In Patagonia

Experience Patagonia on Your Couch

In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin is a travel book about the author¿s experiences in Chile. Bruce Chatwin has traveled widely in Asia, the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, Africa, South America and Australia. In Patagonia is a great collection of tall tales that The famous author Paul Theroux described as ¿The classic of travel literature¿ exciting, boisterous, and bizarre.¿ (cover). As Bruce Chatwin travels through Patagonia, he encounters many interesting places, people, and cultures. Patagonia begins the Rio Negro in Southern Chile and Ends at the Punta Arenas which is in Southern Chile. Through Argentina and Chile, Bruce Chatwin experienced many different culture, and he described in detail the places in Patagonia. From Rio Negro, Bruce Chatwin traveled south to Port Madryn, Buenos Aires, Bolivia and Punta Arenas in Chile. The Moreano Glacier, the Land of Fire and Rio Pico were some of the most interesting places that he visited because there, he experience the beautiful view of their landscapes. In the Tierra de Fuego, the fires were the campfires of the Fuegian Indians. Previously, Magellan saw smoke only and called it Tierra de Humo, the Land of Smoke, but Charles V, the King of England, said there was no smoke without fire and changed the name. According to Captain Shelvock¿s voyage ¿The heavens were perpetually hid from us by gloomy distant clouds¿ we had not the sight of one fish of any kind, nor seabirds except a disconsolate Black Albitross, hovering near as if he had lost himself¿¿ (113). This quote well described Tierra de Fuego, and aided in the understanding. Bruce Chatwin spent most of his time at Punta Arenas and there, he experienced many interesting thins. In the Plaza de Armas a ceremony was in progress. ¿It was one hundred years since Don Josè Menèndez set foot in Punta Arenas and a well-heeled party of his descendants had come south to unveil his memorial. The women wore black dresses, pearls, furs and patent shoes. The men had the drawn look that some of protecting an over-extended acreage¿ (142). Also, the Salesian Father in Punta Arenas had a big museum of history. Beside these places, he finds many other interesting places through out his travel. However, it was a little disappointing at the end of the book. It seems to be that Bruce Ahtwin became bored because there was no revelation, and no feeling that the journey had taught him anything. By reading this book, readers can learn many things about Patagonia. Each of the chapters described different places, people and cultures. Since this book is a travel book, it is very descriptive and informative. In Patagonia is a god book for people who like to travel or like to know about places, people, and cultures in South America especially in Argentina and Chile. It is also good on people and history. In Patagonia Bruce Chatwin Penguin Books 199 pages

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A Real Eye-Opener

In Patagonia very much had a Kerouac, On the Road, vibe to it. I was not expecting that at all, since this was thought to be a Travel Adventure book, so it took a little while to come to terms with that. Once understood, the reading did take on a certain, rambling rhythm to it, which was comfortable.

There were so many colorful characters, and such a wealth of insight into the history of the region that I will definitely look to find more reads on Patagonia specifically, and Argentina in general.

In Patagonia

The style of writing was just not what appeals to me. Patagonia is an amazing part of the world but this just does not do it justice. I gave up after the first chapter.

Patagonia - an unforgiving land told by a true traveler

This book is a must read before traveling to the disparate land of deserts and glaciers. Chatwin is a master of description and detail told from the view of a bold adventurer complete with history, intrigue, and a vivid description of diverse people and cultures. A must read for those interested in writing about travel.

I was inspired

This book inspired me to follow the route Chatwin does and it was truly a magical experience. All of the information and back story provided me with the energy for a much more substantial and wondrous journey than I could have imagined or worked out with a travel agent. Read the book, take it with you to Argentina on a trip of your own.

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