Comments on: TDA July Book Review – The Last Train to Zona Verde

By: david jones

david jones — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 22:55:05 +0000

You nailed it. I couldn’t help reading every pathetic word from start to miserable finish. Every time I put it down I thought, this guy is an asshole. I do admit I have learned alot about Africa, well it is a start anyways, I think it is a cheap tick to be miserable when you talk about travel and far to easy to make it sound exotic with a crappy attitude.
The amazing descriptions encouraged me to read every word and make me hunger for the TDA!. Not sure why I enjoy his books so much cause I really dislike him. And i will probably buy his next book, good thing he is getting old. Maybe that is why he is so freaking cynical.

By: Graeme

Graeme — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 20:18:54 +0000

Thanks for the review. I have to say I simply hate reading Theroux, but continually make the mistake of believing friends who assure me “this time he isn’t so arrogant and disparaging of those he meets and the countries he travels through”. It’s never true, that is basically his “theme” for all his books. A thoroughly miserable writer that makes travel sound like a prison sentence. I’m glad this reviewer echoed some of that sentiment. I think, however, the last sentence should have stated; please forget Theroux, no longer buy his books so he can stop travelling and perhaps cheer up somewhat, and instead go read Colin Thubron if you wish to read of the majesty and poetry of travel.