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Summary and Reviews of The Wager by David Grann

The Wager by David Grann

The Wager

A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder

by David Grann
  • BookBrowse Review:
  • Critics' Consensus (5):
  • Readers' Rating (22):
  • First Published:
  • Apr 18, 2023, 352 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Feb 2025, 432 pages
  • Rate this book

About This Book

Book Summary

Winner: BookBrowse Nonfiction Award 2023

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Killers of the Flower Moon, a page-turning story of shipwreck, survival, and savagery, culminating in a court martial that reveals a shocking truth. The powerful narrative reveals the deeper meaning of the events on The Wager, showing that it was not only the captain and crew who ended up on trial, but the very idea of empire.

On January 28, 1742, a ramshackle vessel of patched-together wood and cloth washed up on the coast of Brazil. Inside were thirty emaciated men, barely alive, and they had an extraordinary tale to tell. They were survivors of His Majesty's Ship the Wager, a British vessel that had left England in 1740 on a secret mission during an imperial war with Spain. While the Wager had been chasing a Spanish treasure-filled galleon known as "the prize of all the oceans," it had wrecked on a desolate island off the coast of Patagonia. The men, after being marooned for months and facing starvation, built the flimsy craft and sailed for more than a hundred days, traversing nearly 3,000 miles of storm-wracked seas. They were greeted as heroes.

But then ... six months later, another, even more decrepit craft landed on the coast of Chile. This boat contained just three castaways, and they told a very different story. The thirty sailors who landed in Brazil were not heroes – they were mutineers. The first group responded with countercharges of their own, of a tyrannical and murderous senior officer and his henchmen. It became clear that while stranded on the island the crew had fallen into anarchy, with warring factions fighting for dominion over the barren wilderness. As accusations of treachery and murder flew, the Admiralty convened a court martial to determine who was telling the truth. The stakes were life-and-death—for whomever the court found guilty could hang.

The Wager is a grand tale of human behavior at the extremes told by one of our greatest nonfiction writers. Grann's recreation of the hidden world on a British warship rivals the work of Patrick O'Brian, his portrayal of the castaways' desperate straits stands up to the classics of survival writing such as The Endurance, and his account of the court martial has the savvy of a Scott Turow thriller. As always with Grann's work, the incredible twists of the narrative hold the reader spellbound.

Chapter 1

The First Lieutenant

Each man in the squadron carried, along with a sea chest, his own burdensome story. Perhaps it was of a scorned love, or a secret prison conviction, or a pregnant wife left on shore weeping. Perhaps it was a hunger for fame and fortune, or a dread of death. David Cheap, the first lieutenant of the Centurion, the squadron's flagship, was no different. A burly Scotsman in his early forties with a protracted nose and intense eyes, he was in flight—from squabbles with his brother over their inheritance, from creditors chasing him, from debts that made it impossible for him to find a suitable bride. Onshore, Cheap seemed doomed, unable to navigate past life's unexpected shoals. Yet as he perched on the quarterdeck of a British man-of-war, cruising the vast oceans with a cocked hat and spyglass, he brimmed with confidence—even, some would say, a touch of haughtiness. The wooden world of a ship—a world bound by the Navy's rigid regulations and ...

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!
These are original discussion questions written by BookBrowse.
  1. In the introduction, David Grann writes that rather than "smoothing out every difference, or further shading the already shaded evidence," he's "tried to present all sides, leaving it to you to render the ultimate verdict." How did this note affect your approach to the book, if at all? Do you think he succeeded in his aim?
  2. Did you know about the wreck and mutiny of The Wager before reading the book?
  3. What aspects of life in the British Navy were familiar to you before reading the book? Did you learn anything new, or did anything surprise you?
  4. What was the attraction in going to sea for the men who chose to do so? Would you have been tempted, in similar circumstances? Have you ever ...
Please be aware that this discussion may contain spoilers!

See what our members are saying about this book in our Community Forum.

Is there a quote or scene that stood out for you? Why do you suppose it resonated?
It was those Marines left behind, who stood in honor of their country, as the other sailed away. It haunts me.
-Helen_B


In the introduction, David Grann writes that he “tried to present all sides, leaving it to you to render the ultimate verdict.” How did this note affect your approach to the book, if at all? Do you think he succeeded in his aim?
Yes, he did. At first i was Team Captain, then Team Mutineers, then Team Captain! Each time something happened, I'd say ummm, well. Great writing.
-Helen_B


What audience would you recommend The Wager to? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
I think people who love history, the sea or just plain adventure would love this book. It's non-fiction, but is a very good read.
-Helen_B


Some of the crew stole rations, and Cheap had them whipped and then abandoned, but some of the crew thought this punishment too lenient. What are your thoughts on this scene? Do you think that under the circumstances the punishment was just?
This scene was so horrific, but the stealing of rations had to be curtailed. If one stole they were basically condeming the others to death. I realize I could never be a captain!
-Helen_B


