A thoroughly enjoyable read, 05 Dec 2007
I actually bought this book for my father who is planning a trip to Peru but on reading through the first few pages I was compelled to read it all and let my father wait for his present! I wouldn't normally be drawn to "history books" but rather than a factual account of the demise of the Incas, this historical novel really brings the events to life and really caught my imagination. My knowledge of the conquest of the Incas was limited before reading this book and I was fascinated to learn how such a small number of Spaniards, sanctioned by the Catholic church, overthrew a great civilisation in pursuit of gold and souls.
This book led to great discussions between my father and I once I finally gave him his present!
I would recommend this book not just to people interested in history in general or in the Incas but to anyone looking for a good read over the holidays for it's as gripping a drama as you'll get!

A Phenomenal Read, 21 Nov 2007
If you want to read about the conquest of the Incas, one of the two biggest epic stories in the Americas (the other being Cortes' conquest of the Aztecs, then you really only have two choices: John Hemming's The Conquest of the Incas, and Kim MacQuarrie's The Last Days of the Incas. Hemming's book was published in 1970, thus recent discoveries in Peru during the last four decades are missing--and a lot has happened. It is a very detailed book with lots of footnotes and research, however, it was written by an academic and is average in writing quality. There is thus no attempt in Hemming's book to bring the characters to life, or even to tell their full stories. MacQuarrie's book, on the other hand, was published in 2007 and thus is very up-to-date. You'll learn about recent and important discoveries in 1999 and 2001, how Machu Picchu figured into the conquest and was discovered, and so on. But what really sets it apart from any other book on Inca history is the writing quality. The Last Days of the Incas is really a phenomenal read, the best that I've come across, period. Not since William Prescott's The Conquest of Peru (published in 1847 and a big best seller in its time, but now very outdated) has anyone achieved what MacQuarrie has achieved, bringing the conquest of the Incas back to life. The Last Days of the Incas is not only well researched and up-to-date, but the book is an amazing page-turner. Once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down. The author really succeeds in recreating Pizarro and his conquistadors and the various Inca emperors as full, three-dimensional characters. In sum, if you want to transport yourself in a time machine back to the 16th century in Peru and feel what it was like to be a participant in the sprawling epic that was the conquest of the Inca civilization, there's only one book to get: The Last Days of the Incas. Its a real tour de force.

A very enlightening Book, 19 Nov 2007
HIstorical Books were never my cup of tea but the Inca Empire has been in the news alot lately and I was curious to find out more about it hence I bought and read Last Days of the Incas. I was absolutely delighted I found it informative, interesting and easy to read which was great as I imagined books with this type of content would be heavy going. Kim Mac Quarrie's research was second to none and it has left me with the desire to go to Peru myself and see some of these sights

I couldn't put it down..., 25 Jul 2007
Planning my first trip to Peru I purchased a copy of "The Last Days of the Incas" after reading a review in the newspaper. I wasn't disappointed. Kim MacQuarrie's prose brings what is one of the most exciting stories that has ever occurred in the Americas to life in vivid and startling detail. Once I began reading the book, I literally was unable to put it down. Not only does "The Last Days of the Incas" bring the conquest to life, but it also includes chapters on the modern discoveries of Inca ruins in Peru, and also explains how Machu Picchu (a must see) fits into the history of the Inca Empire. This book does an amazing job of placing you at the heart of the conquest. Francisco Pizarro and his four brothers come completely to life as do a colorful assortment of other Inca and Spanish characters. You'll feel the sharp wind in the Andes whipping round your legs, the buzz of bullets from harquebusiers whizzing by your ears as you experience the valiant and brave efforts of the rebel Inca emperor, Manco Inca, struggle against all odds to hold onto his empire. If you are going on vacation to Peru or South America, or just want to experience an amazing and epic story first hand, then I can't recommend this book enough. Really extraordinary.

