Heart of the Amazon [Paperback]

Yossi Ghinsberg (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 10, 1999

It is Back from Tuichi published under the new title "Heart of the Amazon" in Australia!

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

When their raft hung up on a rock in the rapids of the Amazon's Tuichi River, one adventurer tried to dislodge it and fell overboard. He swam to shore. Strong currents swept the raft downstream, sending the author over the falls below. The ill-fated journey had begun in Bolivia a month earlier, in the early 1980s, when Ghinsberg, an Israeli, and a Swiss and an American companion agreed to go into the interior with an Austrian who had worked there for several years. They moved off the beaten track of backpackers and went into the jungle, but soon split up; two headed back to La Paz, while Ghinsberg and the American, identified only as Kevin, continued downriver. They had no map, compass or gun. Ghinsberg survived the falls and made it to shore, recovering the small "life pack" with a first aid kit, flashlight, matches, a poncho and small amount of food. For 20 days he wandered the river; he encountered no humans. He was near starvation when he was rescued by Kevin, who had mustered a search party of Indians. No trace has ever been found of the other two. A remarkable tale of daring.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Ghinsberg narrates a chilling tale of an adventure that takes an unexpected twist. On a trip with newfound friends, he suddenly finds himself lost and alone in the Bolivian jungle. His lively and descriptive narrative of his travels beautifully captures the atmosphere of the jungle and candidly depicts his feelings and experiences during his fight for survival. The result is an exciting story, all the more suspenseful because it is true, filled with mysterious events that hold the reader's interest throughout. The need for loyalty and the extremes of physical and emotional limits are vividly portrayed. This is no ordinary autobiographical travel book, instead providing true drama, keen observation, and absorbing writing. Well recommended for public libraries.
- Jo- Anne Mary Benson, Osgoode, Ontario
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 243 pages
• Publisher: Yossi Ghinsberg (March 10, 1999)
• ISBN-10: 0732909740
• ISBN-13: 978-0732909741
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,118,411 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting True Story is better than fiction!, September 29, 2002

By 

Sawyer "book lover" (Aurora, CO USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Back from Tuichi (Hardcover)

I read this book in 2 days and didn't want to put it down until I was done because it was so interesting and exciting. I read Back From Tuichi by Yossi Ghinsberg which I believe was later released as Heart of the Amazon. Great! Great! Great! Just goes to show that life is often more exciting and interesting than fiction. The author did a great job and you really feel what he is going through.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A gripping, harrowing tale. Not to be missed!, March 25, 2000

By 

Mr. Simon Stuart (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Heart of the Amazon (Paperback)

This is a truly amazing story about 4 guys whose adventure in the Amazon slowly turns into a fight for survival. Under intense pressure their faith in each other is shaken and teamwork breaks down. 2 will pay with their lives. If you liked "Into thin Air" you will love this book. My copy of this book was read by 5 freinds and they all loved it. I have never owned a book which so many people wanted to borrow.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A real sleep stealer and heart-stopper of a book., November 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Heart of the Amazon (Paperback)

This book is a real sleep stealer and heart-stopper. Once Yossi was lost I could not put it down. His amazing, Amazonian adventure, told in graphic, hair-raising detail, but without pity, illustrates the human spirit at its most magnificent. Sheer will, faith and a refusal to be beaten allow him to endure privations and setbacks that would have been the end of a lesser man. Read it if you like adventure, read it if you need to restore your faith in humanity or read it just because you enjoy a good book, but do read it.

In many ways the best part of the book comes at the very end. A Yossi humbled and enlightened by his experiences gives an insight into some of his perceptions of life. There are words here that found a strong echo in my own heart. I am the richer for having read his book.