The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder

by David Grann

Book Overview

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - From the author of Killers of the Flower Moon, a page-turning story of shipwreck, survival, and savagery, culminating in a court martial that reveals a shocking truth. The powerful narrative reveals the deeper meaning of the events on The Wager, showing that it was not only the captain and crew who ended up on trial, but the very idea of empire. A Best Book of the Year: The New York...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385534264
• ISBN13: 9780385534260
• Release Date: April 2023
• Publisher: Doubleday Books
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Well written, but dragged on.

As far as historical non fictional narratives go, The Wager was decent. Grann does a very good job at getting the reader engaged in the first few chapters, meanwhile in the back of your mind, you know what direction the book is going-especially as a book about a shipwreck. One could predict-without any prior knowledge of the story- how the majority of the story would play out, and unfortunately, that is what hurt the book. It had moments of captivation, but ultimately, it seemed to drag a bit, considering the subject matter (without giving too much away)- we get it, they are hungry and likely delirious. I would say if this type of historical story line, you may enjoy it to a decent degree. If not, it is average at best. 3/5.