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Palin's Travels
Brazil
Michael Palin, the No. 1 bestselling author, explores an exotic country now a global superpower.
Brazil is one of the four new global super powers with its vast natural resources and burgeoning industries. Half a continent in size and a potent mix of races, religions and cultures, of unexplored wildernesses and bustling modern cities, it is also one of the few countries Michael Palin has never fully travelled.
In a new series for BBC1 - his first for five years - he explores in his inimitable way this vast and disparate nation. From the Venezuelan border and the forests of the Lost World where he encounters the Yanomami and their ongoing territorial war with the gold miners, he follows Teddy Roosevelt's disastrous expedition of 1914.
Journeys by river to the headwaters of the Xingu, by plane over huge tracts of forest, by steam train and by road along the Trans-Amazonica allow him to reach a kaleidoscopic mix of peoples: the indigenous hunter-gatherers of the interior, the descendents of African slaves with their vibrant culture of rituals and festivals and music, the large community of German descent who celebrate their patrimony at the biggest beer festival outside Munich, and the wealthy guachas of the Pantanal amongst them. His journey ends at the border with Uruguay and the spectacular Iguacu Falls.
Brazil is one of the four new global super powers with its vast natural resources and burgeoning industries. Half a continent in size and a potent mix of races, religions and cultures, of unexplored wildernesses and bustling modern cities, it is also one of the few countries Michael Palin has never fully travelled.
In a new series for BBC1 - his first for five years - he explores in his inimitable way this vast and disparate nation. From the Venezuelan border and the forests of the Lost World where he encounters the Yanomami and their ongoing territorial war with the gold miners, he follows Teddy Roosevelt's disastrous expedition of 1914.
Journeys by river to the headwaters of the Xingu, by plane over huge tracts of forest, by steam train and by road along the Trans-Amazonica allow him to reach a kaleidoscopic mix of peoples: the indigenous hunter-gatherers of the interior, the descendents of African slaves with their vibrant culture of rituals and festivals and music, the large community of German descent who celebrate their patrimony at the biggest beer festival outside Munich, and the wealthy guachas of the Pantanal amongst them. His journey ends at the border with Uruguay and the spectacular Iguacu Falls.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
44 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
Michael Palin
137 books1,199 followersSir Michael Edward Palin, KCMG, CBE, FRGS is an English comedian, actor, writer and television presenter best known for being one of the members of the comedy group Monty Python and for his travel documentaries.
Palin wrote most of his material with Terry Jones. Before Monty Python, they had worked on other shows such as The Ken Dodd Show, The Frost Report and Do Not Adjust Your Set. Palin appeared in some of the most famous Python sketches, including "The Dead Parrot", "The Lumberjack Song", "The Spanish Inquisition" and "Spam". Palin continued to work with Jones, co-writing Ripping Yarns. He has also appeared in several films directed by fellow Python Terry Gilliam and made notable appearances in other films such as A Fish Called Wanda, for which he won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. In a 2005 poll to find The Comedian's Comedian, he was voted the 30th favourite by fellow comedians and comedy insiders.
After Python, he began a new career as a travel writer. His journeys have taken him across the world, the North and South Poles, the Sahara desert, the Himalayas and most recently, Eastern Europe. In 2000 Palin became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to television.
Palin wrote most of his material with Terry Jones. Before Monty Python, they had worked on other shows such as The Ken Dodd Show, The Frost Report and Do Not Adjust Your Set. Palin appeared in some of the most famous Python sketches, including "The Dead Parrot", "The Lumberjack Song", "The Spanish Inquisition" and "Spam". Palin continued to work with Jones, co-writing Ripping Yarns. He has also appeared in several films directed by fellow Python Terry Gilliam and made notable appearances in other films such as A Fish Called Wanda, for which he won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. In a 2005 poll to find The Comedian's Comedian, he was voted the 30th favourite by fellow comedians and comedy insiders.
After Python, he began a new career as a travel writer. His journeys have taken him across the world, the North and South Poles, the Sahara desert, the Himalayas and most recently, Eastern Europe. In 2000 Palin became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
December 20, 2020
Brazil and Latin America,in general,is a remote land for me.I knew they are soccer mad,I had read a bit about the tribes of the Amazon and I was familiar with the iconic shots of Copacabona beach in Rio.
