Rating: 
Summary: Not exactly an "adventure". . .
Review: QUICK REVIEW
This is a harsh but incredible book about a shipwrecked crew's fight for survival in the African desert. Forced to be slaves and often living off of virtually only camel's milk and water (and even those in limited quantities) the crew's story is made vivid and powerful by a skillful author.FULL REVIEW
The word "adventure" doesn't really fit this well-crafted story. "Adventure" tends to imply that either someone went looking for an exciting experience, enjoyed the experience, or was glad in the end that they had gone through the experience. Neither of those applies to this story. The crew of the wrecked ship were simply merchants, and the events that take place after their ship wrecks were not in any possible way enjoyable to any of the crew. The only people that find enjoyment (if you can call it that) from the events are us, the readers, who get to stand back at a great distance and awe at the incredible hardships and suffering that the men of that crew were able to endure. Once immersed in the telling of this tale, you actually start to wonder how anyone knows about this story because you can't believe that anyone survived to tell the tale. The reader is left amazed by humans in two ways: one-that the human body is able to survive under such conditions, and two-that one large culture of humans are willing to treat another set of humans in such appalling ways. The reader also ends up being amazed by how much research the author did to bring us this story, and how all that research didn't result in a dry or dull telling. On the contrary, the writing is well done and the telling of it keeps you turning the pages. And so as to be completely truthful and fair on my evaluation of this book, I should go ahead and mention, reluctantly, that the beginning is a tad slow at first-but once the story unfolds it never fails to keep your interest. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: HOPE FOR TODAY!.....SUCH A CONTRIBUTION !!
Review: Reading that the author, Dean King, was going to speak locally, I was drawn to his talk ( and film presentation) by his discovery not only of a miraculous survival story, but of the incredulous human connection between two men of very different backgrounds, ( worlds actually) which basically only knew to fear and avoid each other at all costs.
Through their journey, their own humanity came forth under which we would consider brutal condtions. The trust, friendship and respect between a devout Christian and devout Muslim exceeded all bonds. This, to me, is where the author's gift and treasure lie of this book.. the historical account which King researched very thoroughly, is amazing enough, but that he was able to keep and honor that which the Conneticut Capt. wrote about as well... the friendship and connection which kept the sailors alive until their rescue ...and beyond!
How were these men who began as slaves and master able to bridge the bond of respect and mutuality? You will have to take their journey with them and realize those same possibilities exist for today. When we see 'the enemy' as human, we see ourselves and how they are a part of our own survival...... This lesson is just as meaningful today as it was 200 years ago!
Rating: 
Summary: o.k., not great
Review: Skeletons is entertaining most of the time. I thought it was well-written and researched, and I enjoyed most of it. My only complaint would be that I found it monotonous at times, but since these people were enslaved and wandering through the desert I guess every moment probably wasn't a thrill ride, and therefore the book has the air of realism about it. Check it out at the library, I wouldn't buy it.
Rating:
Summary: Brings History Alive
Review: Skeletons on the Zahara is a fantastic book. The facts of the book are incredible, and Dean King's ability to tie them together into an engrossing, well-written story makes it a must-read. I couldn't put it down!
Rating:
Summary: Incomplete
Review: Skeletons on the Zahara is based on a personal account of great fascination at the time it was first written. The 1817 bestseller with an exceedingly long name--An Authentic Narrative of the Loss of the American Brig Commerce, Wrecked on the Western Coast of Africa, in the Month of August, 1815. With an account of the Sufferings of her Surviving Officers and Crew, Who were Enslaved by the Wandering Arabs on the Great African Desart, or Zahahrah; and Observations Historical, Geographical,& c, made During the Travels of the Author, While a Slave to the Arabs, and in the Empire of Morocco--was reprinted dozens of times, and sold more than a million copies in his own time.
The most recent reprint was in 2000. Another volume by Commerce able seaman Archibald Robbins was also massively popular in its time.
From these and other accounts of the day, King has cobbled together a highly readable tale. This book offers adventure, morals, ethics, and history, all in one. The book details the heart wrenching story of sailors shipwrecked on Cape Bojador off the coast of the Sahara, and forced to submit themselves to slavery simply to stay alive. There is no doubt that these accounts, in their time, played a great role in the abolition movement in the U.S. Men who had experienced the condition of slavery went to great lengths to call for an end to the practice in the Americas.
As a backdrop, King details the calamitous effects of the War of 1812 on commercial shipping in New England and the limited prospects of land employment that drove men like Archie Robbins to the sea. Captain Riley's men were mostly young and ambitious, but a few had already endured terrible trials. Robbins, for example, had been imprisoned by the British three times in six years--and that after being hired out to a local farmer at age eight, and escaping to the sea at age 15. Antonio Michel, an old sailor on his way home after years on the sea, had recently been wrecked on Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, and came on board to work his way back across the Atlantic.
One can understand, following the shipwreck, how different the cultures portrayed. The Sahara is a world with little respect for human life, and less for human liberty. Once in bondage, the men lose even the right to eat clean or human foot. They are reduced to groveling, filthy spectacles, valued only for the work and services they can deliver.
Only through Riley's perseverance and plan were some of the men ultimately liberated: From inside a clan based feudal system, Riley determined to play to the Arabs' greed, and offer handsome ransoms if Sidi Hamet would buy him and his men from their masters, and spirit them across the desert to the British consulate in Mogadore. One gets the real sense that North Africa of the early 19th century differed little from North Africa during the Middle Ages.
This was a culture crusted in dust and ruins, thriving on the misery of and plunder extracted from less fortunate others.
One major disappointment in this book is King's failure to include the information from Riley's original on the treatment by Muslims of non-Muslim dhimmis indigenous to these lands. Following his own emancipation, Riley wrote that he had several times visited the streets of the Jewish quarter of Mogadore.
The Jewish people were locked into their quarter at night, and also during the payment of the annual tax. Occasionally payment was requested somewhat in advance of the due date, with the Jews left the miserable privilege, in the words of the British Consul, "of apportioning the tribute amongst them as they please." Riley witnessed one such period. Riley never went to their streets "without seeing ... these miserable wretches knocked down like the bullocks by the gatekeepers, with their large canes, as they attempted to rush past them when the gates were opened" to obtain a bit of food or water for their hungry families.
On the fourth day of collections, Riley went to the house of the Kaid in Mogadore to bear witness (Bat Yeor, The Dhimmi, pp. 296-297). The first three classes paid their allotment by approaching the door, removing their shoes and taking money in both hands, which they were forced to hold out before them at chest height. A "Mohammedan priest" took the taxes, "hitting each one a smart blow with his fist, on the bare forehead,... at which the Jew said 'Nahma Sidi ["at your service, master"]...." The very large and especially miserable fourth class, however, was forced forward with large sticks. Anyone who was not ready to pay, or could not, was "seized by the Moors, who, throwing him flat on his face to the ground, gave him about fifty blows with a thick stick upon his back and posteriors...." These men were then thrown in a dungeon until his friends "made up the money." If after three days the tax had not been paid, the men were bludgeoned again.
While I enjoyed King's rendition of this tale, I remain unconvinced that the society depicted here has changed much since 1815. I also recommend the 2000 reprint of James Riley's original, Sufferings in Africa.
--Alyssa A. Lappen
Rating:
Summary: Interesting, but not particularly well writen
Review: This is an amazing story, retold by a man who is obviously a solid historian and researcher . . . but not a great writer. I found the book interesting, but far from a page turner. The story itself is worth a read though.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic, brilliant !!!!
Review: This is one of the best books I have read in years. The story is both heart wrenching and uplifting. King has done a brilliant job of researching the true story of a shipwreck off the north african coast. This is an absolute must read!!
Rating: 
Summary: Top Notch Survival Story
Review: This story ranks at the very top of adventure literature and despite a slow start it is a compelling read. It is an updated retelling of the bestselling memoirs of Captain James Riley of the Commerce who with his crew encounter and overcome unrivalled bad fortune.
Mr. King's book is enhanced by his careful presentation of the historical context of the story. Captain Riley and crew knew very little of the dangers of the Sahara Desert but, as shown, they soon learned that all the terrible stories about Saharan shipwrecks were true.
If you liked the story of Shackleton and the Endurance--you will appreciate Mr. King's description of how Captain Riley and several of his crew overcome dehydration, slave traders, cultural ignorance, and with the help of some smart decisions and fortunate encounters manage to return home. As with all good adventure literature the story reinforces the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and conveys the crucial lesson that there is always hope no matter how bad the situation.
The author also reminds us of the value of personal honor and integrity; attitudes and obligations that were taken for granted among the British and Americans in Captain Riley's day that have now been lost--are we the better for it? Or, does our culture now more closely resemble that of the brutal slave-trading Saharans?
Rating:
Summary: Historically great....but.....
Review: You may find that the recounting of the suffering of the characters that comprises at least 75% of this story gets old. There were enough great historical facts and information about nomadic and Arab customs that will keep you interested and afloat through that arduous middle section of the book.
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