Walking the Americas by Levison Wood [Book Review]

For those of you who know me, or follow my blog or social media, you’ll know my main passion is around travel and adventure. Not only do I love to be in on the action myself, whether that’s running long distance, hang gliding or wild camping, but I love to read about adventures. I love to get lost in words and my imagination.

Of course there are many good books about adventures. In fact adventure books go way back. Think Treasure Island or Around the World in 80 Days — classic examples of adventure books.

But of the modern day adventurers one of my favourites is British explorer Levison Wood. His background in the Army, as a photographer now writer and TV presenter intrigues me. If ever there was a change of career path he’s taken it. And yet he’s still found a way to use his skills, and what he’s passionate about to make a living and make a difference. One of the main reasons Sage Adventures exists is to encourage everyone to live wisely in life. We want you to live the way you want to in order to fulfil your dreams and passions. Levison Wood is a great example of someone who’s done just that.

My first introduction to him was finding an old copy of his book called ‘Walking the Nile’ in a charity shop for about £2. It was a hard-back book, in good nick and therefore a totally irresistible purchase for a book lover like me. Over the coming weeks I found myself absorbed in his trailblazing tales of walking the length of the Nile. He would cross 7 countries to do so and navigated through rainforest, savannah, swamps and desert. It’s a story of resilience and pushing oneself towards their goal. It bore many similarities to Ed Stafford’s record breaking feet to walk the length of the Amazon (another great book exploring Ed’s 860 day journey — I should definitely review that one too!).

Anyway, enough of an intro to our explorer man author, what’s this book actually all about? Walking the Americas is an account of Levison’s expedition to walk 1800 miles through Central America. His route starts in Mexico, finishes in Colombia and traverses the well-know Darien Gap. (The Darien Gap is a break across the Pan American Highway. It’s mostly watershed, forest and mountains but it’s famous because crossing it is so dangerous. It’s remote, tricky to access and home to indigenous tribes (not familiar with Western ways), paramilitary groups and drug smugglers too). If you happened to watch Channel 4 back in the Spring of 2017 you may also have spotted Levison’s journey in a 4 part documentary.

“Challenge means understanding it’s hard, but doing it anyway” — Levison Wood

Themes

There are three themes in this book that form a strong backbone to the story. Relationships, culture and history, and nature.

Wood forges strong relationships throughout his journey — both with those he meets on the way and with his travel companion Alberto. (He’s a sort of part time guide, part time friend, part time translator). As a character Alberto comes across as an approachable, fun guy who loves to crack a joke and needs a break from a rough time in life. He’s an adventuring soul at heart who is eager to get going when Levison offers the chance.

Alberto aside, we also hear stories of migrants making their way to the USA, of fellow explorers and revolutionaries in a refugee camp. This isn’t about one man’s journey but about sharing the stories we don’t always hear in Western media. It resonates so well because storytelling is in our nature as human beings. These stories are just looking for a voice and a vehicle to the world.

Connected to his relationships with people is a rich interest in culture and history. This book isn’t a travel diary of an expedition but is rooted in the context of these civilisations — both old and new. We learn of ancient Mayan ruins as Wood stumbles across those still untouched by modern life. We hear of popular legends and old tales of island takeovers by foreigners from the sea. Wherever possible Wood weaves in this cultural context to help us experience the place as honestly as possible. This cultural and historical knowledge becomes a solid foundation and the basis of his journey.

Finally you couldn’t embark on a walk such as this without a certain love and appreciation of nature. For both its beauty and its hazards. From white sandy beaches to exotic animals, heavy rain, quicksand and the need for survival training. These countries have it all.

All in all if you’re looking to learn more about Central America this book is a great introduction. If you’re looking for adventure and survival tips from the comfort of your armchair this could also be one for you. But if you want to appreciate the people, the history and the culture of and oft-overlooked place in the world that’s what I’d say this book is about.

One to Watch

Levison Wood’s latest book is about travelling through Arabia. Recent years have focussed on the political, military and human rights issues in those countries. This book looks to offer a fresh perspective on the region. It’s about time we focussed on something aside from war and learned more about the beauty and history of the middle east. Sure conflict is a part of that. No doubt the physical and emotional scars are ever-present but I look forward to reading the stories of the people who’ve lived through it. I hope to hear more about it’s people and the beauty of it’s natural geography.

Have you read any of Levison Wood’s work? What do you think? Join our book club here to talk adventure and books and why we wish we were there with them!

Originally posted on Sage Adventures travel & wellness lifestyle blog: www.sageadventres.co.uk.