Title: The Daunting Darien
Product review: Lieutenant Isaac Strain and the 1854 U.S. Darien Exploring Expedition's search for a canal route through modern day Panama has, for the most part, dodged a mark of distinction. Until now.Todd Balf gives credence to Strain and his team of twenty six men to locate a possible ship route through the jungles of Panama. This was not a new idea. Mixtures of political powers were in a race to be the first.The misfortunes and harrowing attempts at survival in the jungle itself are very descriptive and shed light on stamina, perseverance and fortitude in such inhospitable environs. Strain lost six men due to a variety of causes.At times the read and chronological events can be a bit confusing with the plethora of players involved...British, American, French, etc. but nonetheless a tribute to America's well-deserved efforts to lay a framework for the future Panama Canal.
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