What Am I Doing Here

Bruce Chatwin (1989)
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THE A5 BOOK REVIEW

What Am I Doing Here is a collection of bite-size stories and travel essays from the British writer Bruce Chatwin, author of In Patagonia, one of the more influential works in travel literature.  Chatwin died at the age of 48; this collection was the last book he ever published.  His exploits include trekking to Nepal, getting arrested in the West African country of Benin during a military coup, and a trip to India with Indira Ghandi during her campaign to return to political power.  He interviews several celebrities and shares his experience making a film with Werner Herzog.  Chatwin is known for his distinctive literary style, and What Am I Doing Here is a great introduction to this thought-provoking author.
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OTHER A5 RECOMMENDED TRAVEL BOOKS - BRUCE CHATWIN

photo of Bruce Chatwin
Bruce Chatwin (1940-1989) was an English journalist and novelist, known for his distinct and eloquent storytelling and for one of the classics in travel literature, In Patagonia.  He worked for Sotheby's, studied archaeology, and traveled the world writing for The Sunday Times Magazine.  Click here to learn more about Bruce Chatwin and his work.

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GREAT QUOTES FROM WHAT AM I DOING HERE

"Walking is a virtue, tourism a deadly sin."

"Man's real home is not a house, but the Road, that life itself is a journey to be walked on foot."

INTERESTING LINKS:

  • For another perspective, read the 1989 New York Times article, "Home Was Where the Road Was", describing Chatwin's work and What Am I Doing Here.
  • Or, try the review in the London Review of Books by noted travel writer Colin Thubron.  Free subscription required, but it is a interesting website.