The International Writers Magazine: Travel Books

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‘Inca Trails’ by Martin Li Paperback: 252 pages Publisher: AuthorHouse (November 24, 2007) ISBN-10: 1434317102 ISBN-13: 978-1434317100 • Review by Lisa Timmermann A fascinating and engaging study of Bolivian and Peruvian culture and history, ‘Inca Trails’ narrates the author’s journey through the former birthplace and short-lived empire of the Incas.

Apart from being an informative account of ancient history, this book is also an exciting piece of travel writing, full of vivid descriptions of landscapes, the Incas’ religion and architecture, and modern-day Bolivian and Peruvian culture that will leave you with the feeling that you have been to the places yourself. Nonetheless – or maybe for this very reason – it seems unfortunate that the book contains only a very few, black-and-white photographs.

Thanks to the author’s humorous and straightforward writing style, this is an educational as well as entertaining read. A three-page glossary usefully defines unknown Andean terms and names.

I gladly recommend this book to anyone interested in South American history and culture. Not only will you gain geographical and historical knowledge of the places described – i.e. climate and vegetation, the Incas’ politics, culture and mythology – but you also learn a lot about the region and its people today, including the local cuisine, music, festivities, as well as other customs and traditions.

© Lisa Timmermann March 2008
lisa.timmermann@gmail.com

Lisa is studying for her Masters in Creative Writing at the University of Portsmouth

Note: The book can be ordered via Amazon, click on image and is a glossy professional paperback.

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