Review 589: River of the Gods

River of the Gods: Genius, Courage, and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile by Candice Millard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is somewhat a biography of Richard Burton, with John Hanning Speke being a companion on several expeditions into Africa being backed by the Royal Geographic Society.

Richard Burton is quite the character. The book begins with Burton attempting to complete the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca completely disguised as a Muslim. Being found out he faced certain death. However, he pulled it off and later wrote about it.

Burton was a polyglot and was easily able to understand new languages. While in the 18th Regiment of Bombay Native Infantry he learned 12 languages in 7 years, often placing first in the exams over other officers who studied for years. He was aiming to rise in the ranks quickly by being an interpreter.

Burton was able to get commissions from the Royal Geographic Society to lead an expedition into the interior of Africa to find the source of the Nile, or White Nile as they often called it. Ended up being several. One ended before it really began being attacked by 350 Somalis. Burton took a javelin through his face, which left a permanent scar across his checks.

Speke was there as well and barely escaped with his life, but readily joined Burton when he set out on the next expedition. This time the men battled many illness. Speke was blinded for a while from one illness, then a beetle ended up inside his ear. This left him partially deaf but somehow helped heal his vision issues.

Amazingly, these men were still willing and excited to go back to Africa again, even after all the illnesses they suffered and being attacked.

Without making this too much longer, I did enjoy this book. However, it felt like the expeditions were not as detailed and drawn out as one would think. Perhaps many details were left out in order to keep the book a shorter length? The book is not long, just over 300 pages, but easily could have added 100 more.

A good portion of the book was about other biographical aspects of Burton, which often included Speke. He betrayed Burton in reporting to the Royal Geographic Society. People tended to side with Speke over Burton, who’s reputation was not all that good. The book was quite compelling.