On Bruce Chatwin’s “Dreams of Patagonia”
moe August 31st, 2007
In Dreams of Patagonia, Chatwin colorfully recalls memories of childhood, from which emerged his eventual love for a place called Patagonia. His desire for an insignificant piece of what he thought was “brontosaurus skin” sparked in him a passion for adventure that would carry on until adulthood. Chatwin’s style of writing is very reminiscent and nostalgic, but at the same time, light-hearted and oftentimes humorous. His way of maintaining an innocent and sincere voice throughout the first chapter is refreshing. Readers want nothing but for the imaginative little boy to fulfill his dream; even in adulthood, readers want him to eventually visit this place. “My interest in Patagonia survived the loss of the skin; for the Cold War woke in me a passion for geography.” He was able to keep an unwavering determination despite his childhood misunderstanding with the “skin” and the abrupt end of the cold war. He “continued to hold Patagonia in reserve.”
