"Skeletons on the Zahara" is a historical non-fiction book written by Dean King. The book tells the harrowing story of the crew of an American merchant ship, the Commerce, who were shipwrecked off the coast of Africa in 1815.
After surviving the initial wreck, the crew was taken captive by Sahrawi nomads and forced to endure a brutal journey across the Sahara desert. They faced starvation, dehydration, and physical and emotional abuse at the hands of their captors, who sold them into slavery.
The book describes the horrors of the crew's journey, including the deaths of some members and the brutal treatment of those who survived. It also explores the cultural differences between the American crew and their Sahrawi captors, and the challenges of communicating and understanding each other's customs and beliefs.
Through the crew's journey, the book highlights the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of extreme adversity. It also sheds light on the history of slavery and the impact it had on individuals and societies.
Overall, "Skeletons on the Zahara" is a gripping and emotional book that offers a unique perspective on a little-known historical event. It is a testament to the power of the human spirit and a reminder of the importance of understanding and empathy in the face of cultural differences and hardship.
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