Reddit reviews Skeletons on the Zahara: A True Story of Survival

Skeletons of the Zahara was a best seller a few years back. It's the modern retelling of a true account of the American survivors of a shipwreck off the African west coast who are taken captive and then passed along as slaves by various tribes and Arabs for years, suffering many deprivations. It was pretty good and at least one screenwriter, Public Enemies writer Ronan Bennett is trying to adapt it.

What I remember most about the story is that the Americans were so hungry at one point they ate the dried skin off of each other's backs.

Actually, it is pretty much a parallel to 12 Years a Slave except a change of setting and the 'rescuer' being an African.

If you are interested in the Skeleton Coast, you should read Skeletons on the Zahara.

The Long Walk

Skeletons on the Zahara

Both non-fiction stories of survival that I thought were incredible.

Also, not strictly survival but very good non-fiction adventure reads in the same vein are A Man's Life and The Hard Way by Mark Jenkins.

There's a great, easy to read book called Skeletons on the Zahara that deals heavily with this subject. 10/10 would recommend

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316159352/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_yd4hzbCD8512F

For risk-your-life adventure, try Skeletons on the Zahara by Dean King. Eurpoean sailors get shipwrecked off the coast of Africa in 1815.

Skeletons on the Zahara

A supposedly true story (and pretty decent read) about exactly what you're talking about.