Island of the Lost

Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World

By: Joan Druett

Narrated by: David Colacci

Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Auckland Island is a godforsaken place in the middle of the Southern Ocean, 285 miles south of New Zealand. With year-round freezing rain and howling winds, it is one of the most forbidding places in the world. To be shipwrecked there means almost certain death.

In 1864, Captain Thomas Musgrave and his crew of four aboard the schooner Grafton wreck on the southern end of the island. Utterly alone in a dense coastal forest, plagued by stinging blowflies and relentless rain, Captain Musgrave inspires his men to take action. With barely more than their bare hands, they build a cabin and, remarkably, a forge where they manufacture their tools.

Incredibly, at the same time on the opposite end of the island, the Invercauld wrecks during a horrible storm. Nineteen men stagger ashore. Unlike Captain Musgrave, the captain of the Invercauld falls apart given the same dismal circumstances. His men fight and split up; some die of starvation, others turn to cannibalism. Only three survive. Musgrave and all of his men not only endure for nearly two years, but they also plan their own astonishing escape, setting off on one of the most courageous sea voyages in history.

©2007 Joan Druett (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"The amount of detail Druett has amassed is truly impressive, resulting in an invaluable account of survival." ( Booklist)

Good book, but a little long in the tooth.

I liked this book, but kept wishing I could skip a minute, once in a while. It's amazing what these men could endure.

Boring

An interesting beginning but the story dragged on and I got to the point where I didn't care what happened.

loved this book!

well researched and fascinating story. The seamless blend of history and narrative had me hooked.

Keeps your interest

If you like survival stories, this one is for you. The true story of how shipwreck survivors lived on an inhospitable island using what resources they could find as well as their ingenuity is amazing. It also shows how great leadership and respect for one another can make the difference as well as faith and determination.

Great survival stores.

Very well written and performed survival story. On par with "Endurance " , Shackleton's story of survival in the Antarctic.

A Tale of Two Types of Characters

It is one thing to imagine being lost at sea and shipwrecked on an island fearful of never being rescued. But to endure day to day and maintain hope and purpose, then to finally take matters into your own hands takes strength of character, determination, and leadership. Yet on the same island, another set of sailors experience disaster due to their own weakness and hopelessness. It is incredible to read about the strength of the human spirit. These men relied on their faith which did not let them down. The story is narrated very well which always enhances the experience.

A compelling listen

This story of 2 groups of ship wrecked sailors is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, ingenuity, and will to survive. It is also a startling proof of the value of good management. It held my attention to the end.

Should be made into a movie!

This is a very easy read and tells a terrific storey of innovation and determination in order to survive.

Fantastic Story, Boring Performance

The story is well-written, but the issue lies with some pacing towards the middle and the overall performance of the narrator. He has an amazing voice, but the entirety of the book is monotone -- even at moments where there is a lot of activity. It made paying attention quite problematic.

Interesting

A good listen but sometimes a bit repetitive. Good performance from the narator
#Tagsgiving #Sweepstakes