Headhunters on My Doorstep

A True Treasure Island Ghost Story

By: J. Maarten Troost

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Entertainment Weekly calls acclaimed author and essayist J. Maarten Troost a "funny, candid, and down-to-earth travel companion". Both witty and poignant, Headhunters on My Doorstep follows Troost as he retraces Robert Louis Stevenson’s path through the South Pacific. Somewhere between AA meetings in Tahiti and discovering how the Island of Merrymaking got its name, Troost reconnects with himself, his family, and the beauty of life.

©2013 J. Maarten Troost (P)2013 Recorded Books

Another great South Pacific Book from Mr. Troost

Would you listen to Headhunters on My Doorstep again? Why?

Yes, I already have. No one writes about the South Pacific in such an authentic way like J. Maarten Troost.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Headhunters on My Doorstep?

I really enjoyed his time on Fakarava and swimming with the Sharks, but there were many memorable moments, I thought his discription of the Marqueses Islands was great!

Which scene was your favorite?

Swimming with the Sharks on Fakarava

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I loved the ending!

Any additional comments?

I've read all of Mr. Troost's books and was excited when I heard a new book about the South Pacific was coming out. I've read other reviews and some complain about the fact that the books contains elements of he personal life, including dealing with alcohol issues. I think this only adds to the depth of this book and makes it even more interesting. Most travel writers either just describe what they see and/or try to be funny and it seems shallow. This book goes deeper and therefor is more enjoyable. It's still funny but is more human and real than most adventure travel books.

I highly recommend this book to any one who loves the South Pacific and has compassion for the human experience.

Despite being a fan... Beware

I have loved the previous South Pacific books but just hated this. The whiney introspection did nothing for me. Please Mr Troost, entertain me. This is not the venue for your problems. I am glad that you have battled the demon drink (& your publishers) successfully, however I do not wish to read a book about it!! Mr Vance did a sterling job with a horrible book. No fault there.

My Favorite Travel Author Gets Personal

Would you consider the audio edition of Headhunters on My Doorstep to be better than the print version?

Yes. Vance and Troost are and incredible match.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The one writing it of course

Have you listened to any of Simon Vance’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Top notch as usual. One of the best readers in the world.

Any additional comments?

Some people complain about Troost getting personal about his struggles past and present while on this travel journey and, I would think, have a sadistic side in enjoying the humor in his past explorations of places along with copious amounts of intoxicants. Therefore, you'll see some negative reviews on this one as it strays just a tad from his normal outings. However, nothing is lost to me in this recount. His historical perceptive and information stays true and loose as usual which makes it all more accessible versus being like textbook material. I can't get enough from Troost and am so upset that his journey through India book got canned. This book loses some entertainment value versus is other ones as it's a bit more serious than the others but, to me, it makes it only a tad less enjoyable than all his others. The bar has always been set high with Troost, though. It remains so here but the tone is only slightly different. I still laughed, learned, and thoroughly enjoyed and you will too.

A recovering alcoholics south sea jaunt

A little disappointed I did not think I was signing on to read about Troust's recovery from alcoholism. I enjoyed the stories about people and places.. Also the parts about Robert Louis Stevenson. The authors life journey, not so much. Simon Vance solid as always.

Not J. Maarten Troost's Best

Narration ok, but the story was lacking. Lost On Planet China, or Getting Stoned With Savages would be a better choice, if you are new to his books.

Disappointed

I loved Sex Lives of Cannibals, and very much liked Getting Stoned with Savages but this book really lacked something. I am tempted to use the word "boring". The narrator sounded as he was ready to slip into a stupor at times.

Parallel themes

Open my mind And found a fresh Perspective On
Both authors and travel. Read it

Read sex lives of cannibals instead.

I have read several books from this author. I started with sex lives of cannibals, getting stoned with savages, and now this one. they seem to be too similar of stories and is capturing my attention less and less.

Love this kind of travelogue

Well written just like his other books. Just sarcastic enough with a dose of humility and fun. Great listen and loved it! listen to his other books first before you end with this one...

An all-round, enjoyable experience.

I really enjoyed listening to this book. While it isn't the funniest humor or the most coherent travelogue, it was very good.
I really enjoyed the memoir aspects of this book.
I had no idea how little I knew about the South Pacific. I found myself pouring over maps and searching out information on the rising oceans and ecological disasters. This book was invaluable in widening my horizons there.
I'm going to go on and read some more of his books.