Beyond that,I needed to do some more reading on Brazil.And what better companion than Michael Palin to have on this journey.
But,Michael Palin is growing old.In the time it takes him to explore Brazil,he would have gone several times around the world,in his earlier travelogues.
While in those books,he spent very little time in the places visited,this time he spends too much time in Brazil.It is a pretty exhaustive exploration of a vast country,but it does get bogged down by too much detail.
From Brazil's pre occupation with religion,to the proliferation of love hotels,Palin hardly leaves any aspect of Brazilian life unexplored.He spends time with the tribes of the Amazon,and undertakes a four thousand mile journey through the length and breadth of the vast country.
He describes the spectacular natural landmarks of Rio de Janero,as well as what is for him, the ugliness of Sao Paolo,which has little else but a sea of people.
This city was once reported to have a 200 mile traffic jam.It is also a place where the rich use helicopters to commute.There is much to see in Brazil,from the power of the Amazon,to the splendour of the rainforest,to the majesty of the waterfalls.
Palin also describes,the poverty,the crime and the danger in Brazil's cities.It was a comprehensive tour,I only wish the book had cut down on a lot of unnecessary details.The Palin humour makes an appearance every now and then,but the laughs are less plentiful as compared to his previous travelogues.
The book can be read at the author's website :
palinstravels.co.uk
Beyond that,I needed to do some more reading on Brazil.And what better companion than Michael Palin to have on this journey.
But,Michael Palin is growing old.In the time it takes him to explore Brazil,he would have gone several times around the world,in his earlier travelogues.
While in those books,he spent very little time in the places visited,this time he spends too much time in Brazil.It is a pretty exhaustive exploration of a vast country,but it does get bogged down by too much detail.
From Brazil's pre occupation with religion,to the proliferation of love hotels,Palin hardly leaves any aspect of Brazilian life unexplored.He spends time with the tribes of the Amazon,and undertakes a four thousand mile journey through the length and breadth of the vast country.
He describes the spectacular natural landmarks of Rio de Janero,as well as what is for him, the ugliness of Sao Paolo,which has little else but a sea of people.
This city was once reported to have a 200 mile traffic jam.It is also a place where the rich use helicopters to commute.There is much to see in Brazil,from the power of the Amazon,to the splendour of the rainforest,to the majesty of the waterfalls.
Palin also describes,the poverty,the crime and the danger in Brazil's cities.It was a comprehensive tour,I only wish the book had cut down on a lot of unnecessary details.The Palin humour makes an appearance every now and then,but the laughs are less plentiful as compared to his previous travelogues.
The book can be read at the author's website :
palinstravels.co.uk
November 26, 2013
It was nice to revisit my other home of Brazil through this Michael Palin book. Of course, he has visited parts of Brazil which i have not and he didn't visit the place I love and lived in for 5 years so it wasn't exactly a trip down memory lane.
There were a few comments he made which I questioned but also a few which just made me laugh out loud. Such as "Brazil is not a quiet country", which reminded me of how overwhelmed I sometimes felt by all the noise in brazila and yet how hard I used to find it coming back to the relative silence of England and how I had to talk non-stop for the first hours / days to make up for the strange quietness. Mostly I enjoyed the book because it felt like Michael grew to love the Brazilians and the culture there which fitted nicely with my own love of Brazilianness.
The illustrations in the book were beautiful and added a lot to capturing the beauty of the Brazilian people and their land. But the large hardbackness of the book did make it harder to curl up and read and enjoy. I'm now fancying watching the TV presentation of it again and may have to track it down on DVD.
There were a few comments he made which I questioned but also a few which just made me laugh out loud. Such as "Brazil is not a quiet country", which reminded me of how overwhelmed I sometimes felt by all the noise in brazila and yet how hard I used to find it coming back to the relative silence of England and how I had to talk non-stop for the first hours / days to make up for the strange quietness. Mostly I enjoyed the book because it felt like Michael grew to love the Brazilians and the culture there which fitted nicely with my own love of Brazilianness.
