Customer Reviews

Muddling Through Madagascar

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

 

 

I enjoyed this book because after visiting Madagascar and returning 5 times it is the most accurate book about what it is really like to be a guest in this beautiful country. I appreaciated the authors respect for the Malagasy people that I have come to love and admire. This is a great treatise in cross-cultural adaptation, wandering through a culture in which you have no clue what the rules and values are about.

The author and her 14-year old daughter Rachel travel through Madagascar, (an island off the coast of East Africa), on foot, hitchhiking, by bus and by taxi. The unusual number of misfortunes besetting them had me hold my stomach with laughter, or cover my mouth in fear. -- Dervla Addict.

This is the second Dervla Murphy book that I've read, and I really enjoyed it. I especially loved the way that she managed to work a great deal of history and basic information in without making it seem that way. For those who haven't read it, this is the story of a trip that the author and her daughter make through Madagascar. It is funny, interesting, and fun to read. I especially appreciated the way that Murphy generally managed to avoid the condescending view of people in Third World countries that becomes so obnoxious after awhile. I also appreciated the way that she was honest about mistakes that she made and seemed quite able to laugh at her own errors. Much of the information seems accurate as well; when I was most of the way through the book I read most of another book giving a basic overview of Madagascar, its history, culture, and etc. and the majority of it fit very well with what Murphy discribes here (the differences could probably all be explained by the fact that this other book is several years newer). While I have never been to Madagascar, this book made me feel like I know it and the world a bit better.

Super travel book about a little known island. The author is a veteran Irish travel writer who takes her teenage daughter on a hiking trip across Madagascar. This book is simply loaded with all kinds of interesting history and lore. Excellent travel writing, bibliography, map, loved it.

Even though this book was written a number of years ago much is the same, especially the roads in the south. Impossible to describe, but Ms. Murphy does a great job. She also describes the lovely kind people. It was the perfect book to read before we went to Madagascar, I wish we had had more time to explore.I do have to admit I admire her way of travel but I can't imagine doing it myself.

Beyond doubt one of the most unappealing books about Madagascar. In it I found little of the Madagascar that I know. The book focuses on the witless pursuits of a new-age tourist. I am astonished that Dervla Murphy manages to survive her many trips. Not to be recommended as a first book about the red isle for the visitor: read it when you return and cringe.