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gracer's review
3.0
A great travelogue, Something to Declare coverts Mary Morris' travels in Central America in the 80s. It was written soon after that (published in 88) which made me wish I had a copy with a new afterword for a little more perspective (not sure such a thing exists).
In general I liked the book, enjoyed reading about her adventures, but disliked about half of the spiritual stuff and musings on her personal life. I liked the other half, though. It was interesting to read about someone who hated being alone and who was in fact for most of the book with other people - especially as I had picked up the book because I specifically wanted to read about women traveling alone. Even when Morris was traveling alone, she quickly made friends with people she met, so her experiences of real solitude seem to be restricted to finding herself feel in a jungle one afternoon and a few other short specific times.
It was interesting also to read about her relationship issues and how she had a hard time with men. I was not expecting to find that in this book. It also contributed to my wanting a little more perspective, as the flap says she lives with her husband and daughter, but the book ends with her being about to leave Mexico. It reminds me of how Wild gives us a little fast forward which helps with the conclusion. I wanted to know more about how Morris changed as a result of her travels and how she overcame her relationship issues.
In general I liked the book, enjoyed reading about her adventures, but disliked about half of the spiritual stuff and musings on her personal life. I liked the other half, though. It was interesting to read about someone who hated being alone and who was in fact for most of the book with other people - especially as I had picked up the book because I specifically wanted to read about women traveling alone. Even when Morris was traveling alone, she quickly made friends with people she met, so her experiences of real solitude seem to be restricted to finding herself feel in a jungle one afternoon and a few other short specific times.
It was interesting also to read about her relationship issues and how she had a hard time with men. I was not expecting to find that in this book. It also contributed to my wanting a little more perspective, as the flap says she lives with her husband and daughter, but the book ends with her being about to leave Mexico. It reminds me of how Wild gives us a little fast forward which helps with the conclusion. I wanted to know more about how Morris changed as a result of her travels and how she overcame her relationship issues.
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