The illustrations in the book were beautiful and added a lot to capturing the beauty of the Brazilian people and their land. But the large hardbackness of the book did make it harder to curl up and read and enjoy. I'm now fancying watching the TV presentation of it again and may have to track it down on DVD.
September 29, 2020
Palin traverses the large land of Brazil and shows the immense variety of the people, economy and environment. He only scratches the surface as he is on a strict timetable and the book really is a series of produced meetings made for a TV show. Nonetheless for an introduction into Brazil it's not a bad start.
September 19, 2014
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2012
witty and educational book by the master of travelogues michael palin about the lastest series aired on BBC televison also come with some lovely and beautiful photos as well, well worth exploring brazil the most popular country over the few years in print and photos.
November 30, 2020
A travel book of the author travelling around Brazil. It includes plenty of history to make sense of the people, culture and infrastructure. He visited interesting places and engaged a lot with locals and it definitely improved my understanding of the country. At times it just seemed to drag or focus on matters of questionable importance. But a nice leisure read.
November 14, 2013
Having spent half a year (not sequential) as a volunteer as a consultant with a service organization in Brazil, when I spotted this tome on the new book shelf at the public library it attracted my attention. It’s a light-hearted travelogue with a BBC filming crew. Palin covers a wide variety of geographic and human experiences. Northeast: Mix of races and cultures that produced music, dance and food that symbolize the country. Rio: Contrast between party town and appalling violence. The South: The mix of European and Asian cultures and how they’ve created vibrant industry. Palin notes at the end that he had experienced more of the county than what many of his Brazilian friends had experienced. They asked: “What’s it like?” Similarly, as with Palin's seemingly insular inquirers, my experience was comparatively narrow, only in the Rio area. I now have a bit more feeling of what the whole country is like. And it continues to fascinate.
June 15, 2021
The bar I had subconsciously set for this book was so high that I am now pleasantly surprised on how great this book was. Michael Palin I think did a fantastic job in capturing a general view of the different cultures of the country and it's history and ALSO being honest but polite and in his classic silly humor. This massive country has so many different cultures and vibes and landscapes that are often overlooked by foreigners and I was extremely interested in the lesser known places. I even thought that Michael did a fair job in describing the Brazilian people. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to understand Brazil a bit better.
November 13, 2019
A nice coffee table type travel piece common to others helmed by funny man Palin, though this one not as humorous as others. Have studied a bit about Brazil, so much was familiar for me, and I am positive I watched at least some of the corresponding video. I enjoy his travel productions though. Good introduction for readers interested in this great, diverse nation.
February 4, 2014
A wonderful book with beautiful photos to go along with Palin's text. Palin does not deviate at all from his normal style of travelogue and why should he. It works. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that is destined for a holiday in Brazil.
December 12, 2024
Nach der Reise durch Europa wollte Michael Palin die Reisetasche nicht mehr packen. Aber nach kurzer Zeit setzte sich ein Gedanke bei ihm fest. Er hatte ein Land vergessen: ein Land, das größer war als alle anderen die er bis jetzt bereist hat- Brasilien.
Endlich kann ich wieder mit meinen Lieblingsturnschuhen auf Reisen in Urlaub gehen und was passiert? Sie sind nicht dabei :entsetzt: Michael Palin trägt diesmal braune Schuhe. Abgesehen von diesem modischen Fehltritt hat er mich von der ersten Seite an in seinen Bann gezogen. Er beginnt seine Reise im Norden, bei einem Stamm den man nur mit dem Flugzeug besuchen kann. Wie immer, wenn er den vermeintlich leichteren Weg nimmt, hat er ein schlechtes Gewissen deswegen. Und wie immer bringt er mich gleich am Anfang zum Schunzeln: als er einen der Dorfbewohner in einem Interview darüber befragt wie es ist, so abgeschieden zu leben, muss er das Interview wegen Flugzeuglärm dreimal abbrechen.
