The Wager

It is always interesting to read about tales from the past, especially ones where the people involved are forced to endure situations or events that you know would be difficult to over come even today. Yet The Wager left me somewhat disappointed, it was built as a tale of two opposing views of a mutinous act by a shipwrecked crew. Yet the Amazon description “culminating in a court martial that reveals a shocking truth.” over eggs what is ultimately a pretty tame and uneventful ending.

Books like this must be incredibly hard to write, the events took place almost 300 years ago and the only records of them are those written by the survivors. Trying to create an interesting and absorbing narrative is no small feat. Yet the central premise of this narrative, that there were two groups who survived and their stories were wildly different just simply isn’t the case.

Yes there are two viewpoints that lead to slightly different emphasis of actions and each group is trying to protect its own interests, but there is nothing explosive or revelatory to any of it.

The hardships endured by the men, both on the ship and after it wrecked, are truly awful. This aspect of the book I really liked, the depiction of the attempt to round Cape Horn is utterly terrifying. Also the time spent trying to survive on Wager Island is harrowing and grim.

If you are interested in British, naval or imperial history then I would recommend that you give this book a read. It is incredibly well written. If, like me, you are hoping for some gobsmacking twist then you will be disappointed.