The Orinoco Uranium
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15
Ratings1
Average rating3
Inspired by a series of true events and based on detailed research and personal knowledge of the history and geology of Venezuela, The Orinoco Uranium is a story of conflict and survival in WWII South America. In the spring of 1944, a geophysical survey party detects a cargo of smuggled uranium on a stranded ship. Beached on the Orinoco River bank after a fierce storm, the ship was enroute from Nazi Germany to Argentina with radioactive metal stolen from a Berlin laboratory. The renegade German physicist behind the theft intends to use the cargo as a passport to a new life in South America. American geologist Jerry MacDonald and his wife, Maria, are living and working in the scenic lakeside community of Maracaibo, a city of intrigue and espionage in neutral Venezuela. Looking for new oil felds, Jerry leads the geophysical survey party to the Orinoco River delta, deep in the South American wilderness. When he informs the American government about the strange discovery of the uranium upon his return to Maracaibo, the ensuing efforts to seize it by both Germans and Americans cause a violent encounter in the South Atlantic Ocean.
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The Orinoco Uranium by Stephen O. Sears is a story set in WWII South America, inspired by true events and backed by extensive research and the author's personal knowledge of Venezuelan history and geology.
The narrative revolves around a geophysical survey party that stumbles upon smuggled uranium on a ship stranded along the Orinoco River bank after a violent storm. The ship was en route from Nazi Germany to Argentina, carrying stolen radioactive metal from a Berlin laboratory. The mastermind behind this theft is a renegade German physicist seeking refuge in South America.
The story follows American geologist Jerry MacDonald and his wife, Maria, who reside in the scenic lakeside community of Maracaibo, a city teeming with intrigue and espionage during this period of neutrality in Venezuela. While searching for new oil fields, Jerry leads the survey party deep into the South American wilderness, specifically to the Orinoco River delta. Upon discovering the uranium, Jerry informs the American government about the remarkable find when he returns to Maracaibo. However, this revelation triggers intense competition between German and American forces as they strive to seize control of the valuable cargo, ultimately leading to a violent encounter in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Now, turning to my thoughts on the book, let's start with its captivating cover design - it's truly beautiful and eye-catching. However, I personally did not thoroughly enjoy this book due to issues I encountered with the writing style. There was some kind of mismatch between myself as a reader and the writing itself. Additionally, I found the pace of the story to be rather slow at times. Nevertheless, one aspect that stood out was how skillfully the author depicted the setting. The book was filled with rich details that created an atmospheric backdrop for the events taking place.
ARC Via NetGalley
