At the Tomb of the Inflatable Pig chronicles the history of Paraguay from the discovery and conquest of the primitive tribes in the seventeenth century to the string of tin pot dictators who have dominated the country ever since. John Gimlette first visited Paraguay as the Falklands war erupted. He's been back several times since and writes with affection, bewilderment and a wry humour about this most bizarre, bloodthirsty and fascinating of countries.

It's a tale of unbelievable corruption and cruelty, idealism and ignorance. European Jesuits converted the cannibals and set up Arcadian communes only to have them crushed by their own rapacious countrymen. German Anabaptists escaped to Paraguay to set up religious communes while other Germans washed up in Paraguay and ended up supporting Hitler and sheltering Nazi criminals after the war.

Gimlette records it all with verve, precision and a rollicking sense of timing. He has presented us with a page-turner of a travel book that mixes culture and criminality, decadence and despair with a bizarre flair that must approximate the country itself. --Dwight Longenecker

The best travel book I have ever read!, 03 Feb 2008
Although the above review title is somewhat histronic & superlative, I stand by my words - this is a superb book & a real gem for anyone, Paraguay fans or not.
It is also the epitome of how a travel book should be written - completely unpretenious, always inviting the reader to join in their travels, rather than exclude them, so we can enjoy the privilege of travel, it brings alive the wonderfully eccentric country that is Paraguay, and focuses on the country and not the writer!
On top of that, it was insightful, very funny indeed, brilliant at not only painting a picture, but giving the historical background too - I have learnt more about one country in one book than I have in any book.
This book is a travel book, but is at least 6 biographies in one, and might just as well easily be called "A Complete History of Paraguay" as it manages to cover all the important bits & pieces in an extremely readable way.
If you're ever going to Paraguay, this book is a must. Even if you're not, and want a different & thoroughly decent read, this book is a must!

Fantastic travel writing, 23 Jun 2007
It is very rare to find such an outstanding mix between travel writing and a full review of a nations historical developments. The book is both captivating and entertaining and gives amazing insights into the roots of a very special society. Thoroughly recommendable!

couldn't put it down, 06 Nov 2004
This is one of the most enjoyable books I've read in ages. Written with wit and knowledge, I enjoyed every page and was sorry when it finished. I lived in Paraguay for three years in the '80's and wish I'd read this book before going there.

Catchy title, catchy book., 28 Feb 2004
John Gimlette's book is part travel writing, part journalism, and part history: It is observational, with comment and cutting edge, as much about human nature as about the politics, geography and people of Paraguay.
Here a country is brought to life and you begin to get a feeling about what it is like to live there today and during the times of the Generals.
The Paraguay of John Gimlette is a country undergoing change, rapid change, and much of it for the good, but this book also captures something of the past which should not be forgotten.

The (almost) complete guide to Paraguay, 01 Dec 2003
All in all, this is a very interesting book. I have learned more about my country's history from this book than I did in all my years in Paraguayan schools. It is a must read for all Paraguayans and everyone in general, why for everyone in general? Well, it has many historical facts about Americans, Germans, Australians, Italians, English, Indians, Jesuits, South Americans, the Nazis, etc. and their relationship to Paraguay. It has been wonderfully researched and is full of awesome facts and numbers. I can only recommend this book; it also has lots of old pictures and funny passages. The book is not perfect, it contains lots of misspelled Spanish and Guarani words and proper names, something that doesn't belong to any book. What I personally dislike the most is the fact that the author gave the book the weirdest title. I have never met anyone that has ever heard of those inflatable pigs, it was probably some kind of Pokemon/Tamaguchi wave that lasted for a few days, and he dedicated the book's title to it... What I also didn't like are some of his generalizations and comments about him being home sick or missing the UK when he couldn't find a real English Bar in Paraguay.