A rollercoaster Read, 18 Jul 2007
Before I read this book, my knowledge of the Inca Empire was limited to a vague notion that they once had a great civilization that was quickly destroyed by a small bunch of Spaniards. I had no idea of the blood curdling drama that awaited me. Kim MacQuarrie's book is a riveting, thrill a minute tale written with such a skillful combination of elegant restraint and high stakes immediacy that I couldn't wait to get to the next chapter and on some occasions, (like when Manco Inca first mobilized the Incas into rebellion to name but one example), I had to remind myself to exhale. Right up to the end, I was willing the Incas to prevail, all the while knowing that their days were numbered. The fact that all the issues it so painstakingly and beautifully brings to the surface are scarily relevant to today's world does the book no disservice either. Read it.

A thoroughly enjoyable read, 05 Dec 2007
I actually bought this book for my father who is planning a trip to Peru but on reading through the first few pages I was compelled to read it all and let my father wait for his present! I wouldn't normally be drawn to "history books" but rather than a factual account of the demise of the Incas, this historical novel really brings the events to life and really caught my imagination. My knowledge of the conquest of the Incas was limited before reading this book and I was fascinated to learn how such a small number of Spaniards, sanctioned by the Catholic church, overthrew a great civilisation in pursuit of gold and souls.
This book led to great discussions between my father and I once I finally gave him his present!
I would recommend this book not just to people interested in history in general or in the Incas but to anyone looking for a good read over the holidays for it's as gripping a drama as you'll get!

A Phenomenal Read, 21 Nov 2007
If you want to read about the conquest of the Incas, one of the two biggest epic stories in the Americas (the other being Cortes' conquest of the Aztecs, then you really only have two choices: John Hemming's The Conquest of the Incas, and Kim MacQuarrie's The Last Days of the Incas. Hemming's book was published in 1970, thus recent discoveries in Peru during the last four decades are missing--and a lot has happened. It is a very detailed book with lots of footnotes and research, however, it was written by an academic and is average in writing quality. There is thus no attempt in Hemming's book to bring the characters to life, or even to tell their full stories. MacQuarrie's book, on the other hand, was published in 2007 and thus is very up-to-date. You'll learn about recent and important discoveries in 1999 and 2001, how Machu Picchu figured into the conquest and was discovered, and so on. But what really sets it apart from any other book on Inca history is the writing quality. The Last Days of the Incas is really a phenomenal read, the best that I've come across, period. Not since William Prescott's The Conquest of Peru (published in 1847 and a big best seller in its time, but now very outdated) has anyone achieved what MacQuarrie has achieved, bringing the conquest of the Incas back to life. The Last Days of the Incas is not only well researched and up-to-date, but the book is an amazing page-turner. Once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down. The author really succeeds in recreating Pizarro and his conquistadors and the various Inca emperors as full, three-dimensional characters. In sum, if you want to transport yourself in a time machine back to the 16th century in Peru and feel what it was like to be a participant in the sprawling epic that was the conquest of the Inca civilization, there's only one book to get: The Last Days of the Incas. Its a real tour de force.

A very enlightening Book, 19 Nov 2007
HIstorical Books were never my cup of tea but the Inca Empire has been in the news alot lately and I was curious to find out more about it hence I bought and read Last Days of the Incas. I was absolutely delighted I found it informative, interesting and easy to read which was great as I imagined books with this type of content would be heavy going. Kim Mac Quarrie's research was second to none and it has left me with the desire to go to Peru myself and see some of these sights

I couldn't put it down..., 25 Jul 2007
Planning my first trip to Peru I purchased a copy of "The Last Days of the Incas" after reading a review in the newspaper. I wasn't disappointed. Kim MacQuarrie's prose brings what is one of the most exciting stories that has ever occurred in the Americas to life in vivid and startling detail. Once I began reading the book, I literally was unable to put it down. Not only does "The Last Days of the Incas" bring the conquest to life, but it also includes chapters on the modern discoveries of Inca ruins in Peru, and also explains how Machu Picchu (a must see) fits into the history of the Inca Empire. This book does an amazing job of placing you at the heart of the conquest. Francisco Pizarro and his four brothers come completely to life as do a colorful assortment of other Inca and Spanish characters. You'll feel the sharp wind in the Andes whipping round your legs, the buzz of bullets from harquebusiers whizzing by your ears as you experience the valiant and brave efforts of the rebel Inca emperor, Manco Inca, struggle against all odds to hold onto his empire. If you are going on vacation to Peru or South America, or just want to experience an amazing and epic story first hand, then I can't recommend this book enough. Really extraordinary.

