“The Wager” is a gripping study of human nature in extremis. It tells the story of a British frigate that crashed onto rocks off the coast of Patagonia in 1741
A non-fiction account of the chase, the wreck and what followed might have been told as a typical maritime adventure. Those who love yarns involving cannon fire, sea-chests, plum duff and mainmasts will find “The Wager” riveting, as will those less intrigued by the age of sail. In the hands of David Grann, the story transcends its naval setting. The author, whose previous bestsellers include
and “The White Darkness”, is a master of exciting tales in far-flung places. He has produced a volume so dramatic and engrossing that it may surpass his previous books.’s captain, David Cheap, began to lose sway over the men as soon as the ship foundered. The crew became castaways on a small island in the Golfo de Penas . Just over half the original complement of 250 had survived outbreaks of typhus and scurvy onboard.
By contrast, John Bulkeley “emerged as a leader on his own merits”. A working seaman whose job, as gunner, was to oversee the ship’s cannon, he started foraging food, constructing shelter and bartering supplies from the moment his feet touched land. Others began looking to him for answers. Mr Grann writes that little is known about Bulkeley except that he was a devout Christian who swung hard in a fight.
The marooned crew feuded over where to assign fault and how to get home. They soon split into bitter factions. An indelible scene portrays Cheap and Bulkeley shaking hands as they part ways, never again to reunite. The privations that the men endured over the following months and years are almost unimaginable.
The story’s astonishing conclusion ought not to be spoiled, but “The Wager” echoes several other recent tales that have pitted bearded men against each other in harsh times and places. Bothby Michael Punke and “The North Water” by Ian McGuire are fictional antecedents. “The Wager” may be bound for similar success as, like those books, it looks headed for the screen. Apple Original Films has bought the rights, with Martin Scorsese attached to direct and Leonardo DiCaprio to star.
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Glasgow private hire driver suspended after pick-up story 'doesn't add up'Orwa Sulaiman Ibrahim was handed a six-week ban after being videoed plying for trade, as councillors weren't convinced by his account of events.
Weiterlesen »
Elon Musk: Twitter owner changes BBC account's 'government funded' labelThe Twitter boss agreed to change a description from 'government funded media' to 'publicly-funded'.
Weiterlesen »
Elon Musk says Twitter will change BBC account label to 'publicly funded'The Twitter boss says it will be adjusted from 'government funded media' to 'publicly-funded'.
Weiterlesen »
Strictly host quits show with emotional goodbye message leaving fans devastatedRYLAN Clark has dramatically quits Strictly: It Takes Two after four years as he shared an emotional goodbye with fans. The 34-year-old presenter took to his Instagram account to confirm the news t…
Weiterlesen »
Emmerdale's Nicky star Lewis Cope shares little-known link to David BeckhamHe may be best known to fans as Home Farm nanny Nicky in Emmerdale, but away from the village, actor Lewis Cope has a surprising connection to footballing legend David Beckham
Weiterlesen »