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Summary
Everywhere hailed as a masterpiece of historical adventure, this enthralling narrative recounts the experiences of twelve American sailors who were shipwrecked off the coast of Africa in 1815, captured by desert nomads, sold into slavery, and subjected to a hellish two-month journey through the bone-dry heart of the Sahara. The ordeal of these men - who found themselves tested by barbarism, murder, starvation, death, dehydration, and hostile tribes that roamed the desert on camelback - is made indelibly vivid in this gripping account of courage, brotherhood, and survival.
This incredible story is beyond words. It's hands down the most exceptional account of Riley's shipwreck and enslavement. It brilliantly combines the narratives of all the previous books that have attempted to tell this story repeatedly. It's the culmination of those works, beautifully written. Raleigh was truly an extraordinary man, and he surely rests in heaven with his blessings.
I decided to give this audiobook a chance solely because I had recently experienced riding Arabian horses through the Sahara during my visit to Morocco. It was actually recommended as one of the readings for anyone interested in Morocco. So, if you have a fascination with Morocco, have plans to visit the country, or possibly have a distant connection to any of the people in this story, I would definitely recommend purchasing it. However, if none of these factors apply to you, be prepared for every chapter to feel repetitive, like you're reliving the same day over and over again in the Sahara. My boyfriend, who occasionally listened with me, couldn't help but exclaim, "Are they seriously still stuck in the desert?"
I get the whole idea of setting the stage for a story, but the writer included a ton of storytelling and background information that made me lose all interest in the book. I couldn't even make it through the fourth chapter and had to return the book.
I really loved reading "Skeletons on the Zahara: A True Story of Survival". It's an incredible tale of a shipwreck and the harrowing journey across the Zahara desert. The author has a knack for capturing every little detail, making you feel as if you're right there alongside the men in the story. I can't wait to delve into more books by this author. I highly recommend it!
I really loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who is into maritime history. It's an incredible tale of human suffering and the will to survive.
I'm a history enthusiast and often indulge in books/stories that might bore others. But I have to admit, I've never had the urge to fast-forward through an audiobook until now. We ended up skipping ten chapters in this one. It desperately needs an editor who could cut down on the repetitive details like camel urine drinking and gut eating. Don't get me wrong, these elements are crucial to the story, but their impact diminishes after being repeated for the twentieth time. It's a shame because this book could have been a solid eight-hour read. Just to clarify, my low rating isn't meant to bash the author or anyone else involved, but rather to encourage potential readers to seriously consider whether this book is their cup of tea.
Shortly after the conclusion of the War of 1812, individuals from New England were determined to recuperate their losses incurred during the war. During this time, a merchant ship unexpectedly crashes on the West coast of Africa, a mere 40 miles away from Morocco. Interestingly enough, a treaty in place allowed for the redemption of white "Infidels." However, fate dealt a cruel hand, as these men found themselves being captured as slaves by the Bedouin. Thus began a perilous journey of enduring slow starvation and extreme dehydration. The level of suffering they experienced is unimaginable, yet the author manages to narrate their story with empathy towards both the Muslim and Christian factions. Moreover, the pacing of the book makes it highly engaging and captivating. If you were captivated by "Endurance," then this book is a perfect fit for you!
You won't believe how a crew stranded after a shipwreck managed to survive in unimaginable circumstances. This book captures the incredible strength of their determination and will to live. Give it a read, you definitely won't be disappointed.
I'm a big fan of non-fiction books, and I had been eyeing this one for some time. Finally got my hands on it, and boy, am I glad I did. It's an absolute gem.
In my opinion, the narrator did a pretty good job. Nothing really stood out as distracting, and he really brought justice to the gripping story. I have a soft spot for tales of heroism in challenging situations, and this book delivered. The author's descriptions of the various locations were so vivid, it felt like I was right there, experiencing everything alongside the characters.
By the way, if you enjoyed this book, you might also like "Endurance" (about Shackleton's expedition) and "Into Thin Air" by Krakauer. They may not have the exact same subject matter, but they are both incredible true stories of survival in harsh environments.
Dean King has really nailed it with this story by combining the perspectives of the survivors to create a gripping depiction of the harrowing experience aboard The Commerce. The narration is top-notch and it reads like an edge-of-your-seat adventure, complete with unexpected plot twists, cunning maneuvers among the Arabs, and Captain James Riley's fearless and audacious actions that ultimately led to their rescue.
I've listened to many stories of survival, this one is by far the most interesting. I've read someone may a movie of it, but a movie can't do justice to this book.
There is nothing I like better than a true tale of survival. I really wanted to like this novel and I think it is an important story to be told, but sadly I found myself struggling to stay awake while listening! I am not sure it it was the monotone of the narrator or the writing style of the author, but I was dozing off while listening to it on my commute to and from work.
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