The best travel book I have ever read!, 03 Feb 2008
Although the above review title is somewhat histronic & superlative, I stand by my words - this is a superb book & a real gem for anyone, Paraguay fans or not.
It is also the epitome of how a travel book should be written - completely unpretenious, always inviting the reader to join in their travels, rather than exclude them, so we can enjoy the privilege of travel, it brings alive the wonderfully eccentric country that is Paraguay, and focuses on the country and not the writer!
On top of that, it was insightful, very funny indeed, brilliant at not only painting a picture, but giving the historical background too - I have learnt more about one country in one book than I have in any book.
This book is a travel book, but is at least 6 biographies in one, and might just as well easily be called "A Complete History of Paraguay" as it manages to cover all the important bits & pieces in an extremely readable way.
If you're ever going to Paraguay, this book is a must. Even if you're not, and want a different & thoroughly decent read, this book is a must!

Fantastic travel writing, 23 Jun 2007
It is very rare to find such an outstanding mix between travel writing and a full review of a nations historical developments. The book is both captivating and entertaining and gives amazing insights into the roots of a very special society. Thoroughly recommendable!

couldn't put it down, 06 Nov 2004
This is one of the most enjoyable books I've read in ages. Written with wit and knowledge, I enjoyed every page and was sorry when it finished. I lived in Paraguay for three years in the '80's and wish I'd read this book before going there.

Catchy title, catchy book., 28 Feb 2004
John Gimlette's book is part travel writing, part journalism, and part history: It is observational, with comment and cutting edge, as much about human nature as about the politics, geography and people of Paraguay.
Here a country is brought to life and you begin to get a feeling about what it is like to live there today and during the times of the Generals.
The Paraguay of John Gimlette is a country undergoing change, rapid change, and much of it for the good, but this book also captures something of the past which should not be forgotten.

The (almost) complete guide to Paraguay, 01 Dec 2003
All in all, this is a very interesting book. I have learned more about my country's history from this book than I did in all my years in Paraguayan schools. It is a must read for all Paraguayans and everyone in general, why for everyone in general? Well, it has many historical facts about Americans, Germans, Australians, Italians, English, Indians, Jesuits, South Americans, the Nazis, etc. and their relationship to Paraguay. It has been wonderfully researched and is full of awesome facts and numbers. I can only recommend this book; it also has lots of old pictures and funny passages. The book is not perfect, it contains lots of misspelled Spanish and Guarani words and proper names, something that doesn't belong to any book. What I personally dislike the most is the fact that the author gave the book the weirdest title. I have never met anyone that has ever heard of those inflatable pigs, it was probably some kind of Pokemon/Tamaguchi wave that lasted for a few days, and he dedicated the book's title to it... What I also didn't like are some of his generalizations and comments about him being home sick or missing the UK when he couldn't find a real English Bar in Paraguay.

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!!

The best travel book I have ever read!, 03 Feb 2008
Although the above review title is somewhat histronic & superlative, I stand by my words - this is a superb book & a real gem for anyone, Paraguay fans or not.
It is also the epitome of how a travel book should be written - completely unpretenious, always inviting the reader to join in their travels, rather than exclude them, so we can enjoy the privilege of travel, it brings alive the wonderfully eccentric country that is Paraguay, and focuses on the country and not the writer!
On top of that, it was insightful, very funny indeed, brilliant at not only painting a picture, but giving the historical background too - I have learnt more about one country in one book than I have in any book.
This book is a travel book, but is at least 6 biographies in one, and might just as well easily be called "A Complete History of Paraguay" as it manages to cover all the important bits & pieces in an extremely readable way.
If you're ever going to Paraguay, this book is a must. Even if you're not, and want a different & thoroughly decent read, this book is a must!

Fantastic travel writing, 23 Jun 2007
It is very rare to find such an outstanding mix between travel writing and a full review of a nations historical developments. The book is both captivating and entertaining and gives amazing insights into the roots of a very special society. Thoroughly recommendable!

couldn't put it down, 06 Nov 2004
This is one of the most enjoyable books I've read in ages. Written with wit and knowledge, I enjoyed every page and was sorry when it finished. I lived in Paraguay for three years in the '80's and wish I'd read this book before going there.

