The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey

Theodore Roosevelt was a man of exceptional vigor, ability, and zest for life. He is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating men ever to hold the American Presidency, and indeed possibly to have ever lived. His biography reads almost like a presciption for getting everything one can out of life -- to seize every adventure, to pursue every ideal, and to hold fast to one's personal moral code. Roosevelt is the star of the terrific story that is told in The River of Doubt, but he is not alone. He is surrounded by a number of other exceptional individuals -- the great Brazilian explorer Colonel Rondon, Roosevelt's own tormented but brave son Kermit, and a group of Brailizian camaradas who range from the most tireless and fearless, to the most venal. The elements of this story are such that it can hardly miss. Roosevelt, Rondon and the others traveled deep into the heart of the Brazilian Amazon to explore territory that no white men had ever explored before. Unimaginable challenges awaited them -- unpredictably difficult terrain, roaring rapids, ravenous jungles, arduous portages, inadequate provisions, cultural barriers within the exploring party, disease-carrying insects, and hostile, cannibalistic, and stealthy indigenous peoples. Terrific though the story is, Ms. Millard's treatment of it is what makes this a truly wonderful book. She has a great gift for relating the sensory flavor of the ecosystem through which Roosevelt and his company traveled. Her descriptions of the vast diversity of survival strategies employed by different species there, in mortal competition with one another, elevate this book above a mere relating of a gripping historical episode. She brings the rain forest to life, and conveys the dangers to Roosevelt's party with an immediacy and comprehension that even the participants could not have fully possessed. What makes the book for me, however, is the depiction of Roosevelt and his keen sense of personal honor. This was a man who refused to be shown any deference, who refused to sit if Colonel Rondon, the Brazilian commander, was not also so seated. This was also a man who, if his ailing condition became a burden to the rest of the expedition, resolved to take his own life rather than to jeopardize those of others. It is truly sobering ro realize how great a risk Roosevelt took in leading this expedition. He could very well have been killed and cannibalized. He might have died of malaria, and indeed almost did. One wonders what a shock it would have been to America to have its beloved former President die under such circumstances. I own several books about Roosevelt's life, and this might be the one that I would first recommend to convey the full flavor of his personality and his values. My wife and I have just had our first child, a daughter, and I found myself hoping that she will, at some point, read of this extraordinary man, and to profit from his example, to lead a richer and fuller life. Remarkable though Roosevelt is, he is not the only fascinating character on the expedition. At times, the Brazilian commander Colonel Rondon's plodding determination to survey the landscape, even at the cost of a risky loss of time and provisions, vexed Roosevelt utterly. This could not, however, diminish the profound respect between the two men. Rondon is himself a phenomenal character, a man who also stayed true throughout his life to an intense personal creed of honor -- someone who would die before killing, even in self-defense. Roosevelt, and the reader, could hardly fail to be impressed by him. Roosevelt's son Kermit, too, is a fascinating presence. In youth, he was Roosevelt's timid son, but over time, he absorbed his father's life lessons and in adulthood had become the most fearless, perhaps the most reckless, of the family. This expedition brought out the most in young Kermit, though his conduct was not without mistakes. Kermit's life ultimately ended in tragedy, but his conduct on this expedition would make any father deeply proud. As should be obvious, this book is highly recommended. Fascinating and inspiring, vivid and educational, it only gets better as it moves along. I believe that by its conclusion most readers would be, as I was, moved and inspired.

I’ve read multiple books on TR, and while they all mention or provide a brief summary of his River of Doubt exploration, none provide the detail of this book. It is well researched and written in an engaging manner. Reads much like a historical novel, providing detailed insights into the main characters. A very enjoyable, offering a detailed account of this important as pet of the life of TR.

