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Explores the geography, history, government, economy, people, and culture of Peru.
- GenresNonfictionTravel
144 pages, Library Binding
First published September 1, 1995
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
xx-dnf-skim-reference
October 13, 2023Not for young children. The drug trade, Shining Path, etc. are all explored. Mentioned, for example, is Fujimori's sterilization of 300,000 indigenous women.
I picked the book up for group discussion, intending to lightly skim it, but after reading the introduction I'm hooked into skimming carefully, reading much. I wouldn't mind reading more in the 'Cultures of the World' series. So much is so interesting - for example, the radio station that the people in the highlands listens to is used as a conduit for family communications as well as for broadcasting of the sort we are used to. Also interesting is the pride & classism of those claiming Spanish ancestry; I've been aware of this, but I still don't understand how one would prefer to be proud of being related to the invaders rather than the cultured Inca.
Published during the 2016 election, the book is unfortunately already somewhat dated. There's evidence that a lot of good things are happening in the country, but implications that issues of corruption, environmental destruction, economic disparity, etc. will always be a 'two steps forward, one step back' (or worse) progression.
I wouldn't dare be a tourist there.
I appreciate the back matter, including two recipes. I'm also intrigued to see lots of websites listed in boxes in each section, to aid further research.
I'd probably give this four stars (but I carefully avoid rating books I haven't completely read).
Oct. 2023
I picked the book up for group discussion, intending to lightly skim it, but after reading the introduction I'm hooked into skimming carefully, reading much. I wouldn't mind reading more in the 'Cultures of the World' series. So much is so interesting - for example, the radio station that the people in the highlands listens to is used as a conduit for family communications as well as for broadcasting of the sort we are used to. Also interesting is the pride & classism of those claiming Spanish ancestry; I've been aware of this, but I still don't understand how one would prefer to be proud of being related to the invaders rather than the cultured Inca.
Published during the 2016 election, the book is unfortunately already somewhat dated. There's evidence that a lot of good things are happening in the country, but implications that issues of corruption, environmental destruction, economic disparity, etc. will always be a 'two steps forward, one step back' (or worse) progression.
I wouldn't dare be a tourist there.
I appreciate the back matter, including two recipes. I'm also intrigued to see lots of websites listed in boxes in each section, to aid further research.
I'd probably give this four stars (but I carefully avoid rating books I haven't completely read).
Oct. 2023
March 21, 2012
This was a good book which my wife and I both read in anticipation of our trip to Peru in three months. Peru has a history that goes way back. The population is mostly native but has elements of Europe and some touches from the Far East and Africa. There is a lot of poverty. The Amazon in Peru seems to be very exotic. The customs and food are a mix of the Incan influence and the Catholics of Spain. The natural beauty of the country with its mountains and forests and the people and their ancient ruins beckon us to visit.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews