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Socialist Dreams and Beauty Queens: A Couchsurfer's Memoir of Venezuela
Couchsurfer, hitchhiker, and rogue wanderer Jamie Maslin embarks on a couchsurfing adventure to the homeland of “firebrand,” “populist,” “anti-American” president Hugo Chavez: the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Alone in the crime capital of the world Maslin immediately finds himself in trouble—arrested by knife-wielding police officers and inoculated with an unwanted vaccination. After a terrifying start in Caracas, he soon leaves the teeming city and travels to the places tourists never see, staying on the couches of people he befriended online just days earlier, and meeting everyone from fervent social revolutionaries to the country’s wealthy elite. He sets off in search of mile-high waterfalls, flat topped jungle plateaus, rolling deserts, and the famous lightning that appears suddenly in the sky with no rain or thunder. Visiting sprawling slums and opulent mansions, Maslin offers a fascinating and timely social, cultural, and histori- cal introduction to a country increasingly in the headlines.
Often irreverent, frequently informative, and habitually funny, this is the remarkable account of a young adventurer’s journey through a breathtakingly beautiful and dynamic country where the politics of oil and social revolution are never far from the surface. 24 full-color photographs
Often irreverent, frequently informative, and habitually funny, this is the remarkable account of a young adventurer’s journey through a breathtakingly beautiful and dynamic country where the politics of oil and social revolution are never far from the surface. 24 full-color photographs
304 pages, Hardcover
First published May 4, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 9, 2017
I read this author's first book Iranian Rappers And Persian Porn, it was an interesting look at life inside Iran, and of what an interesting country it is. He discussed many areas of the country that many people myself included just aren't exposed to living in the West. You also get to know well, the people living there who he encounters. Just just superficially. There were hints regarding the author's very liberal political beliefs but overall he kept his opinions to himself. I had hoped Socialist Dreams and Beauty Queens would be similar to his first book, but this time about Venezuela, and in the beginning it was. Sadly Mr Maslin, soon becomes an enormous socialist, and a conspiracy theorist. The book came out in 2011, and so sadly the author who thought it was neat and wonderful all the fabulous programs Chavez instituted in Venezuela, didn't have the benefit of seeing what a complete disaster those programs have become for the country. In the author's mind anyone who pisses off America must be doing something right. He then runs down Obama ( who while not my idea of a great president, is still the president of the most powerful country in the world, but not a king, or a dictator- unlike Chavez, and his successor, and therefore can't just do whatever he wants to) for not achieving everything he said he would do. Later the author loses all credibility when he hooks up with a couch surfing Australian who is a 9/11 nutter who claims to be an engineer working to explain how Tower 7 collapsed without having had significant fires or being hit by a plane. Young British and Australian writers who seem to love to discuss politics usually end up instead showing how ignorant they are of the world. They cite obscure sources to support and back up their claims and beliefs and overlook or ignore anything that doesn't support their narrative. Even in 2010 kinnapings are rampant and robbery and murder are daily occurrences but the author seems alright with this because Chavez is doing so many great things for the poor people of his country.
In the case of British writers who are of a liberal bent, they don't seem to get that the sun set on the British empire a long long time ago ( I felt the same about Simon Winchester and his book Pacific, which totally suffered from these same failings). They also don't seem to be particularly troubled by all the damage Britain caused. In the case of Australia, and their liberal bent writers, I don't know if it is the isolation of the country, the history and origins of its people, or what, but Australia suffers from a Napoleon complex. Their land mass is as large as the USA, but their significance on the world stage is insignificant, and likely always will be.
Back to the book. He does travel to some very interesting areas of the country, and his ability to explain what he is experiencing, and where appropriate give facts and details that may not be commonly known, were done to an excellent degree in this book, as well has his first book.
The politics of the people he encounters who live in Venezuela and how life has changed for them is relevant, interesting and important. The author's politics, and not relevant to the story, are not of interest, and add nothing positive to the book. If he had left his politics out of this book, the book would have been far better.