Candice Millard's "River of Doubt" is a well written, fast moving chronicle of Theodore Roosevelt's grueling, life-risking trip down a previously unexplored river in the Amazon. She brings to the story her own expertise and interest in nature, ecology and jungle ecosystems, which she presents in an easily accessible manner to provide a rich and unique context for this remarkable tale of adventure and death. Prior to leaving on his journey, Roosevelt had recently been defeated in his effort to win reelection as President at the head of the Progressive Party. His lifelong interest in nature and adventurous travel coincided with invitations for the defeated former President to speak in Latin America, and thus it seemed as if his desire to get away after the election, coupled with his long standing interests led him to undertake his trip. Millard does a good job quickly setting out the context for his travel so that she can turn to her main focus, the trip itself. For reasons that are less clear - perhaps post-election distractions - Roosevelt did a poor job planning, relying upon men who were ill-suited to be relied upon. Incorrect provisioning, including improper boats, a lack of familiarity with the jungle environment (the man placed in charge of buying supplies had experience on Arctic expeditions), and a change in plans along the way - to undertake a more strenuous trip than that originally envisioned - led to a nightmarish journey, one that became a life-and-death struggle on uncharted waters. What makes this book particularly interesting is Millard's background. These types of books are often written by historians who are clinically accurate and rely upon meticulously researched secondary sources. Millard's background is with National Geographic, as both a writer and an editor. As a result, while "River of Doubt" is as well-researched as any book of its type, replete with footnotes and a deep bibliography, Millard brings a naturalist's perspective to this story. She takes the reader into a deep understanding of the Amazon ecosystem, explaining why so many jungle expeditions starved in the midst of such apparent plenty, greenery, and abundance of life (something relevant for expeditions of the era into the Congo as well.) She also provides insights into the native people in the region, the Cinta Larga, and not only describes salient aspects of their life - explaining how they could live off of the land while the expedition could not - but also makes it clear that Roosevelt and his associates owed their lives to the native's decision to let them pass through their territory unmolested. A fairly quick read, "River of Doubt" will be of interest to anyone interested in Roosevelt (his life, psychology, and final years), the Amazon region, or the surge of exploration in the late 19th/ early 20th century. Millard's unique combination of skills provides a fantastic window into history and the twilight years of one of America's greatest presidents.

I judge every book I read by two simple metrics: Did I enjoy the experience, and did I learn something? For The River of Doubt, the answer to both is a resounding yes. The Premise This is the story of Theodore Roosevelt’s 1,000-mile journey down a previously unmapped tributary of the Amazon. Candice Millard does a masterful job of taking you through every stage—from the alarming lack of planning and the purchase of useless supplies to the reckless, last-minute decision to change course to an unknown river. By the time they reach the water, the book makes you feel like you are right there in the dugout canoe, experiencing the life-threatening dangers alongside the former President, his son Kermit, and their Brazilian co-leader, Cândido Rondon. Lessons in the Jungle The book is full of fascinating biology lessons. You learn about rare plants, insects, and animals found only in the Amazon that created unique dangers on both land and water. But the environment was only half the battle. The crew faced: The Unknown: Constant threats from indigenous tribes who had never seen outsiders. Internal Chaos: Dissent among the crew, starvation, and disagreements between leaders. The Perilous River: Losing boats and equipment around every bend. A Darker Side of Humanity There are some truly haunting moments in this account. At one point, there is a murder within the group, leading to the murderer being abandoned in the jungle—perhaps the most severe form of capital punishment imaginable. There is also a drowning caused by a poor, insubordinate decision by TR's son, Kermit, and his seemingly cold lack of emotion afterward. The Will to Survive Ultimately, this book is a testament to Roosevelt’s tremendous will to live. It becomes clear that his primary motivation to survive his own illness and injury was the belief that he had to stay alive just so Kermit could make it out too. If you like history that reads like a thriller, this is a must-read.