What did you think of the level of responsibility required for a captain? Is it achievable? Did Cheap live up to the demands of his profession, either before or after the wreck? Do you know of other professions that require so much accountability?
I think it is a tough job, but one that you know what you are getting into when you take it. These men are under your control and guidance…there can't be any room for less than your very best. I think doctors and nurses face this every day. Life and death decision made under great stress.
-Helen_B


Do you think the wreck of The Wager and its aftermath were in any way avoidable?
I'm not sure. With Cheap feeling so strongly that he had to follow Anson, there was no turning back.
-Helen_B


Cheap believed that to keep the castaways from turning on each other, that they needed rules and a rigid structure, and he consequently tried to adhere to the Articles of War. What do you think of his approach to the situation?
I agree that you need structure and rules to keep order, however, he may at one point wanted to look at his surroundings and updated the rules or had the men come together to make some of the decisions.
-Helen_B


How did you feel about the outcome of the court martial? What did you think about the admirals’ approach to the trial, and why do you believe they chose the course of action they did?
Sadly, it reminded me of what happens today in government. They had the court martial to say they had it, but then did what they needed to save face. I also was torn, because I felt like the crew and Captain had gone through such a horrible experience, how does one judge or know how one will react?
-Helen_B


In what ways, in your opinion, did the crew’s interactions with the indigenous peoples help or hurt their ability to survive?
Sadly, they like many of their era, did not value these people or what they were willing to do for them. I think if they had, more of the crew would have survived.
-Helen_B


What aspects of life in the British Navy were familiar to you before reading the book? Did you learn anything new, or did anything surprise you?
There were a number of aspects that I generally (thought I) knew, but the author was able to give so much background and perspective. I knew about scurvy, but didn't really know exactly what it did to your body…yikes!
-Peggy_H


Are any of the individuals in the book reliable narrators?
They were, as much as anyone is able to tell a story through any but one's own eyes.
-Peggy_H


What was the attraction in going to sea for the men who chose to do so? Would you have been tempted, in similar circumstances? Have you ever spent an extended period of time on a boat or ship?
Well I am attracted to adventure and I'm definitely not opposed to gaining fortune but I'm seriously afraid of death by fire or drowning so I might have been tempted but I'm not sure knowing the risk seamen took back then I would have "signed up". I have never taken a cruise but have spent some t...
-Jo_S


Overall, what did you think of The Wager? (no spoilers, please!)
This ended up not being my cup of tea. I picked it up twice because I really wanted to give it a chance based on the reviews, but I just couldn't wade through it any more.
-Lois_B


Grann is the author of several non-fiction books (The Lost City of Z and Killers of the Flower Moon among them). Have you read any of his previous works, and if so, how do they compare to The Wager?
I've never read anything else by Grann but would love to read Killers of the Flower Moon. I'm putting it on my (very long) To Be Read list.
-Kathy_Downey


To crew ships, the Admiralty relied on the process of “pressing” men into service. What did you think of this process? Was there any advantage to it?
Pressing men into service is wrong on so many levels. Yes, they got the bodies that were needed to fully man the ship but it's nothing but kidnapping. Perhaps enticing possible recruits with better wages and/or benefits for their families might have been a better option. Certainly it would be kin...
-Kathy_Downey


Did you know about the wreck and mutiny of The Wager before reading the book?
I had never heard of this before. I found the telling of the Wager's story very interesting and fascinating. I think it would be a good movie! Lol.
-Kathy_Downey


Bulkley wanted to sail up South America’s west coast, while Cheap wanted to stick with his original orders and travel along the east coast. Whose plan do you think stood a better chance of success? Which group do you think you would have joined?
Bulkeley's plan seemed the most sane one. However, Cheap was "hell-bent" in making the rendezvous with Admiral Anson according to the pre-planned schedule. He ignored recommendations from Bulkeley. I definitely would have chosen Bulkeley's group. Bulkeley knew about the sea and the condition of t...
-Ann_H


Which individual did you ultimately have the most sympathy for? Who did you end up having the least sympathy for? Did the actions of any of the officers or crew make you angry, and if so, which?
I had the most sympathy for Byron. I think he went to sea due to his lack of options. He had "few means to earn a respectable living". Throughout the book he showed a willingness to learn the tasks of the ship and even tried to working as a problem solver when the Wager wrecked. It is an easy cho...
-Ann_H


The author writes that as accounts proliferated in the press, “perceptions of the Wager affair varied from reader to reader.” What was your final take on the affair? Did you believe any one person's account more than another?
Not really. I was not a fan of Cheap and the way he conducted himself. His views of the conflict were certainly shaded by his egotistical view of himself. In my opinion, he caused the disrespect of the men towards him. He was my least favorite character in the book.
-Ann_H


