Customer Reviews

Darwin Slept Here: Discovery, Adventure, and Swimming Iguanas in Charles Darwin's South America

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is equal parts travelogue and science history. Those who enjoyed Royte's Tapir's Morning Bath will get along fine, travelling alongside Simons as he retraces (not exactly, but to a certain degree) Darwin's path through modern-day Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile. There is an excellent balance between the history of Darwin's voyage and the present-day travels. The truly remarkable thing is how most of the people he meets are versed in Darwin. There are times when Simons' observations are a bit too idyllic, but the use of hyperbole is almost unavoidable when confronted with the majesty of a raw, native rainforest. He also spends a bit too much time focussed on how much like a "gringo" he and his periodic travel companions appear. All in all, a pleasant read.

Simons provides a refreshing view of Darwin as a curious young adventurer. The book is filled with insight, humor and a writing style that keeps the reader hooked and laughing. A new look into the early life of Darwin and not the stuffy old man that we all think of today. An excellent book for us non-historians and a real page turner. I would recommend it to anyone with an eye for adventure and travel. Loved it!

I have little science background, instead choosing to focus on art and design for most of my life. This book has taught me little facts about science, nature, and history, giving me a new appreciation for Darwin and a greater understanding of the culture of South American countries. The relaxed writing style is inviting, as if a friend is narrating a story, and this story is adventurous, intriguing, and inspires me to step outside my comfort zone and explore a new, old world.

As a dedicated non-fiction reader and frequent traveller in Patagonia I was disappointed with this light travel log. Simons had a creative idea, to travel in Darwin's footsteps to get a sense of the man, but executed it poorly. Rather than add insight to help the reader understand modern day life in Southern Argentina and Chile, Simons is satisfied to view the poor villages he visits with the eyes of a Californian suburbanite; mocking the scene and the inhabitants with shallow sarcasm. Although referring to Darwin's encounters with iguanas & finches, the book awkwardly stops short of following Darwin to the Galapagos. If you want insight to the early life of Charles Darwin, I recommend simply reading The Voyage of the Beagle which is a charming and very readable account of his 5 year adventure.