Die Reise durch Brasilien kommt mir viel ruhiger vor als die übrigen. Vielleicht liegt es daran, dass auch Michael Palin älter geworden ist. Vielleicht aber auch daran, dass er diesmal nur wenig in abgelegene Gegenden reist. Dabei ist er wieder zweigeteilt. Auf der einen Seite weiss er nicht ob es wirklich gut ist, so abgeschiedene Stämme zu besuchen und sie mit der Zivilisation zu "verseuchen". Auf der anderen Seite stört es ihn auch, wenn er nicht der einzige ist, der dieses Dorf gerade besucht. Ich glaube, am liebsten würde er nur beobachten und selbst nicht gesehen werden. Aber auch dieses Mal macht er bei allem mit, was angeboten wird, hat Spaß daran und kann auch über sich selbst lachen. Sei es beim Mahlen von Getreide, bei dem ihm erst hinterher auffällt, wie obszön das Ganze doch ausgesehen hat, oder beim Capoeira, bei dem seine Bewegungen eher an einen Highland-Fling erinnern
Aber er schlägt auch ernste Töne an und spricht von der Abholzung des Regenwalds oder darüber, wie ganze Orte und ganze Städte verwaisen, weil sich die Menschen nach beendigter Ausbeutung der Ressourcen zurückziehen.
Wie immer sind die Bilder sehr beeindruckend. Diesmal hat der Fotograf die Weite der Landschaft wunderschön eingefangen. Riesige Flächen und davor ein winziges Flugzeug- so kann ich mir die Dimensionen gut vorstellen. Aber auch ein Über-Tage-Abbau von Eisenerz hat in diesem Buch etwas Schönes mit den vielen Terrassen in den unterschiedlichsten Farbtönen. Michael Palin und die Männer in seiner Crew freuen sich wie die kleinen Kinder, als sie auf den riesigen Maschinen mitfahren dürfen. Aber wieder einmal verflucht er auch seine Unkenntnis der Landessprache, denn er kann sich viel zu wenig mit den Menschen, die er trifft, unterhalten.
Michael Palin konnte mich diesmal nicht so begeistern, wie ich es von seinen Büchern gewohnt bin. Wie ich schon weiter vorne erwähnt habe, kam mir diese Reise sehr ruhig vor. Es gab einige Highlights, aber im Großen und Ganzen war es diesmal mehr Pauschalreise als Entdeckungstour. Ich kann nicht wirklich sagen, woran der Unterschied liegt. Es hat nichts gefehlt, aber es klang alles ein bisschen... gedämpft. Ich finde, das kann man auch auf manchen Fotos sehen. Die Landschaftsaufnahmen waren grandios, aber auf manchen Fotos hat Palin ein bisschen müde gewirkt.
Endlich kann ich wieder mit meinen Lieblingsturnschuhen auf Reisen in Urlaub gehen und was passiert? Sie sind nicht dabei :entsetzt: Michael Palin trägt diesmal braune Schuhe. Abgesehen von diesem modischen Fehltritt hat er mich von der ersten Seite an in seinen Bann gezogen. Er beginnt seine Reise im Norden, bei einem Stamm den man nur mit dem Flugzeug besuchen kann. Wie immer, wenn er den vermeintlich leichteren Weg nimmt, hat er ein schlechtes Gewissen deswegen. Und wie immer bringt er mich gleich am Anfang zum Schunzeln: als er einen der Dorfbewohner in einem Interview darüber befragt wie es ist, so abgeschieden zu leben, muss er das Interview wegen Flugzeuglärm dreimal abbrechen.
Die Reise durch Brasilien kommt mir viel ruhiger vor als die übrigen. Vielleicht liegt es daran, dass auch Michael Palin älter geworden ist. Vielleicht aber auch daran, dass er diesmal nur wenig in abgelegene Gegenden reist. Dabei ist er wieder zweigeteilt. Auf der einen Seite weiss er nicht ob es wirklich gut ist, so abgeschiedene Stämme zu besuchen und sie mit der Zivilisation zu "verseuchen". Auf der anderen Seite stört es ihn auch, wenn er nicht der einzige ist, der dieses Dorf gerade besucht. Ich glaube, am liebsten würde er nur beobachten und selbst nicht gesehen werden. Aber auch dieses Mal macht er bei allem mit, was angeboten wird, hat Spaß daran und kann auch über sich selbst lachen. Sei es beim Mahlen von Getreide, bei dem ihm erst hinterher auffällt, wie obszön das Ganze doch ausgesehen hat, oder beim Capoeira, bei dem seine Bewegungen eher an einen Highland-Fling erinnern
Aber er schlägt auch ernste Töne an und spricht von der Abholzung des Regenwalds oder darüber, wie ganze Orte und ganze Städte verwaisen, weil sich die Menschen nach beendigter Ausbeutung der Ressourcen zurückziehen.