If there was ever any doubt about the 26th President of the United States' bona fides as an adventurer and explorer of the first order, Candice Millard dispels it with The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey. Thanks to Millard's smooth prose and carefully paced storytelling, the reader finds the detailed account of the Roosevelt expedition's journey utterly fascinating. Venturing down a heretofore unexplored tributary of the Amazon River, the President and his team encounter one perilous hardship after another. Roosevelt struggles with adversity, his trademark vigor and determination tested time and again. Besides the ever-present threat of disease-bearing insects and a host of privations, melancholy stalks the sturdiest of men among the expedition. Somehow, they endure. Failing to win election as a third-party candidate and a third term in 2012, the former President is determined to live up to one of his life credos, "Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure…" He decides to charter a forbidding stretch of the Amazon, nicknamed Rio da Dúvida, or "River of Doubt." The expedition includes Roosevelt's son, Kermit, American naturalist George Kruck Cherrie, Brazil's Colonel Candido Mariano da Silva Rondon, an equally formidable leader and fearless adventurer, and 15 Brazilian porters. We discover that none of the members of the expedition is without flaw, and their failures contribute to the difficulties the team must surmount on their journey. Beyond her superb storytelling, Millard's meticulous research holds the reader's interest page after page. The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey is chock-full of information about the rainforest's flora and fauna, including a thorough explanation of its ecosystem and Darwinian evolutionary adaptation and competition between species. Most interesting to this reader is the author's history of the Amazon's exploration and her treatment of the indigenous Amazonian Indian tribes – the bellicose Nhambiquarra and the stealthy Cinta Larga – with which the expedition must contend. The Cinta Larga tribe carefully stalks the team throughout its descent of the river, yet for reasons known only to it forgoes an attack. The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey is above all a breathtaking survival story. The members of the expedition find themselves fighting for their very lives. Flesh-eating piranha, treacherous waters, meager rations, hungry insects, disease, and despair conspire to derail the expedition's progress. The dauntless Roosevelt himself is felled by a nasty gash in his leg that, in his weakened state and exposed to unsanitary conditions, brings infection and fever. Though nearly ending his life, the journey instead ends in a hero's welcome in New York Harbor for a somewhat chastened but no less exuberant Roosevelt. Remarkably, roughly a year and a half after a disappointing election defeat, Roosevelt and his compatriots manage to put a tributary of the Amazon on the map literally. With an 8-page bibliography and 39 pages of endnotes, one cannot doubt Millard's prodigious capacity for researching and illuminating a topic. However, it is her impressive ability to weave facts into her narrative to tell a story of courage and perseverance that makes The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey so enjoyable. She also leads us to understand the depths to which men will sink when faced with fear, disease, and hunger. When stripped of concern for their fellow man and struggling to survive, they can succumb to their basest instincts. Fascinating!

This book ranks in my favorite non-fiction books of all time. Including Shadow Divers, Empire of the Summer Moon, and Sapiens. "The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey" by Candice Millard is a gripping and vivid account of an incredible expedition that took place in the Amazon rainforest in 1913-1914. The book chronicles the journey of former President Theodore Roosevelt and his team as they navigated the treacherous and uncharted River of Doubt, which was later renamed the Roosevelt River in his honor. Millard's writing is exceptional in bringing to life the jungle, the people, and the struggles of the expedition. She portrays Roosevelt as a man on a mission to prove himself, who was willing to take on any challenge, no matter how dangerous. The book is not just a thrilling adventure tale, but also a powerful character study of Roosevelt, who at the time was dealing with personal and professional setbacks, and the expedition was his way of regaining his confidence. The author's attention to detail is impressive, providing a rich and immersive experience for the reader. The research and historical context are also noteworthy, including the political and social environment of Brazil at the time and the scientific discoveries made by the expedition. Overall, "The River of Doubt" is a captivating and well-written book that transports the reader to a time and place that few have experienced. Millard's ability to capture the essence of Roosevelt's character and the challenges faced by the expedition makes this an outstanding read for anyone interested in history, adventure, or biographical literature. Highly recommended.

Candice Millard’s The River of Doubt is a thoroughly researched and gripping account of Theodore Roosevelt’s nearly fatal Amazon expedition. She brings the jungle, its dangers and the expedition’s personalities vividly to life, although her writing occasionally felt overly flowery and novelistic. Millard shows how dangerously underprepared the expedition was and how Roosevelt’s desire to explore and descend the unknown river increasingly conflicted with Cândido Rondon’s determination to map it with scientific precision. Even after Roosevelt became gravely ill, Rondon continued surveying and spent an additional day exploring a tributary, delaying a journey already close to killing Roosevelt. I was surprised that, after spending well over 100 pages describing the expedition’s dangers and Roosevelt’s deteriorating health, Millard largely skips his medical treatment after he left the river and jumps ahead to his reception in New York. That felt like a significant omission. One of the book’s greatest strengths is its examination of how Roosevelt’s father shaped his sense of honor. Theodore was haunted by his father’s decision to hire a substitute during the Civil War and spent his life trying to right that perceived wrong by placing himself—and eventually his sons—at the front of every conflict. His courage produced greatness but also sometimes foolhardy choices. Millard also convincingly connects Roosevelt’s humiliating defeat in the 1912 presidential campaign to his decision to undertake this dangerous expedition. Later, all four sons served in World War I; Ted and Archie were seriously wounded, and Quentin was killed. Roosevelt wept bitterly over Quentin’s death, which seemed to drain much of his remaining life force. Roosevelt was a brilliant light who burned intensely and captured a nation’s imagination. Millard’s excellent book also shows how a father’s example can propel a son toward greatness while pushing future generations toward devastating consequences.

I'm an armchair traveler. I love reading true stories of high adventure without leaving the comfort of my small apartment. Naturally this book appealed to me. And once I started reading about this particular journey, I found it almost impossible to put down. In 1912, Theodore Roosevelt lost his bid for re-election as President of the United States. It was a disappointing defeat for him. But he was a man whose way of compensating for his despair was to overcome a new challenge. And so, at the age of 54, he and his son, Kermit, embarked on the demanding mission to explore the uncharted course of a tributary of the Amazon River. The expedition was led by Brazil's most famous explorer, Candido Mariano da Silva Rondon and a group of hard working paddlers and porters. Wow! The course was almost completely unknown. The dangers were many. Their small boats were soon destroyed by rapids and they had to literally build new ones. They didn't have the right supplies with them. There were snakes, insects, disease, Indian attacks, drowning, and even a murder. I cringed in horror at the hardships at the same time that I applauded their courage and determination. This trip changed the map of the Western Hemisphere forever. And I felt that, in a small way, I was right there. The author certainly knows her stuff. She is a former writer and editor for National Geographic and her scrupulous research added a depth and understanding of Amazon ecology which was certainly unknown to Theodore Roosevelt at the time. Of course, she had the benefit of almost 100 years more of exploration and scientific research. The men on the journey didn't know what to expect. But, as a reader of this fascinating story, I was especially grateful to the author for explaining all the ecological and historical details while, at the same time making me feel that I understood the men who took that trip with all their very human strengths and weaknesses. I loved this book. It brought me to a world I have never even thought about and it made that world come alive for me. I learned about history, ecology and the kind of person who Theodore Roosevelt was. It also enriched my understanding of the world around me as well as introduced me to some very extraordinary people.

Um livro pouco conhecido, mas sensacional.

Buen Libro... entretenido de principio a fin... Rooselvet y Rodon Admirables

This is an excellent book. It is a very easy read and, as someone who has spent some time in tropical rain forests, I found the author's descriptions of the environment clear and accurate. Some may argue that some of the detail about the ecosystem and the indigenous people of the Amazon is padding inserted to lengthen the story, but it is very valuable to convey the serverity of the threats that the explorers faced and the immensity of their achievement. There is a lot that is not admirable about Theodore Roosevelt, a war monger whose imperialistic vision brought about the Spanish-American War, leading to the capture of Puerto Rico and the Philippines and the subordination of Cuba by the USA, not to mention the seizure of the Panama Canal zone, kicking off "the American Century" that (in my opinion) ended with the parochial election of Donald Trump in 2016; however, this expedition is much to his credit. Fortunately, the author also gives due credit to the Brazillian hero Rondon and his men, without whom Roosevelt could not have gotten anywhere. I had previously tried reading another book on this subject and gave up as it read as though it had been badly translated from another langauge.

An amazing writer who weaves the incredible story of Roosevelt’s adventure with the history and nature of the Amazon rainforest in a seamless and engrossing way.. Riveting.

Excellent, harrowing. Brilliant and engaging right to the end. The Roosevelts remind me of our more contemporary Kennedys who seemingly had no limits to what they put themselves through