In the case of British writers who are of a liberal bent, they don't seem to get that the sun set on the British empire a long long time ago ( I felt the same about Simon Winchester and his book Pacific, which totally suffered from these same failings). They also don't seem to be particularly troubled by all the damage Britain caused. In the case of Australia, and their liberal bent writers, I don't know if it is the isolation of the country, the history and origins of its people, or what, but Australia suffers from a Napoleon complex. Their land mass is as large as the USA, but their significance on the world stage is insignificant, and likely always will be.
Back to the book. He does travel to some very interesting areas of the country, and his ability to explain what he is experiencing, and where appropriate give facts and details that may not be commonly known, were done to an excellent degree in this book, as well has his first book.
The politics of the people he encounters who live in Venezuela and how life has changed for them is relevant, interesting and important. The author's politics, and not relevant to the story, are not of interest, and add nothing positive to the book. If he had left his politics out of this book, the book would have been far better.
July 16, 2012
After riding the high from Jamie's previous book Iranian Rappers, which I found profoundly inspiring, I jumped right into this next book with aplomb. While I enjoyed the travel anecdotes and vicarious "couchsurfing" adventures along with some of the historical background and a refreshingly different point of view of the US-demonized Chavez, I found this book somewhat tiring in parts. Maslin not only decries the US propaganda against Chavez but seems to nominate him for sainthood, turning a blind eye to much of the intolerance Chavez shows toward his dissenters. I must state here that I do not believe Chavez is the devil, and even admire some of his qualities, but I also recognize that he is still a politician with a taste for power of his own. An informed, balanced viewpoint is one thing; blind hero-worship is another.
Contrary to his last book, I also found some aspects of Maslin's treatment of people in the book (not necessarily outward treatment, but how he perceived them and talked about them in his book--i.e. the overweight lady on the bus) a bit off-putting, and left this book with a bit of a sense that this guy might be kind of a jerk, especially regarding less-than-attractive women.
I liked and enjoyed some parts of this book, but was generally disappointed in other aspects. I'm planning on reading the next one, though, in the hopes of a little redemption...
Contrary to his last book, I also found some aspects of Maslin's treatment of people in the book (not necessarily outward treatment, but how he perceived them and talked about them in his book--i.e. the overweight lady on the bus) a bit off-putting, and left this book with a bit of a sense that this guy might be kind of a jerk, especially regarding less-than-attractive women.
I liked and enjoyed some parts of this book, but was generally disappointed in other aspects. I'm planning on reading the next one, though, in the hopes of a little redemption...
May 18, 2012
I read this book because I'm interested in Venezuelan history and culture. I really enjoyed his explanations of the historical developments that have influenced the culture through today - such as the veneration of Bolivar. I also liked the "slice of life" descriptions of people's houses and lifestyles. He did a good job in the begining of the book of giving impartial descriptions, but as the book progressed his own political leanings became ever clearer - pro-Chavez - although he was not without criticism of the government so it was still somewhat balanced. This is a good book for people who enjoy travelogues, are interested in Latin American culture and history or are interested in current politics of Latin America and the relationship to the US.
One thing that bugged me about the book was that there were quite a few typos and grammatical errors.
One thing that bugged me about the book was that there were quite a few typos and grammatical errors.
February 27, 2024
I read this book while travelling through Venezuela. Despite many people mentioning their dislike of Jamie Maslin defending Chávez (I do believe they’re actually proving Jamie right), I loved the descriptions about people’s political opinions, the vibrant nature and the culture of the country, the explanations were very accurate and align with why I urge people to come see Venezuela for themselves.
However, I think this book’s main faults are in Jamie’s personality and attitude towards other people. He made terrible decisions multiple times on the trip and was plain rude and hot-headed in a lot of situation when people were helping him out, he seems to barely be interested in women other than their looks, often commenting about their bossoms as if he were 12 years old (pretty clearly written in the early 2000s but still…). Not to mention the fact that his “quirky” and (supposedly) “funny” remarks about the people he stayed with through Couchsurfing or just generally met on the way are just plaun rude. He critized their homes, their friends, their political opinions, interests and even their looks and weight. Who does that? I would be quite bothered if someone who stayed with me would describe me as “big” the first time they met me.
