A review by jedore
Into the Jungle by Erica Ferencik

adventurous emotional informative sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

"I was learning fast that the best policy in the jungle was to take whatever bounty comes to you, when it comes to you.

This book follows the journey of 19-year-old Lily Bushwold who in search of a fresh start leaves heads to Bolivia for a teaching job. There she meets Omar, a charismatic man who quickly becomes her boyfriend and invites her to join him in his remote Amazonian village. In the jungle, Lily faces a world that is both awe-inspiring and relentless, forcing her to confront the jungle’s hazards and her own fears and limitations.

Living in what I’d call the “jungle lite” here in Panama, I found myself relating to Lily’s experience—steering clear of strange (and very large) bugs, carefully navigating the hidden threats off the beaten path and in the water, and witnessing the invasion of humans for financial gain. Ferencik paints a vivid and accurate picture of the jungle’s beauty and its dangers.

Lily’s not a typical hero; she’s scarred by her past and deeply flawed, but it’s these imperfections that make her journey compelling. I was silently cheering her on as she transitioned from a vulnerable young woman to one who is strong and capable.

The depiction of Omar’s family was also spot on. They were understandably suspicious of Lily, seeing her as an outsider and keeping her at arm’s length until she earned her place in their world. 

This is an especially compelling read for expats living in Panama or those drawn to adventurous coming-of-age stories. 
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