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)

Fantastic Apolitical Adventure Story

I really enjoy a book about adventure that leaves politics aside. I’m not a big fan of Roosevelt per se, but it was good to see beyond the politics to the real man. A man and his son, with other notable explorers doing extremely brave things. It really brings home the fact that we all should view each other as valuable human beings and look for the things that bind us together rather than tear us apart. I recommend this book fully!

Interesting story

The book covered much more than a story on Teddy Roosevelt exploring the river. It gave information on Amazon river, the natives, the wildlife and personalities of the men on the journey. I’m amazed that they made the journey on the river because the organization of the trip and the supplies that were purchased for the trip were insufficient for the trip.

A big story for big Teddy

this is an astounding tale for an astounding adventure, Millard's attention to detail humanizes history

Great read

Exciting story about very driven men under unbelievable circumstances. Enjoyed the fact that the author includes an epilogue to the main characters.

A reality check.

Any physical or mental challenge we endure today pales in comparison to what this expedition faced. Luke P Shreveport, La.

Adventure at its best

If you like jungle-based adventure stories, put this on your list. Worth the time. Well done. You will enjoy.

Phenomenal

This is one of the best audiobooks I've ever purchased. Powerful history told so very well. My compliments to the author and narrator. Just an incredible work

Never Knew

Never really knew what type of person Teddy Roosevelt really was, outside of being one of our presidents. what a crazy story, you would never imagine a modern president going through the challenges that he put himself through.

Great Story!

Fantastic story, written as if your riding the canoe with T.R.
Narrated with entertaining skill. Very enjoyable .

Candice Millard is pretty darn good!

My second book from Candice Millard, and I enjoy her style quite a bit. Well-researched. Well-told story. Not another boring, "and then this happened..." Just a really solid book. I enjoy it and I think most people (even those not interested in history) will enjoy it as well.