Sunrise with Seamonsters

By Paul Theroux

Book Overview

The journeys of Paul Theroux take place not only in exotic, unexpected places of the world but in the thoughts, reading, and emotions of the writer himself. A gathering of people, places, and ideas in fifty glittering pieces of gold.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0395415012
• ISBN13: 9780395415016
• Release Date: May 1986
• Publisher: Mariner Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

A Literary Treasure

This 300-page-plus collection of essays is truly a treasure chest. Not a page is devoid of wondrous facts or insights by this chronicler of people, places and things. He takes you to exotic countries (in fact one of his essays is on the very nature of "exotic"). He takes you on fascinating journeys, not only in third world outposts but even in the U.S. He introduces you to irrestible people, many famous, many not. He shares with you insights and opinions in a manner that is respectful, not pedantic. I think Theroux is one of our best essayists and his eye for the potpourri that our world encompasses is unerring. Reading Theroux' essays and non-fiction work is always a pleasure. (His novels, however, are another matter, to be discussed at another time....)

essay writing at its best

This is a wonderful collection for fans of Theroux and writers who want to study the craft of essay writing. The range of topics is wide, covering everything from travel (of course) to politics (Nixon) to Tarzan-as-expatriate. It's also a great window into Theroux's development as a writer as it spans two and a half decades of his career. I had the pleasure of reading these when I was in the Peace Corps myself, stationed in the Nepal highlands. Thanks for the fun and inspiration, Paul!

A quirky, evocative collection.

Even without taking my copy of this down from the shelf, a mental vision of the cover conjures up brief mnemonic wisps of mental perfume: sailing on Cape Cod, his memories of Africa, the tale of the unironed shirt and the burrowing mites, the essay on extended family that has always made me wistful for the experience or at least envious to have a doctor and lawyer available for free consultations. Influential stuff from a more or less acerbic personality.