A rollercoaster Read, 18 Jul 2007
Before I read this book, my knowledge of the Inca Empire was limited to a vague notion that they once had a great civilization that was quickly destroyed by a small bunch of Spaniards. I had no idea of the blood curdling drama that awaited me. Kim MacQuarrie's book is a riveting, thrill a minute tale written with such a skillful combination of elegant restraint and high stakes immediacy that I couldn't wait to get to the next chapter and on some occasions, (like when Manco Inca first mobilized the Incas into rebellion to name but one example), I had to remind myself to exhale. Right up to the end, I was willing the Incas to prevail, all the while knowing that their days were numbered. The fact that all the issues it so painstakingly and beautifully brings to the surface are scarily relevant to today's world does the book no disservice either. Read it.

Real Fantasy , 03 Aug 2008
Having read this book before my visit to Asuncion in Paraguay, I began to have second thoughts about actually going ! The author paints a picture in his book of a land full of bandits, desparado's, gun-toting gangsters and mafiaso.

The reality was very different and at no time during my visit to Asuncion did I feel threatened. Travelling on the public buses was a pleasure and not the grim and dangerous experience which the author describes. I consider that the author was more concerned when writing this book to create an image of himself as some bold and daring adventurer who dares go where others fear to tread.

If you are considering visiting Paraguay, do not waste your money on this 'fantasy'.

Myth making, 15 Dec 2007
Brfore you read this book take a long look at the picture on the cover, the title and the synopsis. If you expect an accurate guide for any excursion into Paraguay then you need to buy the most recent Lonely Planet. If on the otherhand, you want your imagination to be fired with tales of adventure and exploration then you should read this book. Carver crafts a piece of Travel Literature that comes from after dinner discussions at a Gentleman's Club, from the faded pages of Edwardian Boy's Own comics or from the Western imagination itself, where the tropics are undiscovered and exciting.
Travel narrative has a history of blurring the lines between fact and fiction, this has happened from Herodotus through to Renaissance maps with monsters and sea dragons. Our perception of developing nations comes almost exclusively from rolling news channels, charity adverts and soundbites of 'celebrities' doing their bit;I find it refreshing to read an almost colonial description of an idiosyncratic country shrouded in a cloud of myth.
Carver highlights the apparantly negative factors of modern Paraguay to provide a contrast to our own 'civilized' world. Through the characters he meets we learn more about an outsider's view of this strange tropical land. Throughout his own narrative we learn about how our own world has lost almost all of it's spontaneous spirit and freedom. If there was a blueprint for state creation in the modern era then the Paraguayans have clearly misunderstood it, or photocopied it the wrong way round. It truly is a most curious country, and to Carver's credit he captures this.
The reason I dropped a couple of stars has been covered by the other reviewers. If I had read this before travelling I probably would have avoided Paraguay, this would have been a mistake. Carver sometimes goes too far in creating excitement, this is pointless for a country like Paraguay, it is exciting enough anyway.

Apocalypse Not, 21 Oct 2007
I too echo the previous reviewer. Carver makes Paraguay seem more like war-torn Congo. Was the really the same country I'd spent a month in shortly before reading this book? Indeed, was this the same Asunción I'd stayed in; taking buses freely around the city, eating in restaurants, going to football matches? Asunción needs the same sensible precautions that any visit to a third world capital requires, but Caracas, Bogota or San Salvador is isn't.