Wie immer sind die Bilder sehr beeindruckend. Diesmal hat der Fotograf die Weite der Landschaft wunderschön eingefangen. Riesige Flächen und davor ein winziges Flugzeug- so kann ich mir die Dimensionen gut vorstellen. Aber auch ein Über-Tage-Abbau von Eisenerz hat in diesem Buch etwas Schönes mit den vielen Terrassen in den unterschiedlichsten Farbtönen. Michael Palin und die Männer in seiner Crew freuen sich wie die kleinen Kinder, als sie auf den riesigen Maschinen mitfahren dürfen. Aber wieder einmal verflucht er auch seine Unkenntnis der Landessprache, denn er kann sich viel zu wenig mit den Menschen, die er trifft, unterhalten.
Michael Palin konnte mich diesmal nicht so begeistern, wie ich es von seinen Büchern gewohnt bin. Wie ich schon weiter vorne erwähnt habe, kam mir diese Reise sehr ruhig vor. Es gab einige Highlights, aber im Großen und Ganzen war es diesmal mehr Pauschalreise als Entdeckungstour. Ich kann nicht wirklich sagen, woran der Unterschied liegt. Es hat nichts gefehlt, aber es klang alles ein bisschen... gedämpft. Ich finde, das kann man auch auf manchen Fotos sehen. Die Landschaftsaufnahmen waren grandios, aber auf manchen Fotos hat Palin ein bisschen müde gewirkt.
May 9, 2021
The fact that I don't actually have a shelf category for travel literature means I don't usually read much in this genre, other than some Pico Iyer many years ago. Happened to pick this out of the discount bin after having watched the rather excellent TV series on which it was based. Michael Palin is a well-known TV personality and a pioneer in travel documentaries, but I was pleasantly surprised at how well he writes. No doubt the reams of detailed diary entries he kept during his trips would have made it easier to turn his experience into books.
In any case, Brazil for me is an ultimate exotic travel destination, being at the opposite end of the planet. I have always loved the culture, the food, the scenery, all of which combine to exude an irresistible joie-de-vivre. Palin and his film crew had to break the journey into multiple trips from the UK, each covering a portion of this vast and diverse nation. The Amazon, the Northeast, the South, all have their distinctive flavor and so the writing never got too bogged down and dreary. There are also bits that did not make it into the film that are just as interesting as the scenes that did. And having already watched the show did not diminish my enjoyment of the book, but made it all that easier to visualize what the author wrote.
If I ever do make it there this book would definitely serve an additional more practical purpose of being a travel guide to the many places featured - allowing one to make a detailed itinerary.
In any case, Brazil for me is an ultimate exotic travel destination, being at the opposite end of the planet. I have always loved the culture, the food, the scenery, all of which combine to exude an irresistible joie-de-vivre. Palin and his film crew had to break the journey into multiple trips from the UK, each covering a portion of this vast and diverse nation. The Amazon, the Northeast, the South, all have their distinctive flavor and so the writing never got too bogged down and dreary. There are also bits that did not make it into the film that are just as interesting as the scenes that did. And having already watched the show did not diminish my enjoyment of the book, but made it all that easier to visualize what the author wrote.
If I ever do make it there this book would definitely serve an additional more practical purpose of being a travel guide to the many places featured - allowing one to make a detailed itinerary.
March 9, 2013
Brazil is one of the BRIC countries and its profile is about to go up even more with the FIFA world cup next year and the 2016 summer Olympics. Michael Palin is always to charming and informative and respectful and irreverent. He may not do great Brazilian accents but he sure did a perfect New Zealand one! Palin floats down the Amazon in a small boat visiting tiny villages, dances with the Yanomami, marches in a gay pride demonstration in Rio and wanders famous Brazilian beaches filled with scantily clad women. Palin is obviously fascinated by the laidback Brazilian attitude (what a kiwi would call "she'll be right"). The attempts by local governments to get control over the drug problems in the favelas was particularly fascinating.
