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)

Intriguing story!

Well with written, and well performed for audible. A great audiobook option as I doubt I would have made it through a written copy, though the story was intriguing. Was recommended to me and I intern would recommend.

Enjoyed every minute

Besides being a piece of history surrounding an ex president this adventure story exemplifies one’s ability to survive in the most treacherous conditions. Amazing story!

The Best Historical author in the biz!

I listened to her book on Garfield and now this story. in a single word....riveting! I've lost a lot of sleep due to her and I hope she will continue bringing history to us that is totally palatable. Thank you!

Superb— better than a movie. I wish it hadn’t ended

I learned so much from this. There are so many facets to T Roosevelt’s life and while this well-performed book succeeds in reflecting most of them.

Gripping Account

Fascinating description of a harrowing, tradgedy-filled, dramatic journey through the Amazon. You almost feel like you're there and you get to know each man as their multi-layered personalities unfold throughout. The history was nicely complemented with biology and rich descriptions of the tropical setting and social context. Narrator was spectacular.

Great true story. Great narration.

Truly an amazing man. An expedition of great will, endurance and courage. And there was definitely some good luck.

What an adventure in history!

I thoroughly enjoyed this account of a man I now know fits the part of Rough n Ready Teddy! The narrator brings to life a really great read

Husband liked it

This book details his journey down a river in South America (maybe Brazil) and the challenges that they endured. It was very captivating and you feel like you are there

Extreme and fascinating experiences well told

Gained even more respect for Teddy Roosevelt's curiosity, conviction, and compassion in this riveting and disturbing account of his

Breathtaking

Exceptional, heartbreaking, exciting and inspiring. That sums it up. The “15 word minimum” for a review is ridiculous.