marksanders's review against another edition
4.0
at times poignant, profound and illuminating this travel memoir suffers from the biggest problem i have with the genre: consistency. ernesto guevero provides wonderful detail in parts and then writes with the narrative equivalent of an ellipses elsewhere. however, it was good to get some first person psychological and historical background that rises above his myth.
dashadashahi's review against another edition
5.0
From drunken disagreements, murder, and drugs to merriment, camaraderie and compassion - this collection of Guevara's own writings from his adventure, with his best friend, through Latin America is an exciting and enjoyable read. Between the entertaining stories from various locations, there is a surplus of commentary on working conditions, residual effects of colonialism, America's neo-imperialism, exploitation, wealth and medical inequity. Despite the generosity of the many strangers encountered throughout the book, it is clear that past and current exploitation (whether by Conquistadors or foreign-owned mining companies) has influenced resources and material wealth available to local populations. Indeed, the reader of this book can take from it the many experiences that shaped Guevara's view of the world and the necessity for change.
I enjoyed the introduction by his daughter, chronological overview, and map of the travels. As someone very unfamiliar with Latin America the map helped to visualize the route taken.
I enjoyed the introduction by his daughter, chronological overview, and map of the travels. As someone very unfamiliar with Latin America the map helped to visualize the route taken.
pawswithabook's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
Written 8 years before the Cuban Revolution, 23 year old Ernesto (Che) Guevara embarks on a journey to explore South America with a friend and a 500 cc Norton. This book is his diary account of this journey.
Less political than I expected, these are the diaries of a young man who is on a journey of self discovery, whilst immersing himself fully into, and enjoying life.
Whilst this is a non-fiction, a series of diary entries, Guevara doesn’t rush to write in note-form, and instead takes the time to bring to life and stunningly depict the landscape around him as he explores Argentina, Chile, Peru and Venezuela.
At times there is a little too much detail to follow, with lots of place names and historical references (the map included in the book is definitely a help).
However, this book is perhaps one of the most beautiful and poetically written autobiographical books I’ve read.
Less political than I expected, these are the diaries of a young man who is on a journey of self discovery, whilst immersing himself fully into, and enjoying life.
Whilst this is a non-fiction, a series of diary entries, Guevara doesn’t rush to write in note-form, and instead takes the time to bring to life and stunningly depict the landscape around him as he explores Argentina, Chile, Peru and Venezuela.
At times there is a little too much detail to follow, with lots of place names and historical references (the map included in the book is definitely a help).
However, this book is perhaps one of the most beautiful and poetically written autobiographical books I’ve read.
divinginl1terature's review against another edition
It's not that I didn't like it, but I think that right now I'm not that invensted in that type of books.
merqri's review against another edition
4.0
I have zero idea about South America. I only had vague knowledge of the countries in that continent. Also, I had very very little information about Che Guevara. This book was a perfect pick for fill on the gaps to give a superficial understanding of the area.
Travel diaries are good when they also talk about the impact the travel has on the travelers. I could see that happening here. Author's notes slowly build up from small paragraphs talking about itineraries to more descriptive incidents, to then eventually how this travel has impacted his outlook towards life. I could label this book as a coming of age and formative experience for him which laid the foundations for a personality which we know from the books of history.
There is feel of Sindbad the Sailor to this travelogue. Obviously, this one is real. But it is heartwarming to see how they got help and support an every leg of their journey. It restores your faith in the society. Usually, people with moderate means of survival are the ones who are more helpful.
The language is simple and flowing. Nothing very ornamental, yet every now and then there are quirky sentences to keep you connected with the narrative. There is less world building and more of a chain of incidents style of writing.
Overall, it is definitely recommended.
Travel diaries are good when they also talk about the impact the travel has on the travelers. I could see that happening here. Author's notes slowly build up from small paragraphs talking about itineraries to more descriptive incidents, to then eventually how this travel has impacted his outlook towards life. I could label this book as a coming of age and formative experience for him which laid the foundations for a personality which we know from the books of history.
There is feel of Sindbad the Sailor to this travelogue. Obviously, this one is real. But it is heartwarming to see how they got help and support an every leg of their journey. It restores your faith in the society. Usually, people with moderate means of survival are the ones who are more helpful.
The language is simple and flowing. Nothing very ornamental, yet every now and then there are quirky sentences to keep you connected with the narrative. There is less world building and more of a chain of incidents style of writing.
Overall, it is definitely recommended.
silasaxtell's review against another edition
funny
informative
medium-paced
3.0
Amazing to have some insight into the life of this odd character.
Hilarious, at times. To see his opinions of South America ten years before cuba was the most enjoyable for me. A fascinating adventure.
Hilarious, at times. To see his opinions of South America ten years before cuba was the most enjoyable for me. A fascinating adventure.
theobscurereader_7's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
3.75