Desperate Journeys, Abandoned Souls : True Stories of Castaways and Other Survivors

by Edward E. Leslie

Release Date: 15 March, 1998

Edition: Paperback

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Stories of TRUE "survivors"

This 20+ chapter book is a compilation of accounts of individuals who survived real-life tragedies--everything from shipwrecks back in the days of wooden ships, to modern events such as plane crashes, etc.

The one thing each of the stories has in common is that each of the survivors not only had to withstand the tragedy itself, but then they had to fight against nature or the elements to preserve their life.

I did enjoy the book, but I can't give it more than 3 stars. I generally judge a book by how difficult it is for me to set it down before it's finished--this one just wasn't that gripping. The stories were interesting, but at times it didn't seem like there was enough continuity.

In addition, I think the last chapter could have been eliminated entirely. While the other chapters were generally dedicated to one story per chapter, the last contained a dozen or so stories from the 20th century. As a result, they were much more brief, and left me wondering about the details that were necessarily omited.

That said however, the author did a fantastic job of researching the accounts, especially given the number he covered.

Do not you ever think that you are in trouble !

This book is a must for every reader who likes survival stories.
Selected here events (on the land and sea) are absolutely astonishing and ranging in time from 16th century to modern times. Tragedy of whale ship "Essex" is included.
Great research and great writing Mr. Leslie, I congratulate you for this !