Jungleland

Honduras and the fabled city of Ciudad Blanca: the White City. Supposedly discovered by American explored Theodore Morde in 1939, the author decides to make an effort to rediscover it. Published 2013.

The book runs the dual storylines of Morde and the author who follow similar routes through the jungle of La Mosquitia in Honduras seeking the lost city. All the background or Morde before his jungle exploration and his work as a spy and subsequent death before he was able to return to excavate his discovery is covered, as well as the ups and downs of the authors own travel.For Stewart's part, it appears as much about his struggle to settle down in family life than exactly where he is heading.

One conjures up explorers of the Indiana Jones ilk, but the reality is far less glamorous. Hunger, mud, blisters, insects, snakes, long term lack of sleep... Not the same level of glamour. Stewart is in reality not an explorer, not even an outdoorsman. However he pushes himself beyond the reasonable in his jungle efforts, but must remain eternally grateful for the accompaniment of Chris Begley, an archeologist with a lot of actual experience! But really, who doesn't enjoy a jungle exploration book looking for lost cities? The author could have done with toning back the whining a bit - as others have said if he bothered breaking in his boots he would have avoided a lot of the issues.

Comparisons with David Grann's Lost City of Z (which I have read) and Douglas Preston's Lost City of the Monkey God (which I have not read) are both relevant - especially Preston's as this is also based on Morde's discovery.

It was a fairly quick read - short chapters alternating between Morde and the author, no element was dwelled on for too long. Stewart has picked up on a list of interesting characters in his own journey to break up the inevitable repetition of walking, insects and mud - from the many native guides to expat survivalists and recluses, gold hunters and logging pirates. The La Mosquitia jungle appears to be a good place to hide out!

Ultimately there are discoveries, and possible resolutions to some of Morde's mysteries he left, but individual readers would have to assess whether they were satisfied with the outcomes. I would probably need to read Preston's book before making a final judgement.

Like Grann's book, I place this at 3.5 stars, rounding down.