audiobook Sufferings in Africa: The Astonishing Account Of A New England Sea Captain Enslaved By North African Arabs by James Riley in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A REAL PAGE-TURNER TRUE STORY THAT WAS POLICALLY IMPORTANT AT THE TIMEBy WRRCaptain Riley's captivity; enslavement; starvation; and what he had to do to survive make an incredible tale that is enjoyable to read. Since this was written in colonial times and this book was widely read in England; it is easy to see how the British and French colonial masters regarded the Arabian peoples/tribes as intractable barbarians unworthy of consideration as the British and French governments just drew lines on maps in Paris and carved up the Middle East countries to suit themselves with no regard for the natives--and thus laid the foundation for many of the problems that continue today in the Middle East/Arabian countries. A great read!!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Fabulous adventure taleBy Fred P.Superb adventure book. Probably the single best book when it came to preparing for treks in the Moroccan desert and foothills. The tale itself is hard to put down; which is not something you can say about many books written in that era where prose can be a bit florid and embellished. Also interesting that Riley could have been as observant as he was under the stressful conditions he endured. I was sure to make a visit to an argan orchard as part of my Moroccan visit. And I will never look at a camel in the same way again.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Amazing Story - A Must ReadBy BettyI love reading adventure books and stories about people being at the brink of collapse who don't give up; and I am amazed to read/see what kinds of situations these people endure and eventually triumph. After having read lots of books with theme on human suffering (and final triumph); Sufferings in Africa is by far one of the most heartbreaking stories; and one of outstanding heroism and leadership. Reading this book; I was at the edge of my seat at all times; when you are almost positive that something good will happen to the crew; you are soon disappointed with another; yet more brutal; situation. The episodes described in the book seem surreal; impossible; implausible to common people like ourselves. After reading the book; I also ordered the DVD from History Channel History - Special : Skeletons On The Sahara and also the book written by another crewman; Archibald Robbins ('Robbin's Journal'; very rarely found in print; although you can download it from a certain website); who was enslaved whole 19 months and eventually returned home to the US.My only disappointment with the book was the fact that it ends somewhat abruptly; without mention of the 6 crewmen remaining on African soil; or if attempts were ever made to save them. I did some research myself; and found that after the first 5 crewmen made it to the US; only 2 more made it afterwards (Archibald Robbins being one); 4 others were never again heard from.