Fatu-Hiva: Back to Nature

This is an amazing story of Thor Hyerdahl's misguided attempt in 1936 to have an Adam and Eve existence, as he thought nature intended. But the Garden of Eden had a few other people, and hell is other people. He didn't realize that human evolution requires being part of a social system. The story is flawed by the conspicuous use by Heyerdahl of his wife as just a prop to tell the story. Her story is not even acknowledged. Perhaps that's why they later divorced. Another flaw is the lack of background information on Fatu-Hiva, which is actually quite relevant to the story. To fully enjoy this story, read his earlier summary published in the January 1941 issue of National Geographic. That article also references an earlier 1920 article which gives additional background to Fatu-Hiva's history and customs. (You can view these articles on the National Geographic website.) I suspect Hyerdahl actually read the excellent 1920 article before he selected Fatu-Hiva as his destination. Also, take a look at Fatu-Hiva on Google Earth. You can see it hasn't changed much. And if you look carefully you can see what could be the two huts described when they lived on the beach with the ex-cannibal.

Torn off the screens and pick up this book.Survival Island before reality TV. A good read and a keeper in my library. Picked up a vintage copy for only a few bucks.I hope to bath in the waterfall pool at their mountain home site some day...

What an adventure!

A must read book about looking for a lost paradise

Thor Heyerdahl believed that it would be possible to escape modern civilisation and recreate paradise by fleeing to a remote island and living only by what he found there. In 1936, before flying became common, with literally no communication possible from the island apart from the occasional passage of a ship, he and his wife certainly "got away from it all". They partly achieved their aim of self-sufficiency, but within months illness, the risk of disease, the presence of the islanders, who could not imagine what Thor and Liv were really looking for, made them slowly realise that paradise is not a place you can locate on a map. Modern civilisation, with all its faults can also be a great benefit, particularly when you need medical treatment for a life-threatening injury! They end up hiding from the islanders in a cave, anxiously waiting for the next ship to pass! An exciting adventure story, with a deep philosophical message.

Non-fiction story how a scientist and his new wife live on a island with natives. Excellent

Description of dust jacket was not accurate. It was in poor condition; torn with sections missing.

The first of a lifetime of journeys for Thor Heyerdahl...Fatu-Hiva chronicles his journey to a remote island in the Marquesas in 1938. It's the ultimate island fantasy, and like all fantasies the reality turned out grittier and more unpleasant. An unforgettable book.

This book is amazing. Thor and his wife go to Fatu Hiva to understand what life is like without all the technologies civilisation brings. He is a great adventurer, I don't think I could ever do what he did!!! Thor describes his surroundings in such great detail it really brings everything to life. He also reflects on modern society and provides lots of things to think about.I've read many of his other books and although they are all great, I think I enjoyed this one the most.

Thor Heyedahl books are always well written and interesting as you can imagine almost as if you are there alongside him experiencingthe highs and lows of his adventure. I have passed Fatu Hiva many times and try to go a little bit closer to view the jungles and ravinesstretching away from the beach. I promised myself that one day I would visit but it hasnt happened yet.

Sublime. Great timing, quality, wrapping, object arrived as clean & timely as a ruby. Kudos. Keep up the good work.

Bought as a gift. Good used condition.

Der Zustand von dem Buch wurde als sehr gut beschrieben. Das Foto hat auch ein sehr gut erhaltenes Buch angezeigt.Das dann erhaltene Buch befand sich in einem befriedigenden Zustand.Es sollte ein Geschenk sein und war dann gerade rechtzeitig zum Termin, dass es nicht zurückgeschickt werden konnte.Bei einem Preis von 27,12 Euro und einer Einstufung von sehr gut habe ich ein besser erhaltenes Buch erwartet.