Catchy title, catchy book., 28 Feb 2004
John Gimlette's book is part travel writing, part journalism, and part history: It is observational, with comment and cutting edge, as much about human nature as about the politics, geography and people of Paraguay.
Here a country is brought to life and you begin to get a feeling about what it is like to live there today and during the times of the Generals.
The Paraguay of John Gimlette is a country undergoing change, rapid change, and much of it for the good, but this book also captures something of the past which should not be forgotten.

The (almost) complete guide to Paraguay, 01 Dec 2003
All in all, this is a very interesting book. I have learned more about my country's history from this book than I did in all my years in Paraguayan schools. It is a must read for all Paraguayans and everyone in general, why for everyone in general? Well, it has many historical facts about Americans, Germans, Australians, Italians, English, Indians, Jesuits, South Americans, the Nazis, etc. and their relationship to Paraguay. It has been wonderfully researched and is full of awesome facts and numbers. I can only recommend this book; it also has lots of old pictures and funny passages. The book is not perfect, it contains lots of misspelled Spanish and Guarani words and proper names, something that doesn't belong to any book. What I personally dislike the most is the fact that the author gave the book the weirdest title. I have never met anyone that has ever heard of those inflatable pigs, it was probably some kind of Pokemon/Tamaguchi wave that lasted for a few days, and he dedicated the book's title to it... What I also didn't like are some of his generalizations and comments about him being home sick or missing the UK when he couldn't find a real English Bar in Paraguay.

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!!

Detailed and well researched, 26 Dec 2007
The war fought by Bolivia and Paraguay for the Gran Chaco between 1932 and 1935 is little known in North America and unknown in Europe.

It was a conflict fought with great savagery in, and for, a wasteland and cost 88,000 lives, indeed 25% of the victorious Paraguayan army were killed! Yet it has lessons for the 21st Century in the greater importance of leadership than reliance upon technology and it greatly influenced social development in Bolivia which is currently one of Venezuela's closest friends making a new account long overdue.

Europe's foremost expert on Latin America's armed forces, Adrian J. English, has taken up the task to produce an account worthy of the combatants although he admits it was one of the most futile wars in history. Mr English, who met many of the combatants and clearly benefits from their knowledge, deftly explores the geographic and political background to the conflict then leads the reader through the operations while sketching out the diplomatic and political background.

Personal accounts, which tend to dominate so many modern military histories, are avoided and perhaps there might have been a little more on the background and personality of some of the key characters. Yet this is the only criticism and the chapter are well written, each with little headings describing the contents which younger readers might regard as old-fashioned but provide a guide through the complexities as fortune swung first one way and then the other.

Mr English clearly shows how, and why, victory went to Paraguay which was poorer but whose society was more cohesive. The country's military leadership was more professional and adapted more rapidly to the demanding conditions of the conflict, frequently outmanoeuvring their enemies in operations reminiscent of Finland's Winter War four years later.

By contrast the stronger and better-equipped Bolivian forces were compromised by a divided society and a military leadership which was largely incompetent, indeed the only time it worked efficiently was in a coup against the president! Yet they remained stubbornly committed to the war and in the many instances of trench warfare fought bravely.

Essentially, 'The Green Hell' is a very detailed sketch of the Chaco War but it provides all the military background that any reader could desire and once started is very difficult to put down.

The best travel book I have ever read!, 03 Feb 2008
Although the above review title is somewhat histronic & superlative, I stand by my words - this is a superb book & a real gem for anyone, Paraguay fans or not.
It is also the epitome of how a travel book should be written - completely unpretenious, always inviting the reader to join in their travels, rather than exclude them, so we can enjoy the privilege of travel, it brings alive the wonderfully eccentric country that is Paraguay, and focuses on the country and not the writer!
On top of that, it was insightful, very funny indeed, brilliant at not only painting a picture, but giving the historical background too - I have learnt more about one country in one book than I have in any book.
This book is a travel book, but is at least 6 biographies in one, and might just as well easily be called "A Complete History of Paraguay" as it manages to cover all the important bits & pieces in an extremely readable way.
If you're ever going to Paraguay, this book is a must. Even if you're not, and want a different & thoroughly decent read, this book is a must!