March 2, 2014
I've read almost all of Michael Palin's travel books. The pictures are always excellent. The text is serviceable, though as a big Monty Python fan, I usually feel it could have been funnier and more ambitious. I lived in Brazil for eight years, so this is the only time I'd actually been to most of the places he wrote about. That made me even more interested but resulted in a less adventurous reading experience. Palin remains affable and positive throughout, which makes him a desirable traveling companion, but ultimately, I prefer the curmudgeon wit and intellectual depth of Paul Theroux. If you're planning to travel to Brazil, this book is invaluable, but it's closer to a travel guide than travel literature. I give it four stars because it squarely hit its aim.
January 6, 2013
The book to accompany the TV series. Michael Palin writes wonderfully, and describes the sights, sounds, tastes and smells in far more detail than can be shown on the TV! An excellent introduction to the vast country that is Brazil, from bush tribes to city dwellers and everything in between, an amazingly diverse and endlessly fascinating country.
My only minor quibble is that some of the photos seemed on the small side for the detail they contained. It appears that with ever-increasing resolutions, print photos in books and magazines are getting smaller, not bigger. Probably due to space constraints in this case, as there is quite a lot of very interesting text!
My only minor quibble is that some of the photos seemed on the small side for the detail they contained. It appears that with ever-increasing resolutions, print photos in books and magazines are getting smaller, not bigger. Probably due to space constraints in this case, as there is quite a lot of very interesting text!
August 9, 2014
First a confession: Michael Palin's travel books are the only books I read twice. That's because they are the only ones I buy in both hardback (a traditional Christmas present going back to Around the World in 80 Days) and in paperback. Overkill? Perhaps but I love his TV shows and I love his books. Although he's probably run out of places to visit this is an interesting read, not least because the recent World Cup and the forthcoming Olympics have put Brazil centre stage. I wonder where he'll go next?
May 18, 2018
My eight travel book with Michael Palin, and I am still loving it.
A previous reviewer noted that Michael Palin used his celebrity status and the power of the BBC to get into places that we, the common person, would never be able to get into. To my mind, that is not a bad thing. We get to see parts of Brazil that the common holiday maker would never ever dream of going to. From staying with a native tribe in their village, to riding with cowboys on their daily chores. An excellent examination of the culture and people of Brazil. Five stars.
A previous reviewer noted that Michael Palin used his celebrity status and the power of the BBC to get into places that we, the common person, would never be able to get into. To my mind, that is not a bad thing. We get to see parts of Brazil that the common holiday maker would never ever dream of going to. From staying with a native tribe in their village, to riding with cowboys on their daily chores. An excellent examination of the culture and people of Brazil. Five stars.
May 17, 2015
Interesting travelogue journeying with Michael Palin around Brazil pre-2014 World Cup to accompany his TV series (which I haven't seen). Palin stops off at tourist sights and other more unusual places, trying to give a broad overview of Brazilian history and modern lives and culture. If you are unfamiliar with the country or have a general interest then you can't go far wrong with this amusing and informative book.
October 26, 2012
Palin at his best here. Witty and wonderful!! Hopeful and enthusiastic. Just like the Brazilians he is meeting!
I would recommend reading this before watching the accompanying TV series. From past experience with Palin travel books/series, the book provides so much more context and character development than the TV series. Just due to the time restraints of TV programming!
I would recommend reading this before watching the accompanying TV series. From past experience with Palin travel books/series, the book provides so much more context and character development than the TV series. Just due to the time restraints of TV programming!
March 2, 2014
Is this a travel book? Is this a photo book? Is this a book in which you envy the author his adventures? All of the above. I'm going on record: going to Brazil next!
May 11, 2014
Although (metaphorically speaking) I'll follow Michael anywhere, I was underwhelmed by this destination. I didn't feel a connection with the country or its people.
May 3, 2015
Non representative travelbook from a friendly man that, because of his status, gets access to people and places where a normal traveler never would get access to. Disappointing read.
