Into the Backlands: a Peace Corps Memoir

by Kenneth E. Dugan Flies

What began as an adventure of a lifetime for 19-year-old Ken Flies when he joined Peace Corps and went to the Backlands of Brazil in 1961, turned into a lifetime of adventure.

236 pages, Paperback

Published June 19, 2018

Reviews

[Elliott Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching true-life adventure story of a young man's journey to the remotest parts of Brazil as part of the first class of Peace Corps volunteers, in 1962. There is humor, suspense, and a surprisingly moving love story between Ken and his love (Millie) back home in Minnesota. I highly recommend!

[Beckie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful telling of my uncle's adventure into Brazil as the Peace Corps came into being. Historical events of the turbulent times in the 2 years he was in Brazil from 1962-1963 gives good perspective to the events of today. It's hard to imagine being a 19 year old and leaving everything familiar behind. His love of Millie and their lasting relationship surviving the absence and his tribute to her in the end brings heartfelt emotion and should touch everyone's soul.

[Jessica Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inside look at the birth of the Peace Corps, with it’s struggles, failures, and successes told by my uncle. His 2 years in Brazil were nothing short of the adventure of a lifetime.