How did the political climate impact the voyage and the crew's time as castaways?
This was a time when European countries were racing to the "new world" in hopes of riches and being considered successful in establishing new trade routes as well as new lands. Sailors were hoping to share in the "spoils" due to conquering heroes.
-Ann_H


Admiral Anson’s men loved him, while Cheap’s men generally despised their captain. What qualities did each have that impacted their crews? What do you think inspires people to loyalty?
Cheap was known for being "volatile and moody" and wanting to be in charge, He saw himself as a "knight-errant of the sea". None of these characteristics endeared him to those in his command. Anson, on the other hand, "had a mastery of himself" - cool and steady under duress. He was said to be si...
-Ann_H


The crew blamed the captain “for their misery and wondered what he was doing to rescue them.” Do you think they were right to do so? Is there anything Captain Cheap could have done to improve their situation?
In my opinion, Captain Cheap ruled in a very authoritative way. I think he considered his decisions the "correct" ones no matter what. The men in his command were removed from decision making when in fact some of their ideas could have proven to be the wise choice. Too bad they couldn't have been...
-Ann_H


About the The Wager by David Grann Discussion category
Please join us in our book club discussion of The Wager by David Grann. You can answer any of the posted questions, or create a new topic if you have your own question you'd like to discuss.
-nick


Book Suggestions - Ones I LOVED
Non-fiction favs in no particular order: Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA (Liza Mundy, History) The Six - The Untold Story of America's First Women Astronauts (Loren Grush, History, Science) The Library Book (Susan Orlean, True Crime) The Art Thief (Micheal Finkel, True Crime) K...
-Gabi_J


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    BookBrowse Awards
    2023

Reviews

BookBrowse Review

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Winner: BookBrowse Nonfiction Award 2023

I found this book to be well-researched, well-written and extremely easy to read. It was actually quite a thrilling read to be honest. It felt more like I was reading an adventure book than a nonfiction book (Tara T). Although the subject matter was not of great interest to me when I started reading the book, my opinion quickly changed when more of the narrative was developed. The author takes a maritime scandal and engulfs the reader in a suspenseful historical thriller! (Dan W). It's a riveting, page-turning adventure, complete with shipwreck, mutiny and murder (Lois K)...continued

Full Review (651 words)

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(Reviewed by First Impressions Reviewers).

Media Reviews

The Wall Street Journal
A tour de force of narrative nonfiction.

Time
Riveting…Reads like a thriller, tackling a multilayered history—and imperialism—with gusto.

Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
A brisk, absorbing history and a no-brainer for fans of the author's suspenseful historical thrillers.

Publishers Weekly
Grann packs the narrative with fascinating details about life at sea—from scurvy-induced delirium to the mechanics of loading and firing a cannon—and makes excellent use of primary sources, including a firsthand account by 16-year-old midshipman John Byron, grandfather of the poet Lord Byron. Armchair adventurers will be enthralled.

Reader Reviews

Anthony Conty

Tirelessly Researched
David Grann's “The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder” tells an entirely different story than his previous masterpiece, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” in the same captivating way. Understanding the complex life of a sailor, a journey that ...   Read More
Tara T. (Carterville, IL)

The Wager
I found this book to be well researched, well-written and extremely easy to read. It was actually quite a thrilling read to be honest. It felt more like I was reading an adventure book than a nonfiction book. The beginning was slow for me to get into...   Read More
Mary G. (Greensboro, GA)

Fans of Erik Larson will Love The Wager
Meticulously researched and deeply detailed, this is the story of an ill-fated British warship, the Wager. Although an entire fleet left England in 1740 on a secret mission against the Spanish, only one ship returned to England. A couple of ragtag ...   Read More
Anke V. (Portland, OR)

The Wager
Set in 1740, this is the story of the treacherous journey of six English warships, the Wager among them, with the secret mission of capturing Spanish silver and gold near the tip of South America. While rounding Cape Horn, and battling an outbreak of...   Read More

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Beyond the Book



Cape Horn

Black-and-white photographic image taken from a ship sailing near Cape Horn during a storm, tilted and partially submerged in waves David Grann's The Wager is a nonfiction book about events surrounding the 1741 wreck of the British ship the HMS Wager, which met its doom while rounding Cape Horn, a rocky headland at the southernmost tip of the Chilean archipelago Tierra del Fuego, where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans meet. With this book, Grann sheds light on one relatively little-known historical incident, but Cape Horn is infamous for shipwrecks. Its treacherous waters are estimated to have claimed more than 800 ships and 10,000 lives.

So why exactly is rounding Cape Horn so dangerous? One reason for this is a sharp rise in the ocean floor that occurs southwest of the cape. This rise, combined with strong winds caused by the area's southerly latitude (where...

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