November 18, 2020
I love Michael Palin. He is a National Treasure. And I love reading his books. If you have seen Michael’s travel films, from which his books are derived, you cannot but help hearing him as you read. For that reason alone they are engaging and endearing. I’ve watched him from the early Python and Ripping Yarns days, seen his films such as A Private Function, A Fish Called Wanda, Fierce Creatures and of course The Life of Brian, and I’ve read all his books. But I’ve re-read Brazil because for some reason I couldn’t remember it.
And the reason, it turns out, is that it’s probably not his best. When Michael travelled the world in 80 days, struggled through Sahara, and took us from one end of the earth to the other in Pole to Pole, he told us about the journey. We walked with him, lay under a mosquito net with him and pooped in the desert with him.
In “Brazil” we are told little of the journey itself. It’s planes and trains from one city to the next. Lots of history, lots of culture and the characters from Brazilian transvestites to Presidents and footballers are nicely drawn, but there’s no actual journey. There is no travelling experience. So it’s more a travel guide than a travelogue, which I find disappointing.
But it’s still Palin. It’s still a really good read, and I have to give it 4 stars for that. But I wish Michael had given us more of the journey, more of the traveller’s experience.
And the reason, it turns out, is that it’s probably not his best. When Michael travelled the world in 80 days, struggled through Sahara, and took us from one end of the earth to the other in Pole to Pole, he told us about the journey. We walked with him, lay under a mosquito net with him and pooped in the desert with him.
In “Brazil” we are told little of the journey itself. It’s planes and trains from one city to the next. Lots of history, lots of culture and the characters from Brazilian transvestites to Presidents and footballers are nicely drawn, but there’s no actual journey. There is no travelling experience. So it’s more a travel guide than a travelogue, which I find disappointing.
But it’s still Palin. It’s still a really good read, and I have to give it 4 stars for that. But I wish Michael had given us more of the journey, more of the traveller’s experience.
February 11, 2020
This book actually felt like three; Ancient Brazil, Modern Brazil, and Rio. Which is to say, in the best way, the country at the focus of Palin's adventure this round is a wild amalgamation of culture, art, and even time itself.
Bookended by indigenous cultures in the north that have preserved their way of life for hundreds of years and the unfathomable natural power of the Iguazu Falls, the reader is treated to a historical odyssey documenting a country both frozen in time and in a constant state of change. Stark differences in lifestyle and ideologies within just a few miles of each other all the way down the coast create a real sense of adventure, albeit told just slightly slower as Palin gets older. Which actually proves to be a strength in this publication, as the relaxed pace of much of Brazilian life pairs well with the measured wisdom he shares with us throughout.
A highlight is the Rio de Janeiro section, several chapters long, which finds Palin revisiting the bustling city some 20 years after his first adventure there. How much has changed? It's a wonder to explore.
Bookended by indigenous cultures in the north that have preserved their way of life for hundreds of years and the unfathomable natural power of the Iguazu Falls, the reader is treated to a historical odyssey documenting a country both frozen in time and in a constant state of change. Stark differences in lifestyle and ideologies within just a few miles of each other all the way down the coast create a real sense of adventure, albeit told just slightly slower as Palin gets older. Which actually proves to be a strength in this publication, as the relaxed pace of much of Brazilian life pairs well with the measured wisdom he shares with us throughout.
A highlight is the Rio de Janeiro section, several chapters long, which finds Palin revisiting the bustling city some 20 years after his first adventure there. How much has changed? It's a wonder to explore.
April 12, 2025
This was a delight. Just what I want from travel writing, an exploration of a whole new-to-me world, complete with background information and reflections. Not just a blow by blow of what was seen and experienced, but the context, the feelings, the understanding. This was really well done.
One of the extra delights is that, reading it 13-14 years after his travels, I can now look up some of the people he met and see how they got on. Did the mayor get re-elected? Did that boy make it in football? How about that artist, or that one, or that one? How is this or that hot-button issue of 2011 doing now? Thank goodness for Wikipedia!
Michael Palin and his crew toured a lot of Brazil and spent a good amount of time there. In all, he tells us about 74 days (excluding travel) across 4 separate trips. They found really interesting people to talk to, and he told us really interesting stories in a well-written way. A few sentences here and there were overly complex, trying too hard. But overall, it's an excellent read, and I highly recommend it.
