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slowloris's review
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
3.5
This is my first historical adventure journal book, which I read on recommendation from my partner. At first the amount of animal death was alarming to me, particularly the casual nature of how it's described. As I read further, I became more interested as he discussed his experiences with the local communities. As a former anthropology student I found this fascinating. Of course, there are racist remarks and descriptions- so be aware! However, I thought it was well worth the quick read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
Moderate: Racism and Animal cruelty
Minor: Colonisation
sharon_geitz's review
4.0
It is a mistake to approach this little book with 21st century sensibilities and expectations. To an unprepared reader the approach to investigation of fauna will seem brutal, it should be remembered that this book, taken from Wallace's larger work on the Malay Archipelago, was written in a very different age, from the perspective of a very different world view. The value of the book lies in its introduction to 19th century mentality as much as an introduction to Wallace or in it's descriptions of a historic Malaysia and the flora and fauna therein. A very readable and quite compelling little book from a wonderful series, well worth reading.
sharon4d046's review
4.0
It is a mistake to approach this little book with 21st century sensibilities and expectations. To an unprepared reader the approach to investigation of fauna will seem brutal, it should be remembered that this book, taken from Wallace's larger work on the Malay Archipelago, was written in a very different age, from the perspective of a very different world view. The value of the book lies in its introduction to 19th century mentality as much as an introduction to Wallace or in it's descriptions of a historic Malaysia and the flora and fauna therein. A very readable and quite compelling little book from a wonderful series, well worth reading.
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