Customer Reviews

Peru In Focus: A Guide to the People, Politics and Culture (In Focus Guides)

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

 

 

This is not a travel guide. It is a culture, people and politics guide that will set you smack in the center of Peru. Though in dire need of being updated, it is still recommended for those that are serious about visiting and understanding this largely ignored South American gem. This (along with a good travel guide, (ie. Footprint Peru 4th ed. - see my review) should be in your suitcase before departure.

Jane Holligan's writing is clear, concise and without a political tilt. She clearly notes "there has been no shift of wealth to the poor... and power in Peru remains highly concentrated." The book is politically dated (pre-2000) and leaves one wanting Holligan to write an update; especially now since ex-president Fujimori's dirty subterfuge has been disclosed and the recently elected President Toledo is suffering a massive crash in his approval ratings (from 84% after the election to 14% May 2003)

Her sections on the economy and society are informative and succinct. The poor (54% of the society) struggle and live hand-to-mouth while the "wealth and power remains highly concentrated in Peru." Twelve families, the so-called `Twelve Apostles, were so powerful that they formed an advisory committee to previous presidents. This is still a country of masters and servants.

Areas of improvement are in the mediocre maps and sparse and dated "Further Reading section". When you finish the 96 pages you will have a solid perspective of this country. Although this book is dated I still recommend this book for anyone visiting or interested in Peru.

This is a really good book for anyone who wants to to know the basics about Peru. Well written, interesting, compact, up-to-date. It is not a travel guide, really, but as the title says "a guide to the people, politics and culture". Easily read in one night, after which you know if you want to know more or not. A perfect starter's book.

The flight from JFK to Lima is about 8 hours, more than enough time to read this handy book several times over. Really, it is a good general introduction to everything you want to know to take advantage of the wonders of such a diverse country, while making you more sensitive to their history and culture. Highly recommended.