Why reading this book

[fabio]

For me this is my favourite book ever, I've read it 3 or 4 times and I'm still so enthusiast about it. Because Theroux makes a great epic journey all around Oceania in which he combines his great sense of adventure and discovery with his cleverness and experience. His natural curiosity makes the book never boring. He has many interesting meetings, goes through dangers he manages to skip thanks to his experience and wisdom. He manages to convey the silence and the mystery of some remote places of Oceania, and as well as enthrilling us with the situations that verify during his journey, he illuminates us with his scrupuluos report about history, culture and folklore about the people he visits. So, what else asking to a book? I always have the impression Theroux is completely sincere and never boasting or self-flattering. I like him as person and I would be so happy to meet him one day (hoping not to be disappointed!). Pity the book is not translated into italian. In the end, I recommend this book to all that dreamed at least one day of South Seas paradise (who not??)

[rosiepink]

I liked The Happy Isles of Oceania, too. I finished reading it two weeks ago while on a trip to Mexico. I was stuck in my hotel room with a bad case of traveler's diarrhea. Thank goodness I brought a good book to read! I wasn't able to travel to see some archaeological sites, but I consoled myself by saying that at least I had a book that was both entertaining and educational. I really liked reading about the archaeological excursions that Theroux took in Polynesia. That book has a little of everything.
If you really enjoyed that book, I heartily recommend Theroux's novel Hotel Honolulu. You'll recognize some of the same Polynesian themes even though one is fictional and the other is non-fiction.