Fantastic travel writing, 23 Jun 2007
It is very rare to find such an outstanding mix between travel writing and a full review of a nations historical developments. The book is both captivating and entertaining and gives amazing insights into the roots of a very special society. Thoroughly recommendable!

couldn't put it down, 06 Nov 2004
This is one of the most enjoyable books I've read in ages. Written with wit and knowledge, I enjoyed every page and was sorry when it finished. I lived in Paraguay for three years in the '80's and wish I'd read this book before going there.

Catchy title, catchy book., 28 Feb 2004
John Gimlette's book is part travel writing, part journalism, and part history: It is observational, with comment and cutting edge, as much about human nature as about the politics, geography and people of Paraguay.
Here a country is brought to life and you begin to get a feeling about what it is like to live there today and during the times of the Generals.
The Paraguay of John Gimlette is a country undergoing change, rapid change, and much of it for the good, but this book also captures something of the past which should not be forgotten.

The (almost) complete guide to Paraguay, 01 Dec 2003
All in all, this is a very interesting book. I have learned more about my country's history from this book than I did in all my years in Paraguayan schools. It is a must read for all Paraguayans and everyone in general, why for everyone in general? Well, it has many historical facts about Americans, Germans, Australians, Italians, English, Indians, Jesuits, South Americans, the Nazis, etc. and their relationship to Paraguay. It has been wonderfully researched and is full of awesome facts and numbers. I can only recommend this book; it also has lots of old pictures and funny passages. The book is not perfect, it contains lots of misspelled Spanish and Guarani words and proper names, something that doesn't belong to any book. What I personally dislike the most is the fact that the author gave the book the weirdest title. I have never met anyone that has ever heard of those inflatable pigs, it was probably some kind of Pokemon/Tamaguchi wave that lasted for a few days, and he dedicated the book's title to it... What I also didn't like are some of his generalizations and comments about him being home sick or missing the UK when he couldn't find a real English Bar in Paraguay.

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!!

Detailed and well researched, 26 Dec 2007
The war fought by Bolivia and Paraguay for the Gran Chaco between 1932 and 1935 is little known in North America and unknown in Europe.

It was a conflict fought with great savagery in, and for, a wasteland and cost 88,000 lives, indeed 25% of the victorious Paraguayan army were killed! Yet it has lessons for the 21st Century in the greater importance of leadership than reliance upon technology and it greatly influenced social development in Bolivia which is currently one of Venezuela's closest friends making a new account long overdue.

Europe's foremost expert on Latin America's armed forces, Adrian J. English, has taken up the task to produce an account worthy of the combatants although he admits it was one of the most futile wars in history. Mr English, who met many of the combatants and clearly benefits from their knowledge, deftly explores the geographic and political background to the conflict then leads the reader through the operations while sketching out the diplomatic and political background.

Personal accounts, which tend to dominate so many modern military histories, are avoided and perhaps there might have been a little more on the background and personality of some of the key characters. Yet this is the only criticism and the chapter are well written, each with little headings describing the contents which younger readers might regard as old-fashioned but provide a guide through the complexities as fortune swung first one way and then the other.

Mr English clearly shows how, and why, victory went to Paraguay which was poorer but whose society was more cohesive. The country's military leadership was more professional and adapted more rapidly to the demanding conditions of the conflict, frequently outmanoeuvring their enemies in operations reminiscent of Finland's Winter War four years later.

By contrast the stronger and better-equipped Bolivian forces were compromised by a divided society and a military leadership which was largely incompetent, indeed the only time it worked efficiently was in a coup against the president! Yet they remained stubbornly committed to the war and in the many instances of trench warfare fought bravely.