The nonsense starts even before he arrives in Paraguay, as apparantly his flight connection at Guarulhos airport in Sao Paulo is swarming with gun toting ranch hands. Perhaps the airport security people had that day off. Like the reviewer mentioned, the book is riddled with geografical errors. Carver tells us his bus from Encarnacion to Trinidad passes through the German settlement of Honenau, telling us of the latter he didn't get off the bus as he didn't like the look of it. Hardly surprising, as it is actually 10 km further on!

Bruce Chatwin seemed to start the trend for upper class English writers visting latin america and writing semi-fabricated travelogs, but his curiosity, research, imagination, turn of phrase and touch of Borges, allowed him to produce a masterpiece with 'In Patagonia'. Curiously, Carver's opening and closing chapters about a long lost great uncle who adventured in South America have a remarkable similarity to Chatwin's about a long lost great uncle who adventured in South America.

The first half of the book is readable enough (though the description of Concepcion is laughable) as Carver begins to go stir crazy in his five star hotel, with some touches of self-awareness from the author. The second half sadly is little more than extended political rants, as Carver expounds his paranoic, far-right, libertarian views. Neo-liberal privateer Gordon Brown is "a socialist", Europe is an overcrowded hellhole (has he ever looked down from an aeroplane and noticed the huge empty swathes?) and virtually everyone is living parsitically off the state. Judging by Carver's brief biog inside the jacket, having spent so much of his 'career' working for the BBC, so has the author.

Like many ageing English seeking the mythical mono-racial shangri-la of their 50s childhood, Carver has tried escaping his homeland for rural Spain and France. Fuminating on the swarms of nasty immigrants coming to Europe, Carver sadly complains that many are "black Africans". Oh dear. There are constant snipes at Britain's "working class" too.

The narcissistic ending is embarrasing. It's like the US evacuation of Saigon.

Very few Paraguayan's make it into the book. And Carver sees little of Paraguay outside of Asuncion. Carver superficially describes Paraguay's Colorados one-party state's profound levels of political corruption (mainly from reading the local paper), but there is no analysis of it's roots. And certainly nothing about current threats to the Paraguayan people; the soya monoculture with it's forced evictions and toxic spraying, repressive 'anti-terrorist' legislation and the growing geo-political importance of the Guarani aquifer with it's collosal freshwater reserves.

Anyone thinking of buying this of Amazon; don't. The only useful thing is it's well annotated reading list. Get John Gimlette's far superior book. His love of Paraguay and Paraguayans shines through. And as his non-materialistic view of Paraguayan history is a tad simplistic, get Richard Gott's 'Land Without Evil' and John Hemming's 'Red Gold' for historical background on this fascinating, overlooked region.

And for anyone thinking of visting this strange, beautiful country, which has a charm all of it's won, do. Don't let this self-obsessed, lazy rubbish put you off.

What a badly written book!!!!, 13 Oct 2007
I doubt that the author has even been to Paraguay. Too many inaccuracies all over the book. Names of places and people mis-spelled (if I were to write a book about a place -specially if I claim I have been there- I woluld make sure I take note of the name of places I supposedly have been to. A few examples: Itapa hydroelectric dam for Itaipu, San Juan Caballero or San Pedro Caballero City for Pedro Juan Caballero, Jalapa for Jopara (language of mixed-spanish guarani origin).
Babies no allowed on the street for fear of been snatch by vultures, being randomly attacked by a machete holding person in the city centre, vampire bats in the hotel room, people travelling in planes holding firearms, c'mon this a work of fiction, not a travel book. This man is trying to make people think he was living in dangerously, when probably, if he ever went to Paraguay, he really had the most boring trip of his life!!!. Read it as a novel and you might enjoy it, try to get any real information about the country from this book and you'll realise this book isn't worth a penny. If I wasn't as honest as I am,it would have been returned and a full refund requested. It is now ending where it belongs: the bin!!

