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Book of the Week: Episode 8 - Escaping Wager Island

Episode 8 of 10

In David Grann's account of the fate of an 18th century warship, mutiny has put the castaways into two factions, both hell bent on escape. Luke Treadaway reads.

In David Grann's account of the fate of an 18th century warship, mutiny has put the castaways into two rival factions, both hell bent on escape. Their chances of success are slim, as they take to their boats and contemplate furious storms. Luke Treadaway reads.

David Grann, the internationally best-selling and award winning writer, brings us the story of the treacherous events that took place on the Wager, an eighteenth century British warship, when it was lost at sea. Grann's enquiry into this story of shipwreck, mutiny, and murder sheds light on what happened when the Wager's crew were stranded on an uninhabitable island thousands of miles from home. The fate of those few men who made it home, reveals shocking insights into Great Britain's justice system in the Age of Empire.

David Grann is the author of The Lost City of Z, and Killers of the Flower Moon which is now a Hollywood blockbuster.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton
Produced by Elizabeth Allard

14 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Wed 10 Jan 2024 09:45
  • Thu 11 Jan 2024 00:30