The RA Expeditions by Thor Heyerdahl is one of those books that feels less like a story and more like a real-life adventure you’re just tagging along for. It follows his attempt to cross the Atlantic in a papyrus boat—basically testing whether ancient civilizations could have made similar journeys.
📖 What it’s about
The book covers two expeditions:
- Ra I – which didn’t quite succeed
- Ra II – where the team actually completes the journey
The idea behind it is interesting on its own, trying to prove historical theories through actual travel, but what makes it engaging is how unpredictable everything feels once they’re out at sea.
🌊 Reading experience
It reads quite easily for a nonfiction book:
- not too technical
- more focused on the journey and the people
- mixes adventure with bits of history and theory
Some moments feel tense (storms, things going wrong), but also slower parts where it’s more about daily life on the boat.
👥 The people
One thing that stands out is the crew:
- made up of people from different countries
- different personalities and backgrounds
- not always smooth cooperation
It adds a bit of human tension, which makes it feel more real, not just a heroic expedition, but a group of people figuring things out as they go.
👍 What works well
- Unique idea (recreating ancient travel methods)
- Feels like a real adventure, not just history
- Easy to follow, even if you’re not into technical details
- Interesting mix of cultures and perspectives
👎 What to keep in mind
- Some parts can feel a bit slow
- Not all of the theory will interest every reader
- More about the journey than a deep scientific explanation
🧠 Final thoughts
This is a good pick if you like real exploration stories, especially ones that feel a bit unusual. It’s not just about crossing the ocean, but about testing ideas and seeing what actually works in real conditions.
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