The Wager by David Grann

A fascinating account of an ill-fated voyage by a squadron of British Royal Navy ships in 1740 to South America in search of Spanish galleons aiming to teach them a lesson and recoup riches. David Grann takes us on a literary treasure hunt of seafaring and military lore. From the Captain's quarters to the lowest berth of the youngest teen in the crew he creates a full picture of everything a voyage like this would entail. We see the deplorable conditions they faced as well as disease, storms, marauding Spanish war ships and brutal coastlines. If they survived the above, and many did not, The Wager was unlucky enough to run aground and become shipwrecked on a very inhospitable island. When some finally did make it back to England they were not met with a ticker tape parade but instead charged with mutiny, a trial and various accounts of what happened on that island. In a world where they knew they had little chance of survival it is no wonder that military rule, honor and the disciplined life they led on the ship rotted away as fast as the ruined carcass of the Wager did. This incredible and well researched story will appeal to sea goers and landlubbers alike.  4 stars