I come away from this extraordinarily detailed, intensely researched, nonfiction narrative with a couple of overarching thoughts: one positive, one negative. Negatively: 18th century Lord of the Flies, gone to South America (specifically, an island off the coast of Chile). In conjunction with this thought is the realization that any disaster will invariably divide survivors according to their characters. [An Act of God variant of the adage "Water will find its own level." (The term "Act of God" I am applying here as Insurance corporation actuaries apply it.)]

The positive conclusion is that somehow, some individuals will rise above even incredible adversity and not only survive but exhibit compassion [while others devolve].

THE WAGER commences and concludes, tis true, in Great Britain, but the heart of the tale, like the historic events it relates, is solidly grounded in South America, from the journey of seven British warships South along the Atlantic Coast of South America, in pursuit (it was hoped) of a Spanish galleon possessed of immense treasure; the long terrifying weeks attempting to pass Cape Horn and the Tierra del Fuego Islands at the tip of South America; the disappearance of six of the seven ships; finally reaching the Pacific Ocean and attempting to sail North along the coast of Chile, only for the ship H.M.S. Wager to founder upon subsurface rocks. The subsequent collapse of Ship Culture, potential cannibalism, and Mutiny occurred on an island in the Pacific, eventually termed "Wager Island." Later one party of survivors land on the Brazilian coast, and another group in Peru. From my viewpoint, the conclusion much later in Great Britain is almost like a mop-up, as the important events all occurred around and in the South American Continent, coastlines, and oceanic islands.

Propulsive, taut, and compulsively readable, David Grann has once again proven himself the master of narrative nonfiction. With a depth of research that allows for casual storytelling that feels like listening to a friend, Grann's talent for condensing an unweildy topic into its most streamlined self is unmatched.

Doesn't rise quite to Lost City of Z or Killers of the Flower Moon, but this is still Grann. Which means, this is still the pinnacle (okay, tied with Krakauer) of narrative nonfiction, with the author's maniacal approach to research and impeccable storytelling instincts making it truly feel like he couldn't tell a story that would disappoint.

The Wager draws you in and doesn't let go until the end! It's well researched, and that shows in the great storytelling.

Quick take: 3 stars. I can’t name one single dead white guy from this book even though there were at least 1 trillion of them. Not as well organized or cohesive as I expected. For whatever reason I do like reading about men dying on ships, off of ships, and probably while thinking about ships so 💁🏻‍♀️ 👀

OK this was absolutely fascinating! David Grann writes compelling and well researched narrative nonfiction for popular audiences, and he does it very well. Winner!

Seamlessly crafted this book is a must read. Grann retells the story of the Wager, its men, murder, mutiny , survival and adventure. The British boat is bound for South America on a secret mission during the war with Spain in 1742.. It is the telling of human behavior at the extremes. It reads like a thriller with a rag tag group of characters, including it's captain Cheap. When the few survivors make it back to England years later there are different stories and accounts of the voyage. A court martial is held to determine the truth, but does it really. Well researched and exceptional storytelling.

Historical story of Wager, ship that includes two sides. Story includes their survival when they were lost on the see and land that was different. At the age of unknown survival is very dark. Once they come home as heroes rise, time shows that sone heroes might also be criminal.

David Grann has become a go-to writer for narrative nonfiction. The Wager brings a tale nearly 300 years old to life in a way that makes the reader care for and relate to the men whose story he tells. While the narrative appeal is great, there is no question that Grann hasn't employed artistic license. His work is carefully researched and told with superb journalistic clarity and objectivity.

Excellent and engrossing account of the voyage of The Wager. Recommended for readers who enjoy of Mutiny on the Bounty.

One of the best nonfiction books that I read this year, David Grann does a phenomenal job of telling the story of the Wager. Written in a way that makes the history interesting and easy to follow, this book is perfect for any history fan.

Another great work of narrative non-fiction from David Grann. I will confess I found the first 100 pages or so a bit slow going. However, once the shipwreck happens, I could not read it fast enough. He does an excellent job of telling this story and really placing the reader in the midst of the action. As with his other works, this is the type of book that I would recommend to anyone who says they do not like non-fiction. Grann spins a yearn as compulsively readable as even the best novelist.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for honest feedback. A truly stunning tale of survival and history

Grann did extensive research in writing his nonfiction book on the tale of the real ship HMS Wager that foundered in 1741 and left its survivors stranded on a remote island off the coast of Patagonia, an area in the southern part of South America. The men experienced extreme deprivation both on the long voyage and after they were castaways. Severe storms, scurvy, lack of food and even murder brought the number of men down to a fraction of the initial sailors aboard the vessel. Not only was the journey perilous, but the salvation they sought on the island proved fatal to many.

Men who were officers, as well as the regular deckhands, were reduced to baser behaviors and a number of the remaining survivors formed a mutiny and set out to leave the island. Two tiny groups of survivors ultimately returned to England after years of suffering on the island. Once the men arrived home, there was a great deal of fanfare and publicity surrounding their return. The two groups arrived at different times and their various stories had claims of mutiny and murder. The British naval courts had to dissect these different versions and determine the truth. Who might be guilty and of what crime? Grann points to disinformation (a historical take on fake media) and the final determination of what truth to tell the public. Such distortions of the truth are not new to our world and the authorities in the 18th Century grappled with similar contradictions.

Much of the documentation used in the writing was amassed from the actual accounts of the survivors and these narratives had their own interpretation on the events. The book is absolutely riveting, a true tale of the struggle to survive. It’s gritty and gruesome in the telling, but powerful in the details of what the men endured.

David Grann is a master storyteller. He's also a master researcher filling out those stories with details that help you see and experience. He's found an incredible story. Put those things together and you've got a page-turning true to live thriller that will leave you amazed and smarter.

A great adventure story!

David Grann narrates history in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This book will please history enthusiasts as much as it will historical fiction readers and even thriller and true crime readers. Its examination of colonialism and empire, and the hubris of 18th century English sailors, are as enthralling as its description of storms at sea. I recommend this book for fans of Patrick O'Brian's Master and Commander, or C. S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower series, or anyone who enjoys a true adventure story where no one is really a hero.

Absolutely loved this and am officially a "will read anything David Grann writes" fan. When I saw the Killers of the Flower Moon author had a new book releasing, I jumped on the chance to read it - and it did not disappoint. Similar to Killers, The Wager read like fiction - an edge of your seat account of the breakdown of humanity when a small group of men are stranded and isolated on a small island. Excellent writing and obviously a great deal of research went into the book. Highly recommend.

Grann is a master at atmospheric true tales. I loved the way that he rolled out the narrative at the start and then described each of the positions and people that we'd be following through the wreck/mutiny/mystery leading to who would end up on which boat and why. Throughout, Grann pulls no punches on how dire life was on these boats and it only got worse once they were marooned as the campaign turned into a veritable grownup Lord of the Flies. I loved learning all the ways that seafaring has contributed to our language and customs and how this one voyage has impacted our geography to this day. I have already recommended this book at every chance that I get. Thank you to Doubleday and NetGalley for the early access in exchange for my honest opinion.

David Grann has done it again! His narrative nonfiction is brimming with details that make the true story seem like improbable fiction. He writes with clear, compelling language, allowing the reader to see all sides of the story and sympathize with the castaways as they make unimaginable choices to survive.

This was another fantastic novel by David Grann. He has a gift for turning historical nonfiction into a seamless novel. I would highly recommend it! While at times the pacing seemed a bit slow, Grann did a fantastic job conveying the trails and tribulations these characters faced.