The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey by Candice Millard

“The lack of power to take joy in outdoor nature is as real a misfortune as the lack of power to take joy in books.”- Theodore Roosevelt.

"The River of Doubt" by Candice Millard,  neither exhibits a lack of being in nature nor a dull moment as we fly through the pages with nervous excitement.  Although the book is about the Amazonian river, to me it was a testament of leadership, mutual respect among men, progressive indigenous tribe of women, basic civil decencies driven by a strong determination to conquer the massive unknown.

After losing the presidential battle for the third term, Teddy Roosevelt sets off on a journey to explore the mammoth, unchartered river, with an entourage that follows him from America. Upon reaching Brazil, TR is assigned a  Brazilian military officer famous for his telegraph commission and exploration of Mato Grosso and the Western Amazon Basin, as well as his lifelong support for indigenous Brazilians (which is well articulated in the book).

The popularly known Roosevelt-Rondon expedition of 22 men including Roosevelt's son Kermit, begin their journey through the unknown and feared Black River, Rio De Dúvida, or the River of Doubt that snakes through one of the most dangerous jungles of the world. It nearly takes 6 weeks of travel on land to get to the mouth of the river.  

For a naturalist like Roosevelt and the enthusiastic members of his team, South American jungles could not have offered a better sight. Richly inhabited by nature, each landscape more marvelous than the one last seen, the team makes their way through extreme rapids, camping at interesting locations each night. 

As they make their way through the river, they are encountered by several torturous rapids, pirana attacks, near snake bites, and much other life-threatening ordeals. With each bend in the river, the expedition enters a new and unmapped territory. “It was interesting work, for no civilized man, no white man, had ever gone down or up this river or seen the country through which we were passing,” Roosevelt writes. 

At times they raft through the rapids and at others, the camaradas or Rondon's men carry the canoes on their backs. A series of events occur during the journey that keeps the reader spellbound, where the men encounter the indigenous Amazonian tribe, contract Malaria, lose their supplies, etc.

The crux of the book was the testament to move on ahead..no matter what! Roosevelt had always pushed himself and challenged his physical ability. This mission in particular sets all the others apart. While the reader is immersed in the beauty of the jungles, the strife, and tribulation, there are other things that certainly standout.

The kind of leader that Roosevelt was! How he keeps his crew's spirits up, the sacrifices he makes, developing camaraderie and respect for the Brazilian officer, and adhering to his command even when he felt differently many times. Being a source of support and strength to his son even during Roosevelt's weaker moments. A glaring example of a leader among men!

Rio de Dúvida is later named after this great man. It is now called the Roosevelt River.

A story of true inspiration, a will to make it against all odds,'The River of Doubt' is fantastically written and will keep you gripped from start to finish. 

Happy Reading :-)