A thoroughly enjoyable read, 05 Dec 2007
I actually bought this book for my father who is planning a trip to Peru but on reading through the first few pages I was compelled to read it all and let my father wait for his present! I wouldn't normally be drawn to "history books" but rather than a factual account of the demise of the Incas, this historical novel really brings the events to life and really caught my imagination. My knowledge of the conquest of the Incas was limited before reading this book and I was fascinated to learn how such a small number of Spaniards, sanctioned by the Catholic church, overthrew a great civilisation in pursuit of gold and souls.
This book led to great discussions between my father and I once I finally gave him his present!
I would recommend this book not just to people interested in history in general or in the Incas but to anyone looking for a good read over the holidays for it's as gripping a drama as you'll get!

A Phenomenal Read, 21 Nov 2007
If you want to read about the conquest of the Incas, one of the two biggest epic stories in the Americas (the other being Cortes' conquest of the Aztecs, then you really only have two choices: John Hemming's The Conquest of the Incas, and Kim MacQuarrie's The Last Days of the Incas. Hemming's book was published in 1970, thus recent discoveries in Peru during the last four decades are missing--and a lot has happened. It is a very detailed book with lots of footnotes and research, however, it was written by an academic and is average in writing quality. There is thus no attempt in Hemming's book to bring the characters to life, or even to tell their full stories. MacQuarrie's book, on the other hand, was published in 2007 and thus is very up-to-date. You'll learn about recent and important discoveries in 1999 and 2001, how Machu Picchu figured into the conquest and was discovered, and so on. But what really sets it apart from any other book on Inca history is the writing quality. The Last Days of the Incas is really a phenomenal read, the best that I've come across, period. Not since William Prescott's The Conquest of Peru (published in 1847 and a big best seller in its time, but now very outdated) has anyone achieved what MacQuarrie has achieved, bringing the conquest of the Incas back to life. The Last Days of the Incas is not only well researched and up-to-date, but the book is an amazing page-turner. Once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down. The author really succeeds in recreating Pizarro and his conquistadors and the various Inca emperors as full, three-dimensional characters. In sum, if you want to transport yourself in a time machine back to the 16th century in Peru and feel what it was like to be a participant in the sprawling epic that was the conquest of the Inca civilization, there's only one book to get: The Last Days of the Incas. Its a real tour de force.

A very enlightening Book, 19 Nov 2007
HIstorical Books were never my cup of tea but the Inca Empire has been in the news alot lately and I was curious to find out more about it hence I bought and read Last Days of the Incas. I was absolutely delighted I found it informative, interesting and easy to read which was great as I imagined books with this type of content would be heavy going. Kim Mac Quarrie's research was second to none and it has left me with the desire to go to Peru myself and see some of these sights

I couldn't put it down..., 25 Jul 2007
Planning my first trip to Peru I purchased a copy of "The Last Days of the Incas" after reading a review in the newspaper. I wasn't disappointed. Kim MacQuarrie's prose brings what is one of the most exciting stories that has ever occurred in the Americas to life in vivid and startling detail. Once I began reading the book, I literally was unable to put it down. Not only does "The Last Days of the Incas" bring the conquest to life, but it also includes chapters on the modern discoveries of Inca ruins in Peru, and also explains how Machu Picchu (a must see) fits into the history of the Inca Empire. This book does an amazing job of placing you at the heart of the conquest. Francisco Pizarro and his four brothers come completely to life as do a colorful assortment of other Inca and Spanish characters. You'll feel the sharp wind in the Andes whipping round your legs, the buzz of bullets from harquebusiers whizzing by your ears as you experience the valiant and brave efforts of the rebel Inca emperor, Manco Inca, struggle against all odds to hold onto his empire. If you are going on vacation to Peru or South America, or just want to experience an amazing and epic story first hand, then I can't recommend this book enough. Really extraordinary.

