This was, at least towards the end, a harrowing read - as the author's adventure travel in Amazonia threatens to cost him his life. Various decisions he made he questions himself, as I question some of his written judgements. In the end he made it and wrote this book but ultimately I am left with the feeling, so what? This is disappointing and unsatisfying for while I still admire Benedict Allens's flair and spirit of adventure this journey, undertaken in his youth, was not a great success. ( )

A delightful read. That is up until he disobeyed the advice given him and ventured into gold mining country. The characters there were murderous and treacherous and out to kill him for his companions, two "interchangeable " natives. He dies find his way by a miracle in the firm of a dog.
I am reading the books I have picked up at goodwiis, the salvation army, and various thrift second hand shops. This time was near the top of the most recent pile. I was charmed by its author, enchanted by the natives, and breathed a sigh of relief along with all the characters he met along his journey. ( )