.
I wish the chapters had more uniformity or organization to them as I sometimes felt myself getting lost in the lengthy chapters.
I received an advance copy from NetGalley, but I hope the final copy includes photos and/or maps. I think having those would have been incredibly helpful as I was often looking up locations.
I definitely found some wrecks more interesting than others, but I liked the choice of those featured. The author’s unique insight on diving was also something I had never considered but was really cool to learn about.
I wish the chapters had more uniformity or organization to them as I sometimes felt myself getting lost in the lengthy chapters.
I received an advance copy from NetGalley, but I hope the final copy includes photos and/or maps. I think having those would have been incredibly helpful as I was often looking up locations.
andrea_author's review
informative
slow-paced
4.0
Shipwrecks offer glimpses into past civilizations through objects preserved on the ocean floor. This book weaves together stories of significant sunken vessels, spanning continents and centuries.
This is not a history book but an archeology book. There’s no sweeping narrative here, but anecdotes of how objects bring history to life. The information is interesting, but the lack of a strong narrative arc makes the book difficult to follow. The content is interesting but might best be read in small doses.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is not a history book but an archeology book. There’s no sweeping narrative here, but anecdotes of how objects bring history to life. The information is interesting, but the lack of a strong narrative arc makes the book difficult to follow. The content is interesting but might best be read in small doses.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
kelli7990's review
From renowned underwater archaeologist David Gibbins comes an exciting and rich narrative of human history told through the archaeological discoveries of twelve shipwrecks across time.
Thank you St. Martin’s Press & Netgalley for sending me a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I wanted to read this book because I like the water and the ocean. I watched the movie Titanic about the shipwreck that happened and I enjoyed that movie but I wouldn’t watch it again because it’s long. I decided to DNF this book after reading 69 pages because the way this is written is very dry. It’s written like a history lesson and it doesn’t have any pictures in here. In my opinion, I would prefer to watch a documentary about shipwrecks instead of reading about them because it’s an interesting subject. I don’t know anything about it and I like watching documentaries.
Thank you St. Martin’s Press & Netgalley for sending me a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I wanted to read this book because I like the water and the ocean. I watched the movie Titanic about the shipwreck that happened and I enjoyed that movie but I wouldn’t watch it again because it’s long. I decided to DNF this book after reading 69 pages because the way this is written is very dry. It’s written like a history lesson and it doesn’t have any pictures in here. In my opinion, I would prefer to watch a documentary about shipwrecks instead of reading about them because it’s an interesting subject. I don’t know anything about it and I like watching documentaries.