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The River of Doubt

Candice Millard

432 Pages
2009

The River of Doubt

Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey

Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

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The River of Doubt - Summary

In this gripping historical narrative, Candice Millard masterfully recounts Theodore Roosevelt's perilous 1914 expedition down an unmapped Amazon tributary. Following his devastating political defeat in 1912, Roosevelt embarked on what would become one of the most challenging and life-threatening adventures of his life. Accompanied by his son Kermit and Brazilian explorer Cรขndido Rondon, Roosevelt faced a harrowing journey through one of Earth's most treacherous environments, battling rapids, disease, starvation, and the constant threat of indigenous attacks. This remarkable tale of survival and determination forever changed the map of South America while nearly claiming the life of a former American president.

Key Themes

1

Redemption Through Adversity

Following his political humiliation, Roosevelt sought to prove his worth and restore his sense of purpose through an extremely dangerous expedition. The journey became a metaphor for personal redemption, showing how challenges and hardships can forge new meaning in life.

2

Man Versus Nature

The expedition highlights humanity's struggle against the raw power of nature, demonstrating both our vulnerability and resilience when faced with the overwhelming forces of the natural world. The Amazon jungle serves as both antagonist and teacher, revealing the limits of human control.

3

Father-Son Relationships

The presence of Kermit Roosevelt on the expedition adds a deeply personal dimension to the story, exploring the complex dynamics between father and son as they face death together, testing their bonds and transforming their relationship through shared hardship.

FAQ's

After losing the 1912 presidential election, Roosevelt was seeking the most challenging physical endeavor he could find. The unexplored River of Doubt presented an opportunity to make a significant geographical discovery while testing his personal limits.

Three members of the expedition lost their lives during the journey. The deaths occurred due to various causes including drowning, murder, and the extreme conditions they faced in the jungle.

The expedition resulted in mapping a previously unknown river, which was later renamed Roosevelt River in Theodore Roosevelt's honor. It also provided valuable scientific data about the region and demonstrated the possibility of exploring one of the Amazon's most challenging tributaries.

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