Through the volcanoes: A Central American journey

by Jeremy Paxman

Genres: Travel

264 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Jeremy Dickson Paxman is a British journalist, author and television presenter. He has worked for the BBC since 1977. He is noted for a forthright and abrasive interviewing style, particularly when interrogating politicians. His regular appearances on the BBC2's Newsnight programme have been criticised as aggressive, intimidating, condescending and irreverent, and applauded as tough and incisive.

Reviews

[Kristiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book of Paxman's I've read but won't be the last. With masterful ease he blends travel writing with historical account, anecdote with sociological analysis.

Beginning in Belize and ending in Colon, Paxman recounts his journey through Central America in the 1980s. The countries he visits and passes through are scarred by a turbulent history of revolution, colonialism and American interference. He reflects upon the irrevocable damage wrought against the indigenous people and how this theme of the people losing at the hands of whoever is in power has remained.

And revolution, civil stasis and guerilla warfare isn't something of the past as Paxman visits El Salvador and Nicuaragua. Contrasted with the relative peace of Costa Rica and Panama, Paxman's journey ends with a reflection on Central America's future and if it's too late for the region to repair what has gone before.

[Lenka · Rating 4 out of 5]

History, travel writing and people's stories combined; covered in sauce of sometimes brutal testimonies but still sprinkled with raw dark humour. After all, it's Central America...

[Kmorgenstern · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this book accidentally. Although it is a little dated now, having been written in the early eighties, it nevertheless offers some very interesting insights - some of them rather idiosyncratic, but that is expected from a journalist such as Paxman. On his journey through Central America at a time when the region was riveted by civil war he paints a series of poignant vignettes and weaves into his personal travelogue the history of the region and in particular, the United States' involvement with it. His writing is very vivid and captivating. Although this is not the kind of book one reads for 'enjoyment', as the history of Central America is plenty gruesome, it is an excellent read.

[Els · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not exactly George Orwell but has an air of “Homage to Catalonia”. Paxman before he was worn out by domestic politics and over-meddling BBC management. Good description but great dialogue.