He seemingly tried to convince the reader how much of a victim he is in a lot of situations, like having to sit next to someone overweight or sharing a tent with people who snore, the Couchsurfing places not having a comfortable enough bed, clean enough showers among other faults that the poor British lad had to endure on his trip (keep in mind, man did not spend a cent on these accommodations).
Multiple times throughout reading this book I struggled to keep going because of how his terrible attitude overshadowed the very interesting parts of the book where he explained the political and economical state of Venezuela very well, talked with people about their opinion of Chávez and so on.
Do I recommend that people learn about Venezuela? Yes. Do I recommend this book? Absolutely no.
However, I think this book’s main faults are in Jamie’s personality and attitude towards other people. He made terrible decisions multiple times on the trip and was plain rude and hot-headed in a lot of situation when people were helping him out, he seems to barely be interested in women other than their looks, often commenting about their bossoms as if he were 12 years old (pretty clearly written in the early 2000s but still…). Not to mention the fact that his “quirky” and (supposedly) “funny” remarks about the people he stayed with through Couchsurfing or just generally met on the way are just plaun rude. He critized their homes, their friends, their political opinions, interests and even their looks and weight. Who does that? I would be quite bothered if someone who stayed with me would describe me as “big” the first time they met me.
He seemingly tried to convince the reader how much of a victim he is in a lot of situations, like having to sit next to someone overweight or sharing a tent with people who snore, the Couchsurfing places not having a comfortable enough bed, clean enough showers among other faults that the poor British lad had to endure on his trip (keep in mind, man did not spend a cent on these accommodations).
Multiple times throughout reading this book I struggled to keep going because of how his terrible attitude overshadowed the very interesting parts of the book where he explained the political and economical state of Venezuela very well, talked with people about their opinion of Chávez and so on.
Do I recommend that people learn about Venezuela? Yes. Do I recommend this book? Absolutely no.
January 2, 2018
The last in my recent series of South American travel books (Wild Coast: Travels on South America's Untamed Edge being the one I would recommend of the three), this one was a guy in Hugo Chavez's Venezuela. So before the chaos that was the last I heard but still after relations with the US had cooled. (Of course the guy's British, so that probably matters less to him.)
The good: it was interesting to see how Venezuelans viewed Venezuela, and lived.
The bad: I didn't much care for the guy himself, which gets annoying in a travelogue.
He did make it sound like an appealing place to visit, (although the couchsurfer lodging thing didn't seem like I would not enjoy it.) OK but not a must read.
The good: it was interesting to see how Venezuelans viewed Venezuela, and lived.
The bad: I didn't much care for the guy himself, which gets annoying in a travelogue.
He did make it sound like an appealing place to visit, (although the couchsurfer lodging thing didn't seem like I would not enjoy it.) OK but not a must read.
August 10, 2023
Unusual and illuminating.
I could have found Venezuela on a map previous to this, but knew nothing of it’s interesting and social situation. I’ve learned a lot, including more about western politics and American spin than is comfortable.
I have to really take my hat off to backpackers and couch surfers everywhere. I’ve always been too much of a scaredy cat to even consider travelling this way, but have really enjoyed the trip vicariously!
I could have found Venezuela on a map previous to this, but knew nothing of it’s interesting and social situation. I’ve learned a lot, including more about western politics and American spin than is comfortable.
I have to really take my hat off to backpackers and couch surfers everywhere. I’ve always been too much of a scaredy cat to even consider travelling this way, but have really enjoyed the trip vicariously!
July 8, 2011
Jamie Maslin does it again! In much the same vein as his previous book, Socialist Dreams and Beauty Queens is an honest, interesting, and funny read that is sure to delight any armchair traveller!
