DETAILS: The Unconquered: In Search of the Amazon's Last Uncontacted Tribes by Scott Wallace. Copyright 2011. Adventure non-fiction.
SUMMARY: In 2002, National Geographic writer Scott Wallace and a group of thirty-four men, led by the director of Brazil's National Indian Foundation and comprised of a smattering of indigenous tribes of the Amazon as well as some adventurers, went in search of information about the flechieros, the People of the Arrow, one of the last uncontacted tribes of the Amazon.
PROS: I am still in awe of this book. This may be one of the best books I've ever read. I was a little concerned going in because as much as my Western curiosity wants to read about the "wild" Indians (and in this book they are referred to as Indians, not "Native Brazilians" or anything, so I will use that here), I know that contacting them, no matter how pure-intentioned the gesture may be, will almost certainly prove detrimental to their physical, emotional and social well-being. This book alleviated all those concerns. It combines the action, adventure, hardship of a early 1900's exploration of the Amazon with modern-day realizations and sensibilities regarding the Indians.
CONS: None.
BOTTOM LINE: This book is incredible and I would recommend it to anyone who is at all interested in this subject. Five stars out of five.
Thank you very much for your review of "The Unconquered." So pleased that it had such an impact on you. --SW
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