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Best Travelogue Books

December 2024

The Happy Isles of Oceania

Paul Theroux’s “The Happy Isles of Oceania” is a captivating travelogue that whisks readers away on a kayaking adventure through the Pacific. With his trademark wit and keen observations, Theroux navigates remote islands, encountering colorful characters and exploring the region’s complex history. I found myself chuckling at his sardonic humor and marveling at the vivid descriptions of turquoise lagoons and lush landscapes. It’s a bittersweet journey that left me yearning for my own Pacific escape, paddling into the sunset.

Kingdom by the Sea

Theroux’s “Kingdom by the Sea” is a captivating journey around the British coastline, blending keen observations with wry humor. As he meanders through seaside towns, the author paints vivid portraits of eccentric locals and forgotten landscapes. I found myself chuckling at his dry wit and marveling at his ability to uncover hidden gems. It’s a delightful read that made me yearn for my own coastal adventure, fish and chips in hand.

The Old Patagonian Express

Embarking on an epic rail journey from Boston to Patagonia, Theroux’s vivid travelogue captures the essence of Latin America. His keen observations and wry humor bring to life the characters he encounters along the way, from fellow passengers to locals in remote villages. As someone who’s always dreamed of such an adventure, I found myself transported by Theroux’s evocative prose. The book’s richly detailed descriptions of landscapes and cultures left me with a deep longing to experience this incredible journey firsthand.

Dark Star Safari

Embarking on an overland odyssey from Cairo to Cape Town, Theroux’s “Dark Star Safari” is a gritty, unflinching portrait of modern Africa. With his trademark wit and keen eye, he navigates bustling markets, rickety buses, and remote villages, offering a raw glimpse into a continent both familiar and alien. Theroux’s personal reflections and encounters with locals paint a complex tapestry of hope, despair, and resilience. A must-read for armchair travelers and those seeking to understand Africa’s evolving landscape.

The Great Railway Bazaar

Embarking on an epic four-month journey by train, Paul Theroux’s “The Great Railway Bazaar” is a captivating travelogue that whisks readers across Europe and Asia. With his keen eye for detail and wry humor, Theroux paints vivid portraits of the characters he encounters and the landscapes he traverses. From the Orient Express to the Trans-Siberian, each railway line becomes a story unto itself, revealing the heart of the places he visits. It’s a book that’ll make you yearn for adventure and the romance of rail travel.