Island of the Lost

Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World

By: Joan Druett

Narrated by: David Colacci

Auckland Island is a godforsaken place in the middle of the Southern Ocean, 285 miles south of New Zealand. With year-round freezing rain and howling winds, it is one of the most forbidding places in the world. To be shipwrecked there means almost certain death.

In 1864, Captain Thomas Musgrave and his crew of four aboard the schooner Grafton wreck on the southern end of the island. Utterly alone in a dense coastal forest, plagued by stinging blowflies and relentless rain, Captain Musgrave inspires his men to take action. With barely more than their bare hands, they build a cabin and, remarkably, a forge where they manufacture their tools.

Incredibly, at the same time on the opposite end of the island, the Invercauld wrecks during a horrible storm. Nineteen men stagger ashore. Unlike Captain Musgrave, the captain of the Invercauld falls apart given the same dismal circumstances. His men fight and split up; some die of starvation, others turn to cannibalism. Only three survive. Musgrave and all of his men not only endure for nearly two years, but they also plan their own astonishing escape, setting off on one of the most courageous sea voyages in history.

©2007 Joan Druett (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"The amount of detail Druett has amassed is truly impressive, resulting in an invaluable account of survival." ( Booklist)

Didn't like the writing style.

Thought I would like this book, however it's writing style has too many areas of very dull lows.

Amazing, tenacious and courageous men...

demonstrating, once again, the fortitude and ingenuity of our forebears. Hard to imagine any recent generations building a forge - much less a ship - making concrete, fashioning clothes , metal tools, iron bolts and bails, all of on a diet of seal and in the most inclement weather and insect infested conditions. That said, this book no page turning nail-biter, but anyone who enjoys a tale of shipwrecked men at their best (and worst) will certainly appreciate the indefatigable Musgrave and his cohorts.

Wow True Story

Greatest ship wreck book ever. Also very insightful about human nature and getting along and the value of co-operation.

Amazing story

The amount of resolve, resourcefulness and effort the 5 men of the Grafton showed is inspiring. It made me grateful for my cushy little existence and pretty sure I never want to go to sea.

awesome story, good storytelling

loved this book - exciting and engaging - keeps you on the edge of your seat while simultaneously educating you

Amazing tale of survival and perseverance

Sometimes it is unbelievable to learn how some people can beat the odds, when all seem to be against them. I also enjoyed the vast difference in leadership qualities between the two, shipwrecked captains, and learning how their actions impacted the fates or their men.

Interesting history, easy to follow

What did you love best about Island of the Lost?

Loved learning about the history of the time, ocean-faring adventure and ingenuity of shipwrecked survivors.

What other book might you compare Island of the Lost to and why?

Makes me thing of Dead Wake and Issac's Storm by Erik Larson. Good detail on events leading up to, during and after the tragedy.

Human Perseverance and Perspective

Any additional comments?

This is one of those books that surprise you, not just because it is well written and factual but because it draws you into the roots of human endeavor and perseverance. I love mysteries and books that entertain, and this book has changed me. I spent hours after finishing the book doing more research because the book touched me so deeply.

starts dull, but eventually you'll be into it!

Didn't realize was a true story, that changed my view and kept me intrigues until the end. Amazing what humanity can endure.

spellbinding!

Voice was easy to listen to. Great structure to the story, I liked the added historical commentary. I printed a map of Auckland Islands to reference while listening it helped to keep an idea of how far the men traveled every day to hunt the seals.