This is a gripping real-life survival tale set against the wild, unforgiving backdrop of the subantarctic Auckland Islands. The story revolves around not one but two shipwrecks, contrasting two groups with very different outcomes and leadership styles. Joan Druett's impeccable research makes this almost unbelievable saga totally immersive - you can feel the cold, the hunger, and the ingenuity required to survive. Perfect for fans of adventure nonfiction, maritime history enthusiasts, survival story lovers, or anyone who enjoyed "Endurance" by Alfred Lansing. If you like human drama, the psychology of teamwork (or the lack of it), or tales of beating impossible odds, you'll be hooked.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers found the detailed descriptions of seal hunting and survival techniques a bit much, especially if you're squeamish about animal harm or prefer less grisly details. The pace can also get bogged down in technical or environmental specifics - if you're wanting nonstop action or a more novelistic style, this might feel a bit dry in spots. Also, the focus is more on the first crew’s story, so anyone expecting an even split between the two may be disappointed.

An extraordinary, true survival story with fascinating insights into human nature and leadership - harsh, riveting, and highly recommended for true adventure fans.

About:

'Island of the Lost: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World' by Joan Druett is a gripping narrative that delves into the true story of two separate shipwrecks on the remote Auckland Islands in the late 19th century. The author skillfully weaves together the accounts of the survivors, showcasing the harrowing tales of perseverance and survival in the face of extreme conditions. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Druett brings to life the contrasting experiences of the two groups of castaways, highlighting the themes of leadership, ingenuity, and the human will to endure in the most dire circumstances.

Druett's writing style in 'Island of the Lost' has been praised for its ability to captivate readers from the very beginning, offering a well-balanced blend of historical accuracy and narrative intrigue. not only provides a detailed account of the physical challenges faced by the shipwrecked sailors but also delves into the psychological aspects of survival, exploring themes of brotherhood, respect, and the dichotomy between unity and self-preservation. Readers are taken on a journey through the unforgiving landscape of the Auckland Islands, where the resilience and resourcefulness of the castaways are put to the ultimate test.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is engaging and blends historical detail with a narrative style that keeps the reader invested in the survival stories.

Plot/Storyline:

The story follows two shipwrecks on opposite sides of the same island, where differing leadership and cooperation levels result in dramatically divergent survival experiences for the crews.

Setting:

The setting is the unforgiving Auckland Islands, which significantly influence the survival experience of the shipwrecked crews.

Pacing:

The pacing maintains reader interest through a blend of quick action and informative details, though some technical explanations can slow it down.

It was October 1863, early springtime in Sydney, Australia. The sun was bright, but a chilly wind whisked up the broad surface of the harbor, dashing reflections to pieces. Distant waves rushed agains...

Genres:

Topics:

survival against the odds

Notes:

The Auckland Islands are south of New Zealand and remain uninhabited.

Auckland Islands are known for their harsh year-round weather and poor soil.

The main island, Auckland, is about 26 miles long, with a rocky coastline that is dangerous for ships.

In January 1864, the schooner Grafton was shipwrecked on Auckland Island with a crew of five.

The crew of the Grafton was well-organized and worked together for survival, setting up camp and salvaging materials.

Four months later, the ship Invercauld was also wrecked, with a larger crew of 25.

The Grafton crew successfully survived for 18 months, while the Invercauld crew suffered from infighting and lack of leadership, leading to cannibalism.

Francois Raynal from the Grafton had significant skills and ingenuity, creating tools and structures from salvaged materials.

In contrast, the Invercauld's leadership was ineffective, leading to the deaths of most of its crew.

Weather conditions greatly impacted their survival; the Grafton crew was shipwrecked in summer, while the Invercauld was wrecked in winter.

The survivors of both ships never knew of each other's existence despite being on the same island.

Joan Druett's research included diaries and accounts from crew members, which provided insights into their survival strategies.

The survival of the Grafton crew was marked by a sense of camaraderie and democratic decision-making, unlike the Invercauld's crew.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are content warnings regarding graphic descriptions of seal hunting and the hardships faced by the castaways, which may be upsetting to some readers.

From The Publisher:

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-rather than succumb to this dismal fate-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. Under Musgrave's leadership, they band together and remain civilized through even the darkest and most terrifying days.

Incredibly, at the same time on the opposite end of the island-twenty miles of impassable cliffs and chasms away-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, they also plan their own astonishing escape, setting off on one of the most courageous sea voyages in history.

Using the survivors' journals and historical records, award-winning maritime historian Joan Druett brings this extraordinary untold story to life, a story about leadership and the fine line between order and chaos.

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About the Author:

Joan Druett is a maritime historian and the award-winning author of several books, including Petticoat Whalers, She Was a Sister Sailor, Hen Frigates, Tupaia, and The Discovery of Tahiti. Her interest in maritime history began in 1984, when she discovered the grave of a young American whaling wife while exploring the tropical island of Rarotonga; she subsequently received a Fulbright fellowship to study whaling wives in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and California. Her ground-breaking work in the field of seafaring women was also recognized with a L. Byrne Waterman Award. She is married to Ron Druett, a maritime artist.

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Island of the Lost: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World

Joan Druett

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