"The Wide Wide Sea" by Hampton Sides: A Book Review

In "The Wide Wide Sea," Hampton Sides delves into the final voyage of British explorer James Cook, offering a comprehensive portrayal of his encounters in the Pacific islands. Sides presents a morally complex narrative, intertwining themes of colonialism, Eurocentrism, toxic masculinity, and cultural appropriation. Cook's third expedition, unlike his previous scientific-focused voyages, was entangled with colonial ambitions, exemplified by the story of a Polynesian man named Mai and his journey to London. Sides' book provides a vivid and propulsive history of Cook's last voyage, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of exploration and imperialism.