Into the Amazon by Larry Rohter

Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Into the Amazon:

This dude did not like sleeping in his own bed.

Quick synopsis:

The biography of Cândido Rondon who was a Brazilian explorer and about 20 other things.

Fact for Non-History People:

Rondon took Teddy Roosevelt on an expedition through the Amazon where all of them almost died.

Fact for History Nerds:

Rondon traveled more than 25,000 miles on his expeditions. Nope, no car or plane in that calculation.

My Take on Into the Amazon:

Come read about the life of Cândido Rondon who absolutely hated sleeping in a normal bed. At least, that’s what I gather from the fact that the man spent an amazing amount of time sleeping in the Amazon.

You may be vaguely aware of Rondon. If you read Candice Millard’s River of Doubt, then you will remember him as the guy who made sure they all didn’t die. Millard herself mentions that Rondon deserves his own book and luckily Larry Rohter took that challenge up with Into the Amazon.

I always look for two things when reading a biography. First, is the subject even worth their own book? Second, does the author admire the subject but not too much in telling the story? Both answers are a resounding yes.

Rondon lived over 90 years and yet his list of accomplishments seems unbelievable for anyone who didn’t live 200 years. He was a military man through and through but actively sought never to kill anyone. He believed in a faith system called Positivism which is simultaneously interesting and a bit wacky. Most importantly, he was a man who devoted his life to protecting Indigenous Brazilians at all costs. He talked the talk and walked the walk, literally.

Rohter handles this amazing man in a way I love. He calls out his positive attributes but does not hesitate to point out when Rondon’s actions did not live up to the beliefs he espoused. Rondon was an extraordinary human being but he was human and Brazilian politics were not stable during his day. Rondon doesn’t need to be a saint and Rohter never pretends he is. The book is better for it. It’s a must read.

(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and W. W. Norton & Company.)

Verdict:

A great book about a man who deserved to have a great book written about him. Buy it here!

If You Liked This Try:

• Candice Millard, The River of Doubt