Explorers throughout the ages have been convinced that a huge city lies within the Amazon rainforest. Descriptions written by the first conquistadors only backed them up, and many men set out to find it only to lose their lives in the process. One such determined explorer was Percy Fawcett, who took his son and his son’s best friend into the jungle. Convinced he knew where the city was, he eagerly set off with the boys and only two guides, only to vanish forever. Mysterious legends sprouted up around his disappearance as well. Dozens of years later, author David Grann decides to head into the forest after them, seeking to find out what really happened to the trio and to uncover some truths about the mystical city itself.
What a fascinating book. You may notice I’ve been into travelogues lately, and there is nothing I enjoy more than an author combining history with his or her own personal journey. This is precisely what Grann does with his search for a city in the Amazon. I adored the chapters on Fawcett, on the Amazon, and was as wrapped up in the legend as all the explorers were – although not quite enough to set off on foot through the Amazon. I particularly appreciated the fact that Grann travels in a vehicle and notes that such a journey would have taken Fawcett weeks of hacking through undergrowth. When Grann thought his trip was hard, it really brought into focus how incredibly difficult exploration of the rainforest was for men of Fawcett’s time and before.
Grann also notes that explorers of the Amazon are often ignored in favor of those who explored the North Pole. For one thing, those explorers eventually succeeded, whereas no one managed to find the city of Z. The exact same thing was happening while Fawcett was alive. He struggled to get funding whereas northern explorers received both money and glory. He became famous in the end, only to vanish at the apex of his popularity. One particularly notable chapter included a famed northern explorer heading into the Amazon with Fawcett, only to turn back because he couldn’t take it. It seems that either you’re suited to risking your life in intense heat and with many creatures out to kill you, or you’re more suited to dying of the cold – you can’t be awesome at both apparently.
I was probably least interested in Grann’s personal story. It’s fairly obvious that he hasn’t died, which takes away all of the suspense, and he doesn’t really risk his life that much either. I’m not saying that he imposes himself too much on the story; he doesn’t, it’s simply that I find historical details far more exciting. He does make a few interesting discoveries, mainly at the end, and it’s worth it to get an up close and personal look at the natives that are likely very similar to those that Fawcett and various other teams encountered while on their hunt for the city.
The Lost City of Z was a fascinating look into exploring the Amazon rainforest and all of its perils. I would definitely recommend it.
I am an Amazon associate. I borrowed this book from my local library.
I NEED to make time for this one!
Lenore´s last post …The Long Awaited Return of Cat Tuesday
Sounds interesting, this is not a part of history I know much about and/or have read about might have to keep this in mind when I fancy something different.
jessicabookworm´s last post …The Time Traveler’s Wife 2009
I’ve had this book for a while and really need to get to it. I like the UK cover much better than the US cover.
I just bought this book last months after having had it recommended to me on several occasions, and after reading your review, I really want to jump with into it! It sounds fascinating and like a story that I would really be glued to. I am glad that you enjoyed it and gave it such a positive review. I will be looking forward to it!! Thanks!
zibilee´s last post …Up from the Blue by Susan Henderson — 336 pgs
I’m with Lenore, I have GOT to make time for this, I’ve had a copy forever (before the hardcover came out!).
Jen – Devourer of Books´s last post …The World in Half by Cristina Henriquez – Book Review
I really enjoyed the audio version of this book. And I agree with you that people don’t seem able to survive both rainforest and polar climates – it seems you’re meant to be in one or the other. That said, I tend to enjoy polar exploration/survival books more than tropical ones, though I still recommend this book highly.
Heather J.´s last post …Catching Fire
Oh, since Heather mentioned the audio, I might go that route. The Amazon is a scary place — even today.
Beth F´s last post …Wordless Wednesday 100
This is one of those books that I want to read simply because of the variety of people who have recommended it. Folks who don’t normally like similar books are saying they enjoyed this one. I’ve got it on my ebook wish list and will probably download it soon.
You have seriously been reading from my TBR list this week!!
SuziQoregon´s last post …Wordless Wednesday 55
I have really been into travelogues too lately! I enjoyed this one as well. I have to say, I LOL’d at “It’s really obvious he hasn’t died.” Great review!
S. Krishna´s last post …Book Review- Let’s Take the Long Way Home – Gail Caldwell
I really enjoyed this one as well, more than I expected to, but you and I had somewhat of opposite reactions on one particular point… I actually wanted *more* of Grann’s story. Not so much of Grann’s time in the Amazon, but I really wanted more about his research process, how he found/uncovered Fawcett’s papers that hadn’t previously been known to historians, etc.
Fyrefly´s last post …George MacDonald – The Princess and the Goblin
Sitting at home and dreaming of exploring the Amazon is probably much better than actually doing it.
Not that I’d pass up the chance, mind…
I have a big trip coming up and this one is getting downloaded to the Nook for the plane ride. Glad to hear it’s worth it.
Amy´s last post …Teaser Tuesdays
I love the sound of this – it sounds exactly like my mind of non-fiction.
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