438 Days: An Extraordinary True Story of Survival at Sea

One of the best books I read in a long time. I read it in a weekend. Incredible story of survival--the good, the bad and the ugly. I also appreciate the author including a bit after about what life looked like for Alvarenga after rescue and returning home. I read Endurance, the book about Ernest Shackleton's voyage/survival story and while that book was also great, I really yearned to hear about the men's life after rescue. Anyway, fantastic read--definitely recommend.

I found this book to be very interesting and full of detail. It is well written which is a credit to the author's ability to get the story translated from Spanish to English or find someone able to do so. The maps and photographs added to the story! Not everyone would be able to survive being adrift at sea in a small rickety boat for over a year. It is fortunate this man had experience and talent as a fisherman and had knowledge of the sea, the moon, weather etc. I know I likely would not have survived because I would not be able to stomach eating raw fish, birds, barnacles, having to fight for every morsel and drink of water. I can't even imagine drinking my own urine or the blood of sea turtles and the endless tropical sun beating down with no land in sight, in shark filled water. The physical deprivation, as well as the tremendous mental and emotional stress of being in such circumstances and losing a young assistant who became a friend while at sea on that fateful trip would be enough to traumatize anyone. It is obvious this man has a tremendous will to live! I wish him and his daughter well!

Franklin does an excellent job of adding a timeline, details and interest to a fascinating story that might have otherwise been hard to stretch into a full-length book. He helps explain the mysteries behind Alvarenga's name changes (and lack of documentation) that might have led some to disbelieve his story. He also examines Alvarenga's psyche, upbringing, culture, hunting abilities, eating habits and stamina that credibly explain how he could survive such an ordeal. In addition, Franklin researched all of the rescue efforts that give due credence to the incredible tale. It was a very interesting read that was hard to put down. I liked that the book included Alvarenga's difficult journey in the months after he reached shore, and especially the parts about the couple who found him and first nourished him. I would have liked to have seen a photo of them.

Enjoyed the book immensely. Alvarenga went through an unbelievable event and the author told the story well. I would highly recommend it.

It is difficult to believe that a book about a guy on a small boat in the Pacific for that long could be so interesting. It was so well written that when kept on wondering what would happen next . A really great read.

Such a fantastic book! I'm just sad that I finished. I couldn't stop reading it. If you like yarns about the sea, this is one of the best. I remember reading about Salvador in the news and not really believing the story. But I was fascinated, and hoped that a book would come out... I missed it somehow but am just happy that his story was told so well. Now, I have no doubt about his tale, clearly, this really happened. I read that a few years ago the author claimed that this book only sold 1500 copies in the US. I simply don't believe it. It's got to be a bestseller, given how great a story it is. Probably that had to do with the lawsuit by his shipmate's family. I just hope that Salvador is getting the proceeds from this book and is able to now live a good and peaceful life. I highly recommend it!

The Cruel Sea......generally unforgiving...delivered this hungry little fella to a beach in the Marshall Islands.When you see the photos of his boat is when you should be quite surprised. This was good reading for me! Franklin kept it rolling along and managed to 'put you there'...which is the mark of a clever scrivener. It was fairly arduous in its entirety but no less compelling when you consider the suffering this man endured.Not to mention the abject fear when weighing up the possibilities he may be flailing around with the sharks who verily wanted to eat him. What a horrible thought to be tortured with daily for months. That the story had a dramatic component was not going to ensure its success in literature.That was going to depend on the ability of the author to deliver...and for me Franklin succeeded.

Solid story. His flock of crippled birds he had was amazing. What a will.