Venezuela seems to be a most beautiful and dangerous place filled with staggering scenic views and a lot of political unrest. Maslin describes his experiences, both good and bad, with relish and humour. At one point, he is actually arrested and detained for not have proper documents on his person and learns first hand the corruption within the Venezuelan police force.
Maslin also treats us to plenty of well-researched history, both past and current, about the places he visits or the charged conversations he has which mostly revolve around Hugo Chavez, Venezuela's most loved/most hated leader. Through Maslin's work, we get a sense of what Venezuela is like from an outsider's perspective, and he paints an astonishing picture of civil unrest, extreme poverty and opposing wealth from the oil industry.
As well, Maslin describes his experiences couchsurfing. It is not only a means of traveling on a budget, but Maslin found that his hosts turned out, for the most part, to be excellent guides of the areas that he travelled to. Everywhere he went was met by generosity from these fellow travelers. It is a mixed bag when traveling like this, but as a fellow couchsurfer, I've also experienced first hand that this is by far the most adventurous (and now preferred) way to go!
I highly recommend this book, especially if you are planning on traveling through Venezuela in the near future. No other travel guide will give you a more personal and hilarious portrait of what this country will offer you once you get there! Happy travels!
Venezuela seems to be a most beautiful and dangerous place filled with staggering scenic views and a lot of political unrest. Maslin describes his experiences, both good and bad, with relish and humour. At one point, he is actually arrested and detained for not have proper documents on his person and learns first hand the corruption within the Venezuelan police force.
Maslin also treats us to plenty of well-researched history, both past and current, about the places he visits or the charged conversations he has which mostly revolve around Hugo Chavez, Venezuela's most loved/most hated leader. Through Maslin's work, we get a sense of what Venezuela is like from an outsider's perspective, and he paints an astonishing picture of civil unrest, extreme poverty and opposing wealth from the oil industry.
As well, Maslin describes his experiences couchsurfing. It is not only a means of traveling on a budget, but Maslin found that his hosts turned out, for the most part, to be excellent guides of the areas that he travelled to. Everywhere he went was met by generosity from these fellow travelers. It is a mixed bag when traveling like this, but as a fellow couchsurfer, I've also experienced first hand that this is by far the most adventurous (and now preferred) way to go!
I highly recommend this book, especially if you are planning on traveling through Venezuela in the near future. No other travel guide will give you a more personal and hilarious portrait of what this country will offer you once you get there! Happy travels!
February 28, 2012
This book is very hard to describe, it's not a typical travelogue (not that it is ever presented as such). The reader doesn't just follow author Maslin on his journey through Venezuela, you dart back and forth through every random extension of his stream of consciousness. And I love it.
I can understand how this may not appeal to everyone, but I completely relate to his marvelling at pitcher plants, mountains, lightening and waterfalls, then instantly reflecting on the devastating impact of Thatcher and Reagan's neo-liberalism on Latin America, the extreme dichotomy of Venezuelan's view of Hugo Chavez, and the cultural phenomenon of the Venezuelan beauty queen industry.
I realize that it's hard to see how those belong together in one book... but they do.
I have seen comments here that Maslin's commentary on US-Venezuelan relations don't belong in this book. I beg to differ. I think it's impossible to talk about South America without considering the impact of the US on so many aspects of politics and life there. And yes, even a digression on September 11th fits.
This book is insightful and thoughtful, and above all, fun.
I can understand how this may not appeal to everyone, but I completely relate to his marvelling at pitcher plants, mountains, lightening and waterfalls, then instantly reflecting on the devastating impact of Thatcher and Reagan's neo-liberalism on Latin America, the extreme dichotomy of Venezuelan's view of Hugo Chavez, and the cultural phenomenon of the Venezuelan beauty queen industry.
I realize that it's hard to see how those belong together in one book... but they do.
I have seen comments here that Maslin's commentary on US-Venezuelan relations don't belong in this book. I beg to differ. I think it's impossible to talk about South America without considering the impact of the US on so many aspects of politics and life there. And yes, even a digression on September 11th fits.