Essentially, 'The Green Hell' is a very detailed sketch of the Chaco War but it provides all the military background that any reader could desire and once started is very difficult to put down.


Good reading.., 14 Mar 2005
This is an interesting book on a woman I have never heard of before. Lynch lead an extraordinary life as you will discover when reading the book. Lots of photos and plenty of history on Ireland and South America in the 1800s.

The best travel book I have ever read!, 03 Feb 2008
Although the above review title is somewhat histronic & superlative, I stand by my words - this is a superb book & a real gem for anyone, Paraguay fans or not.
It is also the epitome of how a travel book should be written - completely unpretenious, always inviting the reader to join in their travels, rather than exclude them, so we can enjoy the privilege of travel, it brings alive the wonderfully eccentric country that is Paraguay, and focuses on the country and not the writer!
On top of that, it was insightful, very funny indeed, brilliant at not only painting a picture, but giving the historical background too - I have learnt more about one country in one book than I have in any book.
This book is a travel book, but is at least 6 biographies in one, and might just as well easily be called "A Complete History of Paraguay" as it manages to cover all the important bits & pieces in an extremely readable way.
If you're ever going to Paraguay, this book is a must. Even if you're not, and want a different & thoroughly decent read, this book is a must!

Fantastic travel writing, 23 Jun 2007
It is very rare to find such an outstanding mix between travel writing and a full review of a nations historical developments. The book is both captivating and entertaining and gives amazing insights into the roots of a very special society. Thoroughly recommendable!

couldn't put it down, 06 Nov 2004
This is one of the most enjoyable books I've read in ages. Written with wit and knowledge, I enjoyed every page and was sorry when it finished. I lived in Paraguay for three years in the '80's and wish I'd read this book before going there.

Catchy title, catchy book., 28 Feb 2004
John Gimlette's book is part travel writing, part journalism, and part history: It is observational, with comment and cutting edge, as much about human nature as about the politics, geography and people of Paraguay.
Here a country is brought to life and you begin to get a feeling about what it is like to live there today and during the times of the Generals.
The Paraguay of John Gimlette is a country undergoing change, rapid change, and much of it for the good, but this book also captures something of the past which should not be forgotten.

The (almost) complete guide to Paraguay, 01 Dec 2003
All in all, this is a very interesting book. I have learned more about my country's history from this book than I did in all my years in Paraguayan schools. It is a must read for all Paraguayans and everyone in general, why for everyone in general? Well, it has many historical facts about Americans, Germans, Australians, Italians, English, Indians, Jesuits, South Americans, the Nazis, etc. and their relationship to Paraguay. It has been wonderfully researched and is full of awesome facts and numbers. I can only recommend this book; it also has lots of old pictures and funny passages. The book is not perfect, it contains lots of misspelled Spanish and Guarani words and proper names, something that doesn't belong to any book. What I personally dislike the most is the fact that the author gave the book the weirdest title. I have never met anyone that has ever heard of those inflatable pigs, it was probably some kind of Pokemon/Tamaguchi wave that lasted for a few days, and he dedicated the book's title to it... What I also didn't like are some of his generalizations and comments about him being home sick or missing the UK when he couldn't find a real English Bar in Paraguay.

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!!

Detailed and well researched, 26 Dec 2007
The war fought by Bolivia and Paraguay for the Gran Chaco between 1932 and 1935 is little known in North America and unknown in Europe.

It was a conflict fought with great savagery in, and for, a wasteland and cost 88,000 lives, indeed 25% of the victorious Paraguayan army were killed! Yet it has lessons for the 21st Century in the greater importance of leadership than reliance upon technology and it greatly influenced social development in Bolivia which is currently one of Venezuela's closest friends making a new account long overdue.

