Plot Summary

Skeletons on the Zahara

Dean King
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Skeletons on the Zahara

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2004

Book Brief

Dean King

Skeletons on the Zahara

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2004
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Sahara Desert • 19th century

Publication Year

2004

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Skeletons on the Zahara by Dean King recounts the harrowing 1815 ordeal of Captain James Riley and his crew, whose shipwreck on the coast of Western Sahara leads to their capture and enslavement by Berber tribesmen, a grueling desert journey, and eventual ransom and freedom in Mogador. Sensitive topics include slavery and severe mistreatment of individuals.

Challenging

Adventurous

Informative

Mysterious

Dark

Reviews & Readership

4.2

13,784 ratings

78%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Dean King's Skeletons on the Zahara is praised for its gripping narrative and thorough research, vividly recounting a harrowing tale of survival in the Sahara Desert. Critics appreciate its historical accuracy and compelling prose. However, some find the pacing uneven and the detailed descriptions of hardship overwhelming at times. Overall, it’s a well-researched and engaging read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Skeletons on the Zahara?

Readers who are captivated by harrowing survival tales, historical adventure, and rich cultural settings will enjoy Skeletons on the Zahara by Dean King. Fans of Nathaniel Philbrick's In the Heart of the Sea or Alfred Lansing's Endurance will particularly appreciate this meticulously researched story of shipwreck and endurance.

4.2

13,784 ratings

78%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Sahara Desert • 19th century

Publication Year

2004

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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