One of the extra delights is that, reading it 13-14 years after his travels, I can now look up some of the people he met and see how they got on. Did the mayor get re-elected? Did that boy make it in football? How about that artist, or that one, or that one? How is this or that hot-button issue of 2011 doing now? Thank goodness for Wikipedia!
Michael Palin and his crew toured a lot of Brazil and spent a good amount of time there. In all, he tells us about 74 days (excluding travel) across 4 separate trips. They found really interesting people to talk to, and he told us really interesting stories in a well-written way. A few sentences here and there were overly complex, trying too hard. But overall, it's an excellent read, and I highly recommend it.
January 13, 2022
Along with its accompanying TV documentary, I'd say this is an ideal basic introduction to Brazil for the semi-curious. Chapters on Rio and Salvador are particularly entertaining and brilliantly capture Brazil's informal carnival spirit mixed with severe social challenges. You won't find any deep analysis of the Brazilian psyche, but he delved into it rather more than I expected. Occasionally he offers his own uncontroversial opinions, but typically without preachiness or condescension.
As usual with Palin, it does feel a little rigid and tightly planned (all with BBC production crew in-tow), so don't come expecting any spontaneous adventure, or deep exploration of any specific topic.
Overall though it was good, entertaining if lightweight reading. I felt more intrigued by Brazil than when I started, so job done.
As usual with Palin, it does feel a little rigid and tightly planned (all with BBC production crew in-tow), so don't come expecting any spontaneous adventure, or deep exploration of any specific topic.
Overall though it was good, entertaining if lightweight reading. I felt more intrigued by Brazil than when I started, so job done.
May 19, 2024
I listened to this on Audible. It probably wasn't a book designed for listening, but actually, it didn't matter that I didn't have the pictures. I could listen to Michael Palin's easy tones all day long and never get bored. I think I remember seeing this on TV years ago, but I only remember vague images.
Michael Palin is a good tourist. He takes the time to get to know the place he is visiting, really interact with the locals, listen to their stories. From native tribes in the Amazon to the German settlers in Blumenau, he lets them tell their stories. Which is why I could listen to Michael Palin all day. I love having this window into other people's lives. I would definitely recommend his books.
Michael Palin is a good tourist. He takes the time to get to know the place he is visiting, really interact with the locals, listen to their stories. From native tribes in the Amazon to the German settlers in Blumenau, he lets them tell their stories. Which is why I could listen to Michael Palin all day. I love having this window into other people's lives. I would definitely recommend his books.
June 3, 2021
And now I've also 'been' to Brazil with Michael Palin and I couldn't imagine a better person to go anywhere with! He has taken us to Brazil in all its diversity, from the 'party' easy-going style of Rio Del Janeiro to the entrepreneurial city of San Paolo, from the beach to the favelas, from the feet of Christ the Redeemer to the Iguazu Falls and through the Amazonian rainforest. We have eaten the food and seem the wildlife.
Again, Palin's inimitable style, easy, warm personality and empathy for everyone he meets, allies us to experience every moment and connect with every personality. *****
Again, Palin's inimitable style, easy, warm personality and empathy for everyone he meets, allies us to experience every moment and connect with every personality. *****
December 22, 2018
Ex Python Michael Palin has had an interesting second career as a world travel writer. this book parallels work he did for a documentary film, spending about 2 months crossing Brazil. It is a bit light on history and geography, which I like, but he does spend a lot of time with various cultural icons and groups, from Indians to rock stars, fashion designers, airplane engineers and German speaking farmers. Brazil is a fascinating place and this is a pretty fun read with lots of photographs.
October 20, 2021
Like putting on your favorite socks, going abroad with Michael Palin is always a treat and his gentle observational asides make him the perfect armchair travel companion.
Skillfully bringing the whole country to life in this book, through a combination of trips and adventures, Mr. Palin's style is easily accessible and a great page turner. Another antidote to lockdown - travels with Palin.
Fab stuff.
Skillfully bringing the whole country to life in this book, through a combination of trips and adventures, Mr. Palin's style is easily accessible and a great page turner. Another antidote to lockdown - travels with Palin.
Fab stuff.
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