In 1972, Marañón arrived in Costa Rica as part of a university project, little realizing he had found his life's work. For the next 30 years, he would strive to make an environmentally conscious living in a tiny village preserve. His life became a physical and emotional roller coaster as he matured from an arrogant, spoiled young man to one passionately trying to save a disappearing way of life. Even as a college dropout working on behalf of the environment within his local village and government bureaucracy, he watched the daily decimation of the rain forest.

Written more in the style of a diary than scientific observation, Marañón's attempts at dry humor sometimes come off as supercilious or cynical. However, he does have a unique perspective. Here is someone who walked the walk, who witnessed the willingness of desperately poor natives to compromise their natural resources. Marañón understands the complexities of saving the rain forest and he was successful in helping establish some national parks and marine reserves.

Tom Leveen, Associate Editor, Today's Librarian

Back to Reviews