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319
Book • Nonfiction
Amazon Rainforest • 1920s
2009
Adult
15-18+ years
The Lost City of Z by David Grann intertwines the tale of Percy Harrison Fawcett, an explorer determined to find a sophisticated ancient city he named Z deep in the Amazon, with Grann’s own journey to uncover the mystery of Fawcett's disappearance in 1925. As Grann delves into Fawcett's past, both stories reveal their obsessions with the Amazonian quest, highlighting discoveries and dangers along the way.
Mysterious
Adventurous
Suspenseful
Informative
Contemplative
110,629 ratings
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David Grann's The Lost City of Z captivates with its thrilling narrative and meticulous research. Critics laud its compelling blend of history and adventure but note occasional pacing issues. The book's vivid portrayal of explorer Percy Fawcett and the Amazon's mysteries makes it an intriguing read, despite some over-detailed passages.
A reader who relishes thrilling adventures and historical mysteries would enjoy David Grann's The Lost City of Z. Fans of Into the Wild and In the Heart of the Sea will appreciate its detailed narrative and exploration of the Amazon. This book appeals to those interested in exploration, archaeology, and biographical quests.
110,629 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Percy Harrison Fawcett
An RGS-trained explorer who becomes obsessed with finding the lost City of Z in the Amazon, and disappears during an expedition in 1925.
Nina Fawcett
Percy's wife, who supports his explorations and holds hope for his return after his disappearance.
Jack Fawcett
The eldest son of the Fawcetts, who joins his father Percy on the final expedition into the Amazon.
Brian Fawcett
The second son of the Fawcetts, who later in life investigates his father’s expeditions and publishes "Exploration Fawcett."
Raleigh Rimell
Jack Fawcett’s best friend, who accompanies the Fawcett expedition and vanishes with them in 1925.
Paulo Pinage
Grann’s guide in the Amazon, essential to Grann's journey to retrace Fawcett’s path.
Michael Heckenberger
An archaeologist who provides Grann with evidence that supports Fawcett’s theories about an ancient Amazonian civilization.
James Lynch
A banker who previously undertook an expedition in search of Fawcett, later offering Grann advice for his own journey.
Vajuvi Kalapalo
Chief of the Kalapalos who guides Grann and his team into Xingu National Park.
Henry Costin
A loyal companion to Fawcett on multiple Amazon expeditions, known for his resilience and adventurous spirit.
James Murray
A fellow explorer who joins Fawcett on a 1911 expedition but later publicly criticizes him.
Dr. Alexander Hamilton Rice
A wealthy American explorer regarded by Fawcett as a rival due to Rice’s advanced resources and technology.
Edward Ayearst Reeves
RGS map curator who supports Fawcett throughout his career and after his disappearance, even participating in spiritual sessions.
Rolette de Montet-Guerin
Fawcett’s granddaughter, who preserves his logs and diaries, serving as a source of information for Grann.
Laurinda (Comaeda) Bakairi
An elderly Bakairi woman who recounts her childhood memories of encountering Fawcett’s expedition in 1925.
Ernest Holt
A member of Fawcett’s 1920 expedition who struggles with the harsh conditions and eventually returns home safely.
George Lynch
A promoter who secures funding for Fawcett’s final expedition but proves unreliable due to his personal vices.
George Dyott
Leads the first search expedition for Fawcett in 1928, concluding with the theory of local Indigenous involvement in the disappearance.
Stefan Rattin
Claims to have seen Fawcett alive in the jungle, later disappearing during a related search.
Kyra Grann
David Grann’s wife, who highlights the personal risk involved in his Amazonian journey.
319
Book • Nonfiction
Amazon Rainforest • 1920s
2009
Adult
15-18+ years
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