Description

International Bestseller

From Matthew Pearl, bestselling author of *The Taking of Jemima Boone*, comes the astonishing true story of a real-life Swiss Family Robinson—along with their loyal dog—who endured shipwreck, sharks, and betrayal.

On December 10, 1887, a shark fishing boat vanished without a trace. Among those on board were Captain Frederick Walker, his wife Elizabeth, their three teenage sons, and their dog, along with the ship’s crew. The family had identified a promising fishing spot when a violent storm struck, tearing their vessel apart and leaving everyone stranded at sea.

By morning, the survivors found themselves washed ashore on a desolate island. There, they encountered a gaunt and weathered man named Hans, who appeared to have been living in isolation for some time. Hans quickly became the group’s guide, teaching them how to make use of the island’s resources. At first, his presence seemed like a fortunate stroke of luck. But as time passed, the Walkers began to uncover unsettling truths about their mysterious companion, and what once seemed like salvation grew far more menacing.

With the immersive storytelling of David Grann and Stacy Schiff, Matthew Pearl brings to light a remarkable yet little-known piece of history—the only documented case of an entire family enduring life as castaways. *Save Our Souls* forces us to ask: When faced with total isolation, who do we become?