A rollercoaster Read, 18 Jul 2007
Before I read this book, my knowledge of the Inca Empire was limited to a vague notion that they once had a great civilization that was quickly destroyed by a small bunch of Spaniards. I had no idea of the blood curdling drama that awaited me. Kim MacQuarrie's book is a riveting, thrill a minute tale written with such a skillful combination of elegant restraint and high stakes immediacy that I couldn't wait to get to the next chapter and on some occasions, (like when Manco Inca first mobilized the Incas into rebellion to name but one example), I had to remind myself to exhale. Right up to the end, I was willing the Incas to prevail, all the while knowing that their days were numbered. The fact that all the issues it so painstakingly and beautifully brings to the surface are scarily relevant to today's world does the book no disservice either. Read it.

Real Fantasy , 03 Aug 2008
Having read this book before my visit to Asuncion in Paraguay, I began to have second thoughts about actually going ! The author paints a picture in his book of a land full of bandits, desparado's, gun-toting gangsters and mafiaso.

The reality was very different and at no time during my visit to Asuncion did I feel threatened. Travelling on the public buses was a pleasure and not the grim and dangerous experience which the author describes. I consider that the author was more concerned when writing this book to create an image of himself as some bold and daring adventurer who dares go where others fear to tread.

If you are considering visiting Paraguay, do not waste your money on this 'fantasy'.

Myth making, 15 Dec 2007
Brfore you read this book take a long look at the picture on the cover, the title and the synopsis. If you expect an accurate guide for any excursion into Paraguay then you need to buy the most recent Lonely Planet. If on the otherhand, you want your imagination to be fired with tales of adventure and exploration then you should read this book. Carver crafts a piece of Travel Literature that comes from after dinner discussions at a Gentleman's Club, from the faded pages of Edwardian Boy's Own comics or from the Western imagination itself, where the tropics are undiscovered and exciting.
Travel narrative has a history of blurring the lines between fact and fiction, this has happened from Herodotus through to Renaissance maps with monsters and sea dragons. Our perception of developing nations comes almost exclusively from rolling news channels, charity adverts and soundbites of 'celebrities' doing their bit;I find it refreshing to read an almost colonial description of an idiosyncratic country shrouded in a cloud of myth.
Carver highlights the apparantly negative factors of modern Paraguay to provide a contrast to our own 'civilized' world. Through the characters he meets we learn more about an outsider's view of this strange tropical land. Throughout his own narrative we learn about how our own world has lost almost all of it's spontaneous spirit and freedom. If there was a blueprint for state creation in the modern era then the Paraguayans have clearly misunderstood it, or photocopied it the wrong way round. It truly is a most curious country, and to Carver's credit he captures this.
The reason I dropped a couple of stars has been covered by the other reviewers. If I had read this before travelling I probably would have avoided Paraguay, this would have been a mistake. Carver sometimes goes too far in creating excitement, this is pointless for a country like Paraguay, it is exciting enough anyway.

Apocalypse Not, 21 Oct 2007
I too echo the previous reviewer. Carver makes Paraguay seem more like war-torn Congo. Was the really the same country I'd spent a month in shortly before reading this book? Indeed, was this the same Asunción I'd stayed in; taking buses freely around the city, eating in restaurants, going to football matches? Asunción needs the same sensible precautions that any visit to a third world capital requires, but Caracas, Bogota or San Salvador is isn't.

The nonsense starts even before he arrives in Paraguay, as apparantly his flight connection at Guarulhos airport in Sao Paulo is swarming with gun toting ranch hands. Perhaps the airport security people had that day off. Like the reviewer mentioned, the book is riddled with geografical errors. Carver tells us his bus from Encarnacion to Trinidad passes through the German settlement of Honenau, telling us of the latter he didn't get off the bus as he didn't like the look of it. Hardly surprising, as it is actually 10 km further on!

