The River of Doubt is a nonfiction book by Candice Millard that details the harrowing journey of Theodore Roosevelt and his team as they explore the uncharted River of Doubt in the Amazon rainforest.
Expedition to the River of Doubt
The book begins by introducing Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, and his desire to continue exploring and adventuring even after his presidency. In 1913, he joins an expedition to explore the River of Doubt, a tributary of the Amazon that had never been explored by outsiders.
Challenges and Obstacles
The expedition is led by Brazilian explorer Candido Rondon and includes Roosevelt's son Kermit, naturalist George Cherrie, and several Brazilian guides and soldiers. The team faces numerous challenges and obstacles, including treacherous rapids, dense jungle, and deadly animals.
Encountering Indigenous Tribes
As they progress down the river, the team encounters various indigenous tribes, some of whom are hostile and others who are helpful. They also suffer from a variety of illnesses, including malaria and dysentery.
Dwindling Supplies, Soaring Tensions
Despite these challenges, the team continues on, determined to reach the end of the river. However, their supplies and equipment begin to run low and tensions rise among the team members.
The End
As they near the end of the river, Roosevelt becomes seriously ill with a severe case of dysentery and is unable to continue. The team is forced to leave him behind and continue on without him.
After several days, the remaining team members finally reach the end of the river and are rescued by Rondon's team. However, Roosevelt's condition has worsened and he dies soon after.
The book concludes by exploring the lasting impact of the expedition on the people involved, including the indigenous tribes and the Brazilian government, as well as the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt and his enduring love of adventure and exploration.
The River of Doubt is a thrilling and insightful exploration of one of the most dangerous and unknown expeditions of the 20th century, and the impact it had on the people involved and the world at large.
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