Europe's foremost expert on Latin America's armed forces, Adrian J. English, has taken up the task to produce an account worthy of the combatants although he admits it was one of the most futile wars in history. Mr English, who met many of the combatants and clearly benefits from their knowledge, deftly explores the geographic and political background to the conflict then leads the reader through the operations while sketching out the diplomatic and political background.

Personal accounts, which tend to dominate so many modern military histories, are avoided and perhaps there might have been a little more on the background and personality of some of the key characters. Yet this is the only criticism and the chapter are well written, each with little headings describing the contents which younger readers might regard as old-fashioned but provide a guide through the complexities as fortune swung first one way and then the other.

Mr English clearly shows how, and why, victory went to Paraguay which was poorer but whose society was more cohesive. The country's military leadership was more professional and adapted more rapidly to the demanding conditions of the conflict, frequently outmanoeuvring their enemies in operations reminiscent of Finland's Winter War four years later.

By contrast the stronger and better-equipped Bolivian forces were compromised by a divided society and a military leadership which was largely incompetent, indeed the only time it worked efficiently was in a coup against the president! Yet they remained stubbornly committed to the war and in the many instances of trench warfare fought bravely.

Essentially, 'The Green Hell' is a very detailed sketch of the Chaco War but it provides all the military background that any reader could desire and once started is very difficult to put down.


Good reading.., 14 Mar 2005
This is an interesting book on a woman I have never heard of before. Lynch lead an extraordinary life as you will discover when reading the book. Lots of photos and plenty of history on Ireland and South America in the 1800s.

beware and read carefully, 10 Oct 2007
The Paraguay war (1865-1870) was the bloodiest war ever fought in America. It depends on how you compute, but casualties approached 1 million. Paraguay had about 700.000 people at the start, about 200.000 at the end, almost all of them women and childs. Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, the allies that fought against Paraguay, lost between 100 and 200.000 men, many more died in Argentina in the repression of the provinces that simpathized with Paraguay, and in epidemies of cholera and yellow fever brought on by the war. Lieutenat Colonel Thompson's book is the most important on the war, he fought it loyally on Paraguay's side, and surrendered in december 1868, probably tricked into this by treason. The book was an instant book, published before the end of the war in english, spanish and portuguese, as a pamphlet against Paraguay and Lopez, Paraguay's president. To achieve this end the book was heavily altered. Thompson accepted this ravage to his book, and explained why in a criptic but telling introduction, similar to Antonio's prayer in Shakespeare. He says that he never witnessed a behaviour less than gentlemanly from Lopez, but after he surrendered, his captors told him that Lopez was "a monster without parallel". He was ready to accept their word on this ... hoping that "... the following narrative might have some effect towards urging them to conclude the war, and thus save the lives of the women and children in Paraguay ...". It didn't, the war ended only with the death of Lopez, march 1870.
Many of the alterations to the book are difficult to spot, but often one or the other of the pretended barbaric acts of Lopez is followed by a note that says "I didn't personally witness this" or "as told by a Buenos Aires newspaper". Most of the descriptions of battles, disposition of troops, description of entrenchments, artillery and fortifications are authentic, unaltered and very interesting. The maps are the best and more precise ever produced on the conflict. Read with care, and enjoy.

The best travel book I have ever read!, 03 Feb 2008
Although the above review title is somewhat histronic & superlative, I stand by my words - this is a superb book & a real gem for anyone, Paraguay fans or not.
It is also the epitome of how a travel book should be written - completely unpretenious, always inviting the reader to join in their travels, rather than exclude them, so we can enjoy the privilege of travel, it brings alive the wonderfully eccentric country that is Paraguay, and focuses on the country and not the writer!
On top of that, it was insightful, very funny indeed, brilliant at not only painting a picture, but giving the historical background too - I have learnt more about one country in one book than I have in any book.
This book is a travel book, but is at least 6 biographies in one, and might just as well easily be called "A Complete History of Paraguay" as it manages to cover all the important bits & pieces in an extremely readable way.
If you're ever going to Paraguay, this book is a must. Even if you're not, and want a different & thoroughly decent read, this book is a must!