This book is insightful and thoughtful, and above all, fun.
June 28, 2016
I loved this Travelogue by Maslin. As an arm chair traveler its amazing to go visit Venenzula surreptitiously via this version of Maslin. He is politically aware and knows just the right mix of entertainment V/S information.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I wasn't even remotely interested in Venenzula when I started reading this book but now Its fallen neatly in bucket list of one of the countries to visit.
The most adorable part of Maslin's writing is how he uses outrageous trivia(the boob jobs of Venenzulan women, the antics of the President, the dirty statistics about Venenzulas crime) to get you drawn into a story( the reality about the politics of america and venezuela, the natural wonders of the country and the details of politics of Oil that influences all of us everyday) and then feeding you relevant details about the thing he is talking about.
This is fun read and a must read if you're even remotely interested in Central America, Oil, or Beauty Queens and what goes into making of them.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I wasn't even remotely interested in Venenzula when I started reading this book but now Its fallen neatly in bucket list of one of the countries to visit.
The most adorable part of Maslin's writing is how he uses outrageous trivia(the boob jobs of Venenzulan women, the antics of the President, the dirty statistics about Venenzulas crime) to get you drawn into a story( the reality about the politics of america and venezuela, the natural wonders of the country and the details of politics of Oil that influences all of us everyday) and then feeding you relevant details about the thing he is talking about.
This is fun read and a must read if you're even remotely interested in Central America, Oil, or Beauty Queens and what goes into making of them.
September 28, 2012
Fantastic travel book of a "couchsurfer." Couchsurfers stay with various people in the host country who agrees to accept them. This his how Maslin travels through Venezuela. He talks of the crime and danger and the background for the continuing Chavez revolution. In between his adventures of traveling to the world' most exciting waterfall he splices in information on Venezuela's history with the United States. He goes into details not mentioned in the U.S. press of how the U.S. was involved in numerous coup attempts to overthrow Chavez. Maslin is a British citizen and is writing from the prospective of a Brit. I like how he intersperses his personal views and accounts of his travels with the culture and history of the country. I have already downloaded and started to read his travel book on Iran.
August 3, 2011
Jamie Maslin approaches travel in a way I never could, one may call it fool-hardy, but it provides far more entertaining stories than erring on the side of caution ever does. Visiting one of the crime capitals of the world, crashing on the couches of strangers and getting mixed up with dodgy cops might not be my cup of tea, but it does make for a good read. And when Maslin gets out of the big cities and into the national parks (including Angel Falls), I was inspired to get out into nature too, albeit a bit closer to home. However, what I found most interesting and enlightening about "Socialist Dreams and Beauty Queens" was the history and political insight. Maslin provides facts without being boring, and opened my eyes to the way the world really works.
May 6, 2015
I think that Couchsurfing has to be one of the greatest successes of the human being on and off the Internet. In a country where the police is pathologically corrupt and general well being is risky, the desire to travelers by hosting, feasting and guiding them is pretty profound. I also admired the author's disposition to trust Couchsurfing when leaving UK for Venezuela. His take on the local politics was also very enlightening as well as regular stabs at Corporate media. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
December 3, 2011
The notion of couchsurfing was new to me. I've been interested in Hugo Chavez for years and it was somewhat refreshing to read something in his favor. This British author loses very little love on anything having to do with the U.S. and his conspiracy theory references on 9-11 were really out of place in this travelogue. It would have been more interesting if he left out his highly opinionated views on Venezuelan and U.S. politics.
June 11, 2012
This book dragged in the middle - frankly, I wasn't interested in a description of flora and fauna - but honestly, it was a really interesting read, especially for those with an interest in politics. A trifle anti-American in places, but honestly, if you can't stand the heat, get outta the kitchen. Definitely worth my time.
September 26, 2011
A great travel memoir! I want to read his one on Iran now.
February 19, 2015
An interesting peek into Venezuelan culture and politics. Fun fact: there are so many kidnappings in Venezuela, they have a 1800 Kidnapped line.
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