On the Plain of Snakes

By: Paul Theroux

Narrated by: Joseph Balderrama

Length: 19 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

The master of contemporary travel writing, Paul Theroux, immerses himself in the beautiful and troubled heart of modern Mexico.

Nogales is a border town caught between Mexico and the United States of America. A 40-foot steel fence runs through its centre, separating the prosperous US side from the impoverished Mexican side. It is a fascinating site of tension, now more than ever, as the town fills with hopeful border crossers and the deportees who have been caught and brought back. And it is here that Paul Theroux will begin his journey into the culturally rich but troubled heart of modern Mexico.

Moving through the deserts just south of the Arizona border, Theroux finds a place brimming with charm, yet visibly marked by both the US border patrol looming to the north and mounting discord from within. Attending local language and culinary schools, driving through the country and meeting its people, Paul Theroux gets under the skin of Mexico.

From the writer praised for his 'curiosity and affection for humanity in all its forms' (New York Times Book Review), On the Plain of Snakes is an urgent and mesmerising exploration of a region in conflict.

©2019 Paul Theroux (P)2019 W. F. Howes Ltd

Excellent Book Helped by a Fine Reading

I have read all of Paul Theroux's travel books. On the Plain of Snakes is among his best. It is reflective and provocative, both. I frequently listen to books and Joseph Balderrama's narration outstanding. I would happily listen to him again.

epic chronicle of an outstandingly bold odyssey

Theroux has outdone himself with this epically literate and literary adventure through most of the land mass and cultures of modern Mexico, sparing no detail and pulling the reader close with edgy descriptions of encounters with the soul, spirit and body of living Mexico.

A ride through Mexico

I felt like I was riding in the car alongside one of my favorite travel writers. I liked hearing stories of people crossing the border. As a near border resident myself, it made the book especially relevant.
The narrator seemed to mispronounce some things, but I found it forgivable and thought it was probably caused by switching languages frequently. I enjoyed the chance to learn some more Mexican phrases.

Hmmmm...interesting

I frequently had to remind myself that this was not a historical fiction/non-fiction. These people and places exist alongside me within the same calendar. This audiobook gave me a better view of the story behind the headlines concerning Mexico. I appreciate the learning I received from this experience.

Gain a better understanding of Mexico

Mexicans dont all speak Spanish. Many speak indigenous languages. NAFTA created many of Mexico's problems. Factories were relocated from America to just over the border in northern Mexico. The workers earn 10 dollars US a day to make Bose speakers. In Chiapas, the most southern province in Mexico, Guatemalans, and Central Americans ride the train north, which is known as, La Bestia. Many are robbed or raped. People fall off as they try to board the trains and have limbs severed off. An indian reservation in America is a convenient spot for drug dealers to send their product north and bring guns from America south. That area isnt the US and it also isnt Mexico. The poorest Mexicans live in the south. Mexicans worshiped death before the Spanish foisted their language and God on Mexicans. The numerous stories of migrants coming to the US in search of work was also illuminating. Most return to Mexico due to family issues. Maybe one day revolution will divide this dangerous country, which is being destabilized by corruption and cartels. The shocking dismemberments and decapitations occuring there reflect a country descending into chaos.

read and learn

hard to read about things you know happen, but the author writes so well it's easy to listen to. I learned things I'd forgotten from long ago and many things I never knew. highly recommend.

Superb Narration

I'm so impressed with the narration of Joseph Balderrama!!! His many accents are so coherent and authentic - for me it made this good book a great book.
This is in contrast to many other well meaning narrators, who are incapable of pronouncing even one word in a foreign language correctly.

Great Book

I am a writer sterlingbennett.com.
I have lived I in Mexico for 20 years. This book has filled in a lot of holes. Knowledge of Mexico is like knowing the ocean. There currents swirl and change. The beauty and danger are always the same. Theroux is a honest and compassionate pilot. This book is the first thing you read, if you are moving here. This is the place to come if you are a painter or a writer. It will wake you up to the artist inside you, where you wake up to secret wonder landscapes in your dozing soul.

Very enjoyable.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Mexico City. This book has inspired me to visit many other places in Mexico. I really enjoyed the journey.

Wonderful Book

Must listen to catch up with the world view. You will love it. I did.