translated by F.H. Lyon
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It was thrilling to read of their sea journey. The descriptions of their surroundings- the limitless horizon, the huge swells, the impressive weather- is vividly written. It was fascinating to read about the different things they learned by experience- like how to navigate by the stars, or how to steer the raft effectively (it had no motor power, and could not be halted en route). I was astonished to read about them drinking seawater, eating plankton, making ice, and creating a dangerous game of catching sharks (with bare hands) by the tail! And of course, I loved reading about the ocean life they encountered. In addition to whales and many kinds of fish, they saw large squid, giant whale shark, snake mackerel (never before seen live), octopus, flying fish and sea turtles. Many mysterious creatures came up to the surface at night, drawn by the lights on board. I was continually confused by references to dolphins, which here meant mahi-mahi, not the porpise-like mammal I kept picturing. They also had a parrot on board for some time, and his antics were amusing.
Lots of Polynesian culture and history is discussed in this book, and I was fascinated by the explanations of how those huge statues on Easter Island were raised. When the Kon-Tiki finally reached the South Sea Islands, the natives there went crazy with excitement seeing a craft just like those their ancestors had used. I felt a thrill at this recognition, just like the thrill I felt in reading Roots, when the author set foot in the village his great-great-whatever-grandfather had originally come from, and the villagers, upon hearing how his ancestry matched up with their own oral lineage, welcomed him as a long-lost family member, with joy. The tone and themes of this book also brought to my mind two others- Paddle to the Amazon by Don Starkell and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, by Jules Verne.
I read Kon-Tiki for the 9 for '09 Challenge. I did have to replace my first copy. Even after being sealed up with some deodorizing agents for over a week, the book still smelled offensive and I had to put it in the recycling bin. I don't think I've ever actually thrown away a book before, and felt shamed doing it! But worse would be to pass that copy on to someone else, and inflict the same discomfort on them, when reading it should be pure enjoyment.
Rating: 5/5 240 pages, 1950
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This sounds fascinating, and right up my alley!
ReplyDeleteI remember reading this a very long time ago and loving it.
ReplyDeleteI saw a fresh copy of it recently and felt bad about your smelly copy. Too bad it couldn't be de-stunk.
ReplyDeleteThanks for participating in 9 for '09.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to read about your older version of the book. But, being able to read a book near your eyes, instead of ten feet away is important!
I am interested in the ice making. Great fact. I need to find a copy so I can see how they did it.
I too read this eons ago when I was but a young'un. ;-) I probably ought to reread because I'm certain you get different things out of books as you get older. I also remember reading several of his other books and enjoying those too.
ReplyDeleteNymeth- I think you'd like it!
ReplyDeleteDana- I can't believe I didn't read this book sooner.
Bybee- Pobably I could have found a more sophisticated method for deodorzing, but I came across another copy myself, so it was okay.
WorkingWords- I wish they'd explained more about the ice-making. I think the author didn't understand it very well himself because he just mentioned the ingredients and the result. It sounded pretty amazing, though.
Cath- I didn't know he'd written any other books, but now I'll be sure to look for them. His theories of the Peruvians migrating to Polynesia have been published- have you read that?
No, I don't think I've read the Peruvians book but may have seen a doc. as it rings a bell somehow. I think the other books or books I read by him were the Ra Expiditions. If you look on Amazon you'll see he's written a few, all non-fiction I believe.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of the Ra Expedition but I just went over and read about it and it looks just as fantastic. I'm going to have to read more, now!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds wonderful. What an adventure!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment on my blog.
Is the cat in your header yours? She/he is beautiful. I always had a sift spot for Russian Blues.
Caspette- Yes, that's our cat. We adopted him from the shelter and they said he's just a Domestic Shorthair, but he looks like a Russian Blue!
ReplyDeleteWow you could get away with telling people he is a russian blue. Just lovely regardless of his pedigree :)
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