When the India Office recruits Merrick for an expedition to fetch quinine--essential for the treatment of malaria--from deep within Peru, he knows it's a terrible idea. Nearly every able-bodied expeditionary who's made the attempt has died, and he can barely walk. But Merrick is desperate to escape everything at home, so he sets off, against his better judgment, for a tiny mission colony on the edge of the Amazon where a salt line on the ground separates town from forest. Anyone who crosses is killed by something that watches from the trees, but somewhere beyond the salt are the quinine woods, and the way around is blocked.
Surrounded by local stories of lost time, cursed woods, and living rock, Merrick must separate truth from fairytale and find out what befell the last expeditions; why the villagers are forbidden to go into the forest; and what is happening to Raphael, the young priest who seems to have known Merrick's grandfather, who visited Peru many decades before.
This
book is written in a style that purposefully holds back information and slowly
reveals details, which was confusing and choppy. The premise and the ideas in
this story are fascinating, but I could only read little bits here and there,
which confused more than entertained, making it hard to enjoy. Overall,
although there are historically accurate elements, it is a tale of whimsy and
mysticism and ancient secrets in ancient places. I think I will re-read it when
I have the luxury of time so that I may appreciate the nuances of the story.
Posted By: Regina C.
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