Magdalena: River of Dreams

wonderful book by Wade Davis, great writer. Sent quickly.

Wade Davis explores the cultural and ecological significance of Colombia’s Magdalena River through personal anecdotes and historical context. He presents a nuanced view of the country, showcasing its beauty and the resilience of its people amidst historical violence and environmental degradation. However, the book occasionally repeats familiar narratives about the drug trade and Pablo Escobar without offering new insights. While rich in imagery, the narrative could benefit from a more critical examination of contemporary issues. Overall, the book invites readers to appreciate Colombia’s diversity beyond stereotypes

The story told by Wade Davis in his latest book, “Magdalena: River of Dreams”, is one which should be made mandatory reading for school students every where. The content covers everything a person could ever experience in their human lifetime, and than some. I plan on re-reading this book many many times, simply because there is just so much wisdom to extract from Wade Davis that one reading won’t do justice to his masterpiece. One of the best books I have ever read and highly recommend it to everyone.

È la narrazione sul paese (la Colombia) la sua historia e della sua gente più interessante che abbia mai letto. Ho trovato questo libro scritto da un Canadiense, che descrive in maniera molto piacevole da leggere e veritiera, la Colombia, dalla conquista degli spagnoli ai nostri giorni. Sono nato e fatto le elementari e il liceo in Colombia, letto libri di storia, letto articoli sui giornali, guide turistiche, navigato il Magdalena da Honda a Barranquilla in kayak, negli anni 60, ed ho constatato che il libro non è un romanzo. Tutto se agiusta ai fatti e alla verità.

I've never read a book like that! infact I wouldn't have found it had it not been recommended by one member of my bookclub. Have learned a lot about the turmoils of Columbia through history, the love and attachment of its people to their lands and homes. Fabulous book!

Beautifully written with a rather poetic and wistful take on botany and the passage of Colombia through a turbulent 20th century this is a good read for anyone with an interest in travel or the evolution of the environment in South America since the Spanish conquest. It is dotted with lovely stories from the sides of the Magdalena river and from its beautiful and much put-upon people who recount how the pristine enviroment has changed so much in 70 years.