Here is my gift to you – if you have not read On The Plain of Snakes – A Mexican Journey by Paul Theroux, buy it or download it or put a hold on it at your library, now. You can thank me later. Just don’t miss this book.
I have read (and loved) most of Theroux’s books but this one is really special. His perspective as an elder and his serious curiosity and need to understand Mexico and Mexicans really struck a chord with me.
I learned so much from this book. I must have highlighted about 50 or 60 places in it. Lots and lots of common usage vocabulary that was new to me. A fabulous México reading list. Places I’d like to visit and things I want to think about and learn more about. Too much to go into here especially as I am in a “just finished a great book swoon” at this moment. The part where he visits a Zapatista village in Chiapas and participates in a forum there nearly brought me to tears.
All I’ll say is if you love good writing, and México, and a thoughtful and interesting perspective on the people and their struggles you really ought to read this book.
Linda Hull
November 2, 2019Yes, I’m reading right now. Reading several recent interviews online and in multiple newspapers, queued my curiosity. As well as a fan! Thanks for posting
Nancy
November 2, 2019Hi Linda, Thanks for your comment! What a fabulous book! Enjoy!
Anne
November 2, 2019Thanks Nancy. I also love Paul Theroux. Many years ago I felt the same way about an author called Wilfred Thesiger. His book Arabian Sands has stayed with me for 50 years.
Nancy
November 2, 2019Hi Anne! Thanks for the recommendation on Wilfred Thesiger, I will look for it! Hope you are well, I miss you! xoxo
Steven Cotton
November 2, 2019I too enjoy Throux. He has hit a few clunkers, but his best work makes me forget the bad. I will add this to my read list — right after the third installment of Charles Moore’s Thatcher biography.
Nancy
November 3, 2019Steve, I hope you enjoy it.
Babs
November 3, 2019Theroux spoke at the Literary Festival here in San Miguel. It was very engaging. Then the Washington Post Book Editor reviewed the new book and provided excerpts. I’ve been waiting for it to be available and will now download to my Kindle. Thanks Nancy, I’m looking forward to reading it!
Nancy
November 3, 2019Babs, I have so much respect for him and his manner of exploration through getting to know the people directly. I just like him. And I realized I need to get more radical in my old age! xoxo