Customer Reviews

Annapurna Circuit: Himalayan Journey (Travel Literature)

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This delightful travelogue explores a popular trekking route in Eastern Nepal that has rarely been written about. Stevenson relates a journey that is rich with colourful characters, and is seeped in exquisite descriptions of the countryside through which he travels. The book is personally written, as if reading a diary, and it is this intimacy which allows the author's personality to permeate the stories, drawing the reader in alongside him. Thus, the reader accompanies Stevenson, whilst encountering a lively engagement with both internal and external landscapes. "Annapurna Circuit: Himalayan Journey" is an extraordinary achievement, unique in its combination of geographical location and literary style. In particular, his incisive examination of the effects of tourism on the Himalayas makes this account a valuable record of a beautiful and archaic land that may soon be altered irrevocably by the insidious and pervasive influence of western capitalism.

This is definitly THE BEST contemporary adventure travel book I have read to date. Outside of the more "classic" authors (i.e. Joseph Conrad, Graham Greene, and even Matthiessen) most of the stuff put to print in the last 20 years is drek. But not this book. First, it is not pretentious and annoying like so many others. Stevenson is not condencing nor a know it all. He writes from the heart with great observations, humour and intellect. Let me tell you a little story. I was on the Annapurna circuit Feb. 1999, and saw his book at the bhaati he visited in Kagbeni. Inspite of my "bad" experiences reading recent advernture travel books I mustered the perseverence to set aside my Joseph Conrad Heart of Darkness (specifically chosen as my literature accompaniment for this journey) and began reading. After spending a good hour with the book I made up my mind to pick up a copy when I return to Pokhara. Now at home, in Tel Aviv, I just finished the book: it helped me relive many of the same experiences, observatiosn and questions about life the author so pointedly brings to light. Highly recommended -:)

Andrew Stevenson must have many happy memories of his Himalayan journeys, despite the tendency towards altitude sickness, which he overcame, and the hard strive to reach Thorong La, and leave the most difficult climbing behind. His memories will also be of his encounters with other trekkers and of the usually charming and friendly Nepalese people, especially the 12 year old Dipak who spent some days excitedly 'guiding' him. I am sure he would have found peace and much comfort in the environment of the Himalayas.

I followed the maps with intent as the journey progressed and eventually closed a book I have so enjoyed. I am delighted and proud to possess an attractive hard bound edition of Annapurne Circuit: Himalayan Journey. I am also pleased to see it is now available as a paperback - a wonderful gift, especially with Christmas and the new Millennium on the not too distant horizon.

This is a descriptive and personal account of one man's trek on the Circuit, detailing where he stayed and his relationships with the people he met along the way as well as the people with whom he trekked. Having trekked the Circuit recently, and having read the book in Kathmandu, I recommend it to those who have been on that specific trek and also for those who are "armchair travelers".

Andrew Stevensons sence of humour and talent to discribe those situations most of us would put in the catergory as ''you had to be there'' is what makes this book so exciting to read. His connection to his inner feeling and the people and surrounding of the Annapurna Mountains is translated to paper with honesty and emotion. If you've been there -you'll reminisce If you haven't -this book is the armchair experience

Annapurna Circuit - Himalayan Journey is a book you remember. Andrew Stevenson takes you on a journey to the impressive Himals where you get to know the strong and beautiful people of the region and some entertaining companion travellers. The book is easy to read, but still full of depth. It is as much a journey within yourself and your spiritual/ religious side. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone on their way to Annapurna, and to all those just dreaming they where.

Andrew Stevenson takes you on a journey with him around the Annapurna Himal. He describes the marvellous Himalayan scenery, the local people he meets as well as other travellers who he encounters. Through the telling of the tale you follow his own journey of self-discovery, a journey in which many will recognise themselves.

Andrew Stevenson takes you through the mountains of the Himalayas and the Annapurna Circuit and on a journey of spiritual fulfilment. He realises physical targets, fulfills a spiritual quest and I believe finds a solution to his personal trauma.

The description had me traveling up there with him, my foot falls behind his and my soul tagging on not far behind.

I look forward to his next journey.

Once I started reading this book it was impossible to put down. The descriptions are so vivid and the characters so real I felt it was me and not the author on the trip. I feel as though I have to go to Nepal to experience my own adventure. In summary it is an intelligent and insightful literary classic. I await Stevensons next travel log, eagerly!!!

Stevenson's trek in the Himalayas is unique in that he came to no real "spiritual" answers; instead of trite Western musings on Buddhism and the Eastern mind the reader is presented with refreshingly honest and candid accouts of a two month stay in Eastern Nepal. However, anyone without his particular aesthetic approach to the trek is immediately branded a superficial obese Westerner; only four or five non-indigenous people are painted as sympathetic characters. Self-righteousness is sometimes present in the descriptions of his fellow trekkers, but a well-balanced anthropological and personal account is still gleaned from the book.