This is a book about 'the Guianas' (Guyana, Surinam, French Guiana). I only read the first section (on Guyana - formerly British Guiana) and skimmed the rest. If you're interested in this part of the world I'm sure you'll find this a fascinating book. For myself, being averse to malarial swamps, unbearable heat, and ridiculous politics, the book was of only passing interest.