Fantastic travel writing, 23 Jun 2007
It is very rare to find such an outstanding mix between travel writing and a full review of a nations historical developments. The book is both captivating and entertaining and gives amazing insights into the roots of a very special society. Thoroughly recommendable!

couldn't put it down, 06 Nov 2004
This is one of the most enjoyable books I've read in ages. Written with wit and knowledge, I enjoyed every page and was sorry when it finished. I lived in Paraguay for three years in the '80's and wish I'd read this book before going there.

Catchy title, catchy book., 28 Feb 2004
John Gimlette's book is part travel writing, part journalism, and part history: It is observational, with comment and cutting edge, as much about human nature as about the politics, geography and people of Paraguay.
Here a country is brought to life and you begin to get a feeling about what it is like to live there today and during the times of the Generals.
The Paraguay of John Gimlette is a country undergoing change, rapid change, and much of it for the good, but this book also captures something of the past which should not be forgotten.

The (almost) complete guide to Paraguay, 01 Dec 2003
All in all, this is a very interesting book. I have learned more about my country's history from this book than I did in all my years in Paraguayan schools. It is a must read for all Paraguayans and everyone in general, why for everyone in general? Well, it has many historical facts about Americans, Germans, Australians, Italians, English, Indians, Jesuits, South Americans, the Nazis, etc. and their relationship to Paraguay. It has been wonderfully researched and is full of awesome facts and numbers. I can only recommend this book; it also has lots of old pictures and funny passages. The book is not perfect, it contains lots of misspelled Spanish and Guarani words and proper names, something that doesn't belong to any book. What I personally dislike the most is the fact that the author gave the book the weirdest title. I have never met anyone that has ever heard of those inflatable pigs, it was probably some kind of Pokemon/Tamaguchi wave that lasted for a few days, and he dedicated the book's title to it... What I also didn't like are some of his generalizations and comments about him being home sick or missing the UK when he couldn't find a real English Bar in Paraguay.

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!!

Detailed and well researched, 26 Dec 2007
The war fought by Bolivia and Paraguay for the Gran Chaco between 1932 and 1935 is little known in North America and unknown in Europe.

It was a conflict fought with great savagery in, and for, a wasteland and cost 88,000 lives, indeed 25% of the victorious Paraguayan army were killed! Yet it has lessons for the 21st Century in the greater importance of leadership than reliance upon technology and it greatly influenced social development in Bolivia which is currently one of Venezuela's closest friends making a new account long overdue.

Europe's foremost expert on Latin America's armed forces, Adrian J. English, has taken up the task to produce an account worthy of the combatants although he admits it was one of the most futile wars in history. Mr English, who met many of the combatants and clearly benefits from their knowledge, deftly explores the geographic and political background to the conflict then leads the reader through the operations while sketching out the diplomatic and political background.

Personal accounts, which tend to dominate so many modern military histories, are avoided and perhaps there might have been a little more on the background and personality of some of the key characters. Yet this is the only criticism and the chapter are well written, each with little headings describing the contents which younger readers might regard as old-fashioned but provide a guide through the complexities as fortune swung first one way and then the other.

Mr English clearly shows how, and why, victory went to Paraguay which was poorer but whose society was more cohesive. The country's military leadership was more professional and adapted more rapidly to the demanding conditions of the conflict, frequently outmanoeuvring their enemies in operations reminiscent of Finland's Winter War four years later.

By contrast the stronger and better-equipped Bolivian forces were compromised by a divided society and a military leadership which was largely incompetent, indeed the only time it worked efficiently was in a coup against the president! Yet they remained stubbornly committed to the war and in the many instances of trench warfare fought bravely.

Essentially, 'The Green Hell' is a very detailed sketch of the Chaco War but it provides all the military background that any reader could desire and once started is very difficult to put down.


Good reading.., 14 Mar 2005
This is an interesting book on a woman