This is an odd book that, from a shaky start comes together is a surprisingly pleasing way. Essentially it is the story of a Massachusetