[Subdue] River of the Gods by Candice Millard- 4 stars

[Jen K]

Fascinating narrative about the historic search for the source of the White Nile. In an age of exploration, the Blue Nile source had already been identified as Lake Tana in Ethiopia but finding the source of the White Nile was still a great prize. Having managed the ultimate challenge of sneaking into Mecca as an unbeliever, Richard Burton was a bit bored as considered his next adventure while in Cairo gazing at the majestic Nile River. He convinced the Royal Geographical Society to fund an expedition to search for the source convincing John Hanning Speke to accompany him after his first choice fell sick. This was the start of a long adventure and rivalry between the two. They set forth into the bush of East Africa from the slave center of Zanzibar heading towards Lake Tanganyika as an option. The team of two Brits and hundreds of local support were plagued by doubt, desertion, disease, weather and trouble but they did make the journey into the interior. At one point while Burton was sick, Speke traveled on to what is now Lake Victoria (named by Speke) where he claimed to have solved the riddle of the source question. The volatile relationship between Speke and Burton was one like brother with constant conflict yet hard to not care after surviving such hardships together.

I love Millard used the story to highlight the invaluable efforts of the local support especially Sid Mubarak Bombay who may have trekked the most miles in Africa accompanying colonial explorers. Local knowledge saved these men and allowed them reach their goals. I hadn't heard of Bombay men before, Africans sold in slavery to India who managed to free themselves and return to Africa.

The story was fascinating. It was definitely helped that I listened while in a hotel overlooking the majestic Nile in Cairo. It is interesting that Burton was somewhat forgotten while Speke has a large road in Kampala named after him even after naming the Ugandan lake after the British queen. I look forward to more history from Millard.

[Joanne]

One of hers that fell a bit flat for me, as I compared to The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey . Funny you should post this review now. I saw my doctor this week and we always talk books. I had recommended this one to him, and he had just finished it. We had a great conversation. I will see him again in a few days and I will have to tell him that you actually looked at the Nile while listening!

[Jen K]

I haven't read the other to compare but I may be biased as well having spent so much time in East Africa and imagining the travels. I'm on the 28th floor and it is stunning especially with the sailboats and sunset!