Bruce Chatwin seemed to start the trend for upper class English writers visting latin america and writing semi-fabricated travelogs, but his curiosity, research, imagination, turn of phrase and touch of Borges, allowed him to produce a masterpiece with 'In Patagonia'. Curiously, Carver's opening and closing chapters about a long lost great uncle who adventured in South America have a remarkable similarity to Chatwin's about a long lost great uncle who adventured in South America.

The first half of the book is readable enough (though the description of Concepcion is laughable) as Carver begins to go stir crazy in his five star hotel, with some touches of self-awareness from the author. The second half sadly is little more than extended political rants, as Carver expounds his paranoic, far-right, libertarian views. Neo-liberal privateer Gordon Brown is "a socialist", Europe is an overcrowded hellhole (has he ever looked down from an aeroplane and noticed the huge empty swathes?) and virtually everyone is living parsitically off the state. Judging by Carver's brief biog inside the jacket, having spent so much of his 'career' working for the BBC, so has the author.

Like many ageing English seeking the mythical mono-racial shangri-la of their 50s childhood, Carver has tried escaping his homeland for rural Spain and France. Fuminating on the swarms of nasty immigrants coming to Europe, Carver sadly complains that many are "black Africans". Oh dear. There are constant snipes at Britain's "working class" too.

The narcissistic ending is embarrasing. It's like the US evacuation of Saigon.

Very few Paraguayan's make it into the book. And Carver sees little of Paraguay outside of Asuncion. Carver superficially describes Paraguay's Colorados one-party state's profound levels of political corruption (mainly from reading the local paper), but there is no analysis of it's roots. And certainly nothing about current threats to the Paraguayan people; the soya monoculture with it's forced evictions and toxic spraying, repressive 'anti-terrorist' legislation and the growing geo-political importance of the Guarani aquifer with it's collosal freshwater reserves.

Anyone thinking of buying this of Amazon; don't. The only useful thing is it's well annotated reading list. Get John Gimlette's far superior book. His love of Paraguay and Paraguayans shines through. And as his non-materialistic view of Paraguayan history is a tad simplistic, get Richard Gott's 'Land Without Evil' and John Hemming's 'Red Gold' for historical background on this fascinating, overlooked region.

And for anyone thinking of visting this strange, beautiful country, which has a charm all of it's won, do. Don't let this self-obsessed, lazy rubbish put you off.

What a badly written book!!!!, 13 Oct 2007
I doubt that the author has even been to Paraguay. Too many inaccuracies all over the book. Names of places and people mis-spelled (if I were to write a book about a place -specially if I claim I have been there- I woluld make sure I take note of the name of places I supposedly have been to. A few examples: Itapa hydroelectric dam for Itaipu, San Juan Caballero or San Pedro Caballero City for Pedro Juan Caballero, Jalapa for Jopara (language of mixed-spanish guarani origin).
Babies no allowed on the street for fear of been snatch by vultures, being randomly attacked by a machete holding person in the city centre, vampire bats in the hotel room, people travelling in planes holding firearms, c'mon this a work of fiction, not a travel book. This man is trying to make people think he was living in dangerously, when probably, if he ever went to Paraguay, he really had the most boring trip of his life!!!. Read it as a novel and you might enjoy it, try to get any real information about the country from this book and you'll realise this book isn't worth a penny. If I wasn't as honest as I am,it would have been returned and a full refund requested. It is now ending where it belongs: the bin!!

Extremely Valuable, 03 Jan 1999
This book although by by a writer from the left is a well researched well-written survey of slavery. Without emotion it explains how slavery, something which had practically ceased to exist following the collapse of the Roman World was re-created to provide labour in colonies of the new world.

It describes the setting up of the trade occurred and how it operated in practice. The brutality, the mechanics of how slaves were obtained how they were sold, what they did as slaves.

The absence of passion makes the book an even more powerful indictment of the institution of slavery. It describes how in most of the colonies slaves were over time worked to death. In Brazil, the usual life expectancy was seven years.

The book is challenging as it raises questions about the origin of our societies and seriously challenges the notions that European Society was either civilized or Christian.