The River of Doubt

Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey

By: Candice Millard

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

At once an incredible adventure narrative and a penetrating biographical portrait, The River of Doubt is the true story of Theodore Roosevelt's harrowing exploration of one of the most dangerous rivers on earth.

The River of Doubt; it is a black, uncharted tributary of the Amazon that snakes through one of the most treacherous jungles in the world. Indians armed with poison-tipped arrows haunt its shadows; piranhas glide through its waters; boulder-strewn rapids turn the river into a roiling cauldron.

After his humiliating election defeat in 1912, Roosevelt set his sights on the most punishing physical challenge he could find, the first descent of an unmapped, rapids-choked tributary of the Amazon. Together with his son Kermit and Brazil's most famous explorer, Candido Mariano da Silva Rondon, Roosevelt accomplished a feat so great that many at the time refused to believe it. In the process, he changed the map of the western hemisphere forever.

Along the way, Roosevelt and his men faced an unbelievable series of hardships, losing their canoes and supplies to punishing whitewater rapids, and enduring starvation, Indian attack, disease, drowning, and a murder within their own ranks. Three men died, and Roosevelt was brought to the brink of suicide. The River of Doubt brings alive these extraordinary events in a powerful nonfiction narrative thriller that happens to feature one of the most famous Americans who ever lived.

From the soaring beauty of the Amazon rain forest to the darkest night of Theodore Roosevelt's life, here is Candice Millard's dazzling debut.

©2005 Candice Miller (P)2005 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"Millard...nails the suspense element of this story perfectly, but equally important to her success is the marvelous amount of detail she provides on the wildlife that Roosevelt and his fellow explorers encountered on their journey, as well as the cannibalistic indigenous tribe that stalked them much of the way." (Publishers Weekly)

One of the best books I've listen to a long, long time.

Anyone who loves history and has an adventurous spirit should definitely read this book. Engaging, fascinating history told in story form.

I didn't want it to end!

The story was both exhilarating and true! It was written and read in a manner that was both informative and exciting. I really enjoyed the fact filled adventure, and wish that it was longer!

Better than fiction

TR has always been one of my heroes. This riveting story makes him an more beloved figure. Remarkable adventure with a remarkable man.

Fascinating and an Education, too!

This is my second book by Candace Millard. I believe I’m a devotee already! Destiny of a Republic was so well-written—about a subject I thought I had little interest in—really taught me so much that I hesitated to start with River of Doubt because I assumed it can’t possibly compare. But, I’m happy to say I was wrong. I came to understand this president and the time so much better. Millard manages to tell the story and get you to where you would like, yet she skillfully inserts lesser-known details and insights that really make the experience rich. I’m so grateful to end this day a tiny bit smarter than I believe I was this morning!

A remarkable and saddening journey

Millard leads us alongside our Bull Moose, Teddy Roosevelt, as he explores and surveys an unknown tributary of the Amazon with the Brazilian war hero and explorer, Colonel Rondon.

Relative to the historical nonfiction genre, The River of Doubt is action packed and provides good context for Teddy's trip. While the numerous segways are informative, they occasionally detract from the pace of the adventure. Moreover, the story ends surprisingly quickly after the climax.

These aside, Millard has put together a must read on Teddy Roosevelt for history buffs and thrill seekers alike.

Candice Millard Does It Again

What did you love best about The River of Doubt?

This is another historical piece that I would recommend to anyone looking at past American leadership. Although TR was not president at the time, Candice Millard shows us why this man was revered and despised. Millard brought me closer to understanding another one of my American heroes. The ease of listening to the narrator was quite soothing. He did an excellent job reading. I am now on my second listening.

What did you like best about this story?

The flow of the story cannot be overlooked. I took that journey with TR and Rondon, Kermit and everyone else on the expedition. Candice Millard gives you history as a novel. It is no way boring and no way sensationalized. I never tired of listening. I wanted to know what was around the next bend on the River of Doubt.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene was when TR wanted to "take out" the lazy, conniving fellow who killed one of his fellow workers. After Rondon explained to TR, the fellow could not be killed, but must be tried by their law. I felt as TR, yet I knew TR's way was the American mindset. It was not his place. It was Rondon's decision.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I had no problems with the narrator's performance. There were no over the top theatrics, just historical deliverance. Bully for him, as an adjective, not a noun.

Any additional comments?

By all means, the printed copy will be added to my family library. I am now interested in more about TR and others of his era. I recommend this to any TR enthusiast, audible or printed.

A man larger than life..was. Gripping and perilous

Experience the overwhelm of "the natural" ( jungle) in its unforgiving and unmerciful state. Then do this with men, you as the reader, "will them" to survive the impossible. This story is a revealer of character, that can be hidden behind pomp and circumstance, but is exposed in raw honesty when circumstances are dire, survival is bleak, and fear and illness break-down the strongest. What emerges are heroes.... an enlightening story of the past I have never heard. It gave me a new appreciation for Mt Rushmore.

Informative and entertaining

I knew nothing at all about this expedition prior to this book. It is one of the most fascinating tales I've read, is easy to listen to (time passes quickly, except when the writer deliberately slows things down so you "feel their pain" and despair). The wrap-up at the end gives important closure to this amazing true-life adventure that beats anything on the Discovery Channel. It is suitable for family listening, and my 15-year-old nephew loved it as well. I will admit, though, I am no longer in such a hurry to visit the rain forest of South America!

This is the version you are looking for

universal depiction of the Roosevelt/ Rendon expedition down an unexplored river in the Amazon

An amazing account. Narrator did a super job.

this was an amazing account of a Great Adventure. Really gave good insight into the life of Roosevelt. Would definitely recommend.