Scan barcode
A review by cosmicbookworm
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann
4.0
My curiosity about this book was piqued by its connection to my late cousin Phil, who led his book club through it on his deathbed. Phil, a retired Episcopal Priest with a passion for fairness and justice, undoubtedly facilitated insightful discussions. This personal connection heightened my desire to delve into the narrative.
At its core, the story unfolds as a tale of challenge and adventure, with Grann skillfully extracting rich information from logbooks. Contrary to the assumption of widespread illiteracy in history, these ship crews revealed articulate voices through their writings. Grann, in his characteristic style, meticulously pieces together the available material, crafting a compelling narrative.
The Wager symbolized Britain's pursuit of dominance over Spain, aiming for control of sea routes and empire expansion. The covert mission to capture Spanish gold and silver added intrigue, capturing the crew's attention.
Grann prompts readers to reflect on how memory and narratives shape perception, asserting, "The only impartial witness is the sun."
As a fan of Grann's work, I acknowledge that "The Wager" didn't resonate with me as strongly as "Killers of the Flower Moon," perhaps due to the distant setting. The conflict between Britain and Spain didn't hit as close to home. "Killers of the Flower Moon" happened just a few states away from me and during the life of my father and grandparents. The adventures of "The Wager" happened a world away and a time long ago.
Nevertheless, the book underscores the imperialistic mindset of nations seeking global dominance, shedding light on the detrimental impact on indigenous lives. While not a geographical neighbor, the narrative aligns with my commitment to "Read Until I Understand," emphasizing the importance of awareness in the face of historical injustices.