I thought it was a good journey narrative. It has some funny moments, and given our growing global society the roots of cosmopolitan culture that he explains in this work are growing in importance. It is interesting and comical, but it's not a novel so don't expect a cohesive story. It is only a compilation of travels which is both refreshingly different and a bit anti-conditioning (I have become too accustomed to the novel format, i think most of us have). Worth skimming, and reading an occasional chapter or two. Some of the stories are quiet humorous.