What I liked most about this novel is the author's clear love of the people and the biology of the Central American countries where it takes place. He weaves together several themes: a political history of the region, a mystical journey of self discovery, and an exploration of relationships. While its cover blurb led me at first to expect a political thriller, with the main character's entry into running supposedly small errands for the CIA in the course of his research excursions, this theme served mainly as a thread to tie the other elements together.

I think this book is more accurately shelved as a historical novel centered on the 1980s in Central America, primarily Nicaragua and Guatemala. In my opinion this political history is the most successful aspect of the story. The mystical aspects of the story to me seemed Carlos Castaneda-like. Personal relationships, especially love and trust, are a major point in this book but this is where I find our character Odel to fall short. He feels betrayed (naturally enough) when he discovers that his wife is having an affair, and though she comes clean about her sexuality, his love for her is fatally damaged by this betrayal of trust. Yet he never bothers to mention to her that he has begun a passionate affair with a woman he considers his soul mate. With all his supposed growth through the book, this never seems to bother him.

I did find it to be compelling enough to read straight through in about three days. It's well-written and the story hangs together, and it's well edited, which is rarely the case with self-published novels. Full disclosure: I worked at the same museum (not in Seattle) as the author long ago, and have traveled to Costa Rica on a tour he led, so I know and respect him as a scientist. I wish him well with this book! ( )