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Viva South America!: A Journey Through a Restless Continent [Kindle Edition]

Oliver Balch (Author)

4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews) |

Digital List Price:	�8.58 What's this?
Print List Price:	�9.99
Kindle Price:	�6.64 includes VAT* & free wireless delivery via *Amazon Whispernet*
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Length: 413 pages
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Product Description

Review

`An intriguing mixture of travelogue and reportage.' --The Times

`Lively travelogue ... like the brimming, chaotic continent, Balch's journal is beguiling and vivid.' --Sunday Times

`Entertaining and enlightening ... Balch's writing is light and easy, and his book is a solid introduction to its subject.' --Irish Times

Review

"An exhilarating gallop through one of the world's most fascinating continents"

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Product details

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 712 KB
Print Length: 413 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0571237045
Publisher: Faber and Faber Non Fiction (17 Sep 2009)
Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.� r.l.
Language English
ASIN: B002ZODPFQ
Text-to-Speech: Enabled

Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)

Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #79,068 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
- #53 in Kindle Store > Books > Nonfiction > Travel > Latin America

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Customer Reviews

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

Interesting perspective on the side of South America you don't see 14 April 2009

By Michael J. Law

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Oliver Batch visits some remoter parts of South America as well as the big cities. He has quite a knack for picking up on the injustice and aggrievements of minority groups, and tells it like it is. The reason I rated as 4 star not 5, was despite it being well researched and well written, amusing at times,sad at times, a slightly predictable formula creeps in, consequently my interest drifted towards the end. Maybe his journalistic style. But a worthwhile read for anyone who is interested in South America today.

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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

Very good story on the other side of South America 25 Aug 2010

By Pieter-Jan Taelman

Format:Paperback

I have been to south america many times, as it is my prefered continent. Once for 6 months travelling nearly all countries, but since then several times back to some of those.

I think the writing style and the background stories are very good. It did not reveal that many new things to me, but it named impressions I had, and made me think a lot. I read through this book in only 2 days, and enjoyed it very well.

Make no mistake - this is not a typical travel book. Although light, it does not cover the writer's journey to the highlights of the continent. It depicts the backgrounds of the nations and the people. I do not agree with everything he writes, but that is a minor detail. I think it is pretty accurate. For each theme the author focusses on a different country, but the reader should realise many of the themes also play an important role in the other countries.

There are a few pasages in chapters that are less interesting, but on the whole, this deserves a 5 star. I have read several other books on south america, and it is one of the best !

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18 of 19 people found the following review helpful

Well-written 24 May 2009

By Jonathan

Format:Paperback

The author has written this moderately-sized book extremely well; my interest was held from page to page as he recounts not just his travels in South America, but the greater emphasis on the lives of those whom he encountered on his trip - the book, unlike much travel writing, isn't all about "his trip", but rather is about all the stories and lives of the locals and their places in the social, economic and political landscapes of their individual countries and the broader Latin America.

It's not heavy reading at all - I enjoyed it on a flight and by a pool - but it has a good depth to its content which comes through very well.

One of the best books I've read for a while.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

disappointing and tedious

For the hype that it has been getting, I was very disappointed, but perhaps I didnt expect quite as much of a political angle. Read more

Published 2 months ago by uptheladder1

A bit too serious for a leisure read

I bought this book hoping it would inspire and enthuse me about an upcoming trip to South America. I found the book too serious and not very entertaining. Read more

Published 5 months ago by MrsBoots

Under the Skin of South America

This is a must read for anyone planning a long trip to South America. Balch gets away from the major tourist destinations and gives a compelling portrayal of the good and bad... Read more

Published 9 months ago by Irving

Appreciated as a present.

An excellent volume if the subject is to your liking. Bought as a present which was greatly appreciated and ultimately enjoyed. Read more

Published 14 months ago by piere

Every sentence a work of art

I've never been to South America, but this realistic journey through the continent gave me the desire to go. Read more

Published on 11 April 2009 by Roger Carswell

Popular Highlights

(What's this?)

Ciudad del Este serves as a gateway to Brazil as well as Argentina. Known as the Triple Frontera, the cross-border area is the smugglers paradise of South America. Everything from narcotics and guns to fruit and vegetables finds their way across the porous, ill-policed frontier. Now women and girls have made their way onto the list as well. &quote;

Highlighted by 3 Kindle users

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