To Die a Dry Death
Surviving the shipwreck was the easy part
1629. Shipwrecked on an uncharted reef thirty miles off the coast of Australia, two hundred men, women and children scramble ashore on tiny, hostile islands. There is no fresh water and the only food is what they can salvage from the wreck, or harvest from the sea.
The ship’s officers set out in an open boat on a two-thousand-mile journey across uncharted ocean to seek help. But there’s not enough food and water for everyone on the islands to last until a rescue ship arrives. One man will stop at nothing to ensure that he is among the survivors.
But adversity throws up heroes. Soon there’s war between two groups, both determined to be there to greet that rescue ship when it arrives. If it arrives.
The terrifying true story of the Batavia shipwreck. Contains graphic violence.
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Comments
“I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is well written and extremely well researched. This novel definitely deserves 5 out of 5 Stars!” Kimberley Maloney more…
“It’s hard to believe any book could come closer to conveying the essence of this astonishing series of events. If ever there was a five star read, this is it.”
“To Die a Dry Death is a deeply unnerving tale, based on true events and told in a rich, evocative voice which draws a reader in and doesn’t let go until well after the last page is turned and the book is set aside.”
“I planned to read this novel over the course of a week. Instead, I found myself staying up (far too) late and finished it in two nights. I found it nearly impossible to put down.”
“The author has taken one of the lesser known episodes of Dutch/Australian history and with infinite skill has created a page-turning story of adventure, mayhem and murder with enormous impact. To Die a Dry Death cannot fail to satisfy the most demanding and critical of readers of historical fiction. An excellent read and highly recommended.”
“Based on a true story, To Die a Dry Death is a fascinating historical adventure that ratchets up the tension with every turn of the page. Greta van der Rol’s accomplished debut novel is a gripping exploration into both the endurance of the human spirit and its darker side. Steeped in authenticity, Die a Dry Death is sure to impress even the most demanding of historical fiction readers. Readers who love to be immersed in a historical period will appreciate the precise research that has gone into this work; while those who enjoy an action-oriented and plot-driven story will be riveted.”
“The book is both an informative tale from an historic standpoint, and a great insight Into an infamous chapter in Western Australia’s (New Holland’s) early maritime history, I found it to be an absorbing book with obvious painstaking research having been done, well crafted and written in great style.”
“The writing is superb, as is the pace. I cannot recommend this strongly enough. It’s a tough read, at times heart breaking, but ultimately its worthiness shines through. And what marks it out as a great book, is what it says without words.”