Review of River Without a Cause
Posted: 12 Jul 2024, 04:11
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "River Without a Cause" by Sam Moses.]
This book recounts an exhibition led by Theodore Roosevelt into the Amazon and through the River of Doubt. It first introduces readers to Charles Haskell and Elizabeth McKnight, who are embarking on a challenging expedition down the Rio Roosevelt in the Amazon. They had carefully planned their journey over 18 months, with the aim of retracing Theodore Roosevelt’s historic descent and assessing the river’s current state compared to its condition 77 years ago. Leading the nonprofit New Century Conservation Trust, Haskell and McKnight sought to highlight environmental issues and support rainforest education programs in Brazil. The exhibition unfolded against the backdrop of a Round Table discussion in Manaus, Brazil, where key figures like Silvio Barros and Professor Ribamar Bessa emphasized the importance of eco-tourism and warned of the jungle’s dangers. Sam Moses shows the expedition's logistical hurdles, from navigating treacherous rapids to managing supplies and negotiating with local tribes. Through a blend of adventure, historical narrative, and socio-political commentary, "River Without a Cause" sets the stage for a compelling exploration story that resonated with my interest in environmental conservation, adventure travel, indigenous peoples’ rights, as well as the complex interplay of cultures in the Amazon rainforest.
This book’s unique chapters highlight distinct occurring events in a logical manner. Although the author navigated between historical narratives and the present exhibition, he did so in such a creative manner that it transported me back and forth where needed. I equally enjoyed the historical narratives that were inserted throughout the book and told stories from the point of view of several historical figures, such as Theodore Roosevelt's children. Importantly, these narratives helped me understand the psychological buildup of the personalities undertaking the windy exhibition through the Amazon. Moreover, Sam has also beautified this narrative further with the inserted photographs, which give further visual glimpses into what journeys may have actually looked like. I loved that this book has no grammar errors.
Although this book covered a vast range of topics, from historical exploration to contemporary environmental issues and even the personal life stories of the lead characters involved, this made the narrative feel overly complex or fragmented at some instances, almost making me wish for a more focused story. Sam does a great job of crafting a book that navigates both historical events as well as a contemporary exhibition that seeks to retrace the paths of the earlier events. I rate this book five out of five.
This book would be best suited for adventure enthusiasts, history lovers, and readers who enjoy travel and explorer biographies.
******
River Without a Cause
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
This book recounts an exhibition led by Theodore Roosevelt into the Amazon and through the River of Doubt. It first introduces readers to Charles Haskell and Elizabeth McKnight, who are embarking on a challenging expedition down the Rio Roosevelt in the Amazon. They had carefully planned their journey over 18 months, with the aim of retracing Theodore Roosevelt’s historic descent and assessing the river’s current state compared to its condition 77 years ago. Leading the nonprofit New Century Conservation Trust, Haskell and McKnight sought to highlight environmental issues and support rainforest education programs in Brazil. The exhibition unfolded against the backdrop of a Round Table discussion in Manaus, Brazil, where key figures like Silvio Barros and Professor Ribamar Bessa emphasized the importance of eco-tourism and warned of the jungle’s dangers. Sam Moses shows the expedition's logistical hurdles, from navigating treacherous rapids to managing supplies and negotiating with local tribes. Through a blend of adventure, historical narrative, and socio-political commentary, "River Without a Cause" sets the stage for a compelling exploration story that resonated with my interest in environmental conservation, adventure travel, indigenous peoples’ rights, as well as the complex interplay of cultures in the Amazon rainforest.
This book’s unique chapters highlight distinct occurring events in a logical manner. Although the author navigated between historical narratives and the present exhibition, he did so in such a creative manner that it transported me back and forth where needed. I equally enjoyed the historical narratives that were inserted throughout the book and told stories from the point of view of several historical figures, such as Theodore Roosevelt's children. Importantly, these narratives helped me understand the psychological buildup of the personalities undertaking the windy exhibition through the Amazon. Moreover, Sam has also beautified this narrative further with the inserted photographs, which give further visual glimpses into what journeys may have actually looked like. I loved that this book has no grammar errors.
Although this book covered a vast range of topics, from historical exploration to contemporary environmental issues and even the personal life stories of the lead characters involved, this made the narrative feel overly complex or fragmented at some instances, almost making me wish for a more focused story. Sam does a great job of crafting a book that navigates both historical events as well as a contemporary exhibition that seeks to retrace the paths of the earlier events. I rate this book five out of five.
This book would be best suited for adventure enthusiasts, history lovers, and readers who enjoy travel and explorer biographies.
******
River Without a Cause
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon