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51 pages 1 hour read

The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2009

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Book Brief

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David Grann

The Lost City of Z

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

319

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Amazon Rainforest • 1920s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15-18+ years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.1

110,629 ratings

71%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Lost City of Z?

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.

4.1

110,629 ratings

71%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

David Grann

A journalist for The New Yorker who embarks on a journey to trace the footsteps of explorer Percy Harrison Fawcett into the Amazon jungle, ultimately leading to the publication of his findings.

An RGS-trained explorer who becomes obsessed with finding the lost City of Z in the Amazon, and disappears during an expedition in 1925.

Percy's wife, who supports his explorations and holds hope for his return after his disappearance.

The eldest son of the Fawcetts, who joins his father Percy on the final expedition into the Amazon.

The second son of the Fawcetts, who later in life investigates his father’s expeditions and publishes "Exploration Fawcett."

Jack Fawcett’s best friend, who accompanies the Fawcett expedition and vanishes with them in 1925.

Grann’s guide in the Amazon, essential to Grann's journey to retrace Fawcett’s path.

An archaeologist who provides Grann with evidence that supports Fawcett’s theories about an ancient Amazonian civilization.

A banker who previously undertook an expedition in search of Fawcett, later offering Grann advice for his own journey.

Chief of the Kalapalos who guides Grann and his team into Xingu National Park.

A loyal companion to Fawcett on multiple Amazon expeditions, known for his resilience and adventurous spirit.

A fellow explorer who joins Fawcett on a 1911 expedition but later publicly criticizes him.

A wealthy American explorer regarded by Fawcett as a rival due to Rice’s advanced resources and technology.

RGS map curator who supports Fawcett throughout his career and after his disappearance, even participating in spiritual sessions.

Fawcett’s granddaughter, who preserves his logs and diaries, serving as a source of information for Grann.

An elderly Bakairi woman who recounts her childhood memories of encountering Fawcett’s expedition in 1925.

A member of Fawcett’s 1920 expedition who struggles with the harsh conditions and eventually returns home safely.

A promoter who secures funding for Fawcett’s final expedition but proves unreliable due to his personal vices.

Leads the first search expedition for Fawcett in 1928, concluding with the theory of local Indigenous involvement in the disappearance.

Claims to have seen Fawcett alive in the jungle, later disappearing during a related search.

David Grann’s wife, who highlights the personal risk involved in his Amazonian journey.

Book Details
Pages

319

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Amazon Rainforest • 1920s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15-18+ years

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