The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
A gripping true story of survival, madness, and maritime justice.
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Why people are buying it
David Grann's 'The Wager' is a masterful work of narrative non-fiction that recounts the harrowing true story of the HMS Wager, a British ship wrecked off the coast of Chile in 1741. The book chronicles the crew's desperate struggle for survival on a desolate island, their descent into anarchy and mutiny, and the eventual court-martial that exposed a shocking tale of deceit. Meticulously researched and written with the pacing of a thriller, it explores the thin line between savagery and civilization. It is a compelling examination of how history is written by the victors and the often blurred nature of truth.
- New York Times Bestseller and National Book Award finalist
- From the acclaimed author of 'Killers of the Flower Moon'
- A gripping blend of high-seas adventure and historical true crime
- Features deep archival research uncovering lost journals and logs
- Explores complex themes of leadership, empire, and human nature
What it does well
- Gripping, novel-like pacing that makes history accessible
- Incredible depth of research bringing obscure events to light
- Complex moral questions that linger long after reading
- Vivid character portrayals of real historical figures
What to weigh
- Dense historical details may overwhelm casual readers
- Some nautical terminology requires context
- The timeline shifts occasionally between past and trial
Should you buy it?
'The Wager' is a triumph of narrative non-fiction that confirms David Grann's status as a master storyteller. It is a haunting, immersive read that is well worth the price for anyone who appreciates history told with the tension of a thriller.
Specifications
| General | |
|---|---|
| Title | The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder |
| Author | David Grann |
| Publication Year | 2023 |
| Genre | Non-Fiction |
| Themes | Survival, Maritime History, Legal Drama |
| Physical | |
| Pages | 336 |
| Dimensions | 6.3" x 1.2" x 9.3" |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs |
| Binding | Hardcover/Paperback |
| Content | |
| Setting | Patagonia & Atlantic Ocean (1740s) |
| Time Period | 18th Century |
| Narrative Style | Journalistic / Narrative Non-Fiction |
| Illustrations | Maps and plates included |
| Other | |
| Audiobook Narrator | Elliot Fitzpatrick |
| Awards | NYT Bestseller, Goodreads Choice Award Nominee |
| Adaptation Status | Film adaptation by Martin Scorsese in development |
From published manufacturer information. Check the store listing for the exact variant.
How it compares
| Product | Author | Genre | Setting | Core Theme | Page Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder | David Grann | History/True Crime | Chilean Coast | Mutiny & Law | 336 |
| In the Heart of the Sea | Nathaniel Philbrick | History | Pacific Ocean | Survival | 302 |
| Killers of the Flower Moon | David Grann | True Crime | Osage Nation | Murder & Greed | 352 |
Worth a look instead
Questions buyers ask
Is 'The Wager' based on a true story?
Yes, it is a meticulously researched work of
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