Book Club Discussion Questions for The Wager by David Grann

1. In the introduction, David Grann writes that rather than "smoothing out every difference, or further shading the already shaded evidence," he's "tried to present all sides, leaving it to you to render the ultimate verdict." How did this note affect your approach to the book, if at all? Do you think he succeeded in his aim?
2. Did you know about the wreck and mutiny of The Wager before reading the book?
3. What aspects of life in the British Navy were familiar to you before reading the book? Did you learn anything new, or did anything surprise you?
4. What was the attraction in going to sea for the men who chose to do so? Would you have been tempted, in similar circumstances? Have you ever spent an extended period of time on a boat or ship?
5. To crew ships, the Admiralty relied on the process of "pressing" men into service. What did you think of this process? Was there any advantage to it?
6. An office wrote that the position of captain required "command of temper, integrity of purpose, vigour of mind, and abnegation of self…He – and he alone – is expected…to bring a set of unruly and discordant beings into a state of perfect discipline and obedience so that…the safety of the ship may be staked upon." What did you think of this level of responsibility? Is it achievable? Do you think Cheap lived up to the demands of his profession, either before or after the wreck? Do you know of other professions that require so much accountability?
7. Do you think the wreck of The Wager and its aftermath were in any way avoidable?
8. In what ways, in your opinion, did the crew's interactions with the indigenous peoples help or hurt their ability to survive?
9. The crew blamed the captain "for their misery and wondered what he was doing to rescue them." Do you think they were right to do so? Is there anything Captain Cheap could have done to improve their situation?
10. Some of the crew stole rations, and Cheap had them whipped and then abandoned, but some of the crew thought this punishment too lenient. What are your thoughts on this scene? Do you think that under the circumstances the punishment was just?
11. Cheap believed that to keep the castaways from turning on each other, that they needed rules and a rigid structure, and he consequently tried to adhere to the Articles of War. What do you think of his approach to the situation?
12. Bulkley wanted to sail up South America's west coast to Brazil, while Cheap wanted to stick with his original orders and attempt to rendezvous with Admiral Anson at Chiloé along the east coast. Whose plan do you think stood a better chance of success? Which group do you think you would have joined?
13. Which individual did you ultimately have the most sympathy for? Who did you end up having the least sympathy for? Did the actions of any of the officers or crew make you angry, and if so, which?
14. Admiral Anson's men loved him, while Cheap's men generally despised their captain. What qualities did each have that impacted their crews? What do you think inspires people to loyalty?
15. The author writes that as accounts proliferated in the press, "perceptions of The Wager affair varied from reader to reader." What was your final take on the affair? Did you believe any one person's account more than another?
16. How did you feel about the outcome of the court martial? What did you think about the admirals' approach to the trial, and why do you believe they chose the course of action they did?
17. Is there a quote or scene that stood out for you? Why do you suppose it resonated?
18. Grann is the author of several non-fiction books (The Lost City of Z and Killers of the Flower Moon among them). Have you read any of his previous works, and if so, how do they compare to The Wager?
19. What audience would you recommend The Wager to? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
20. Overall, what did you think of The Wager? (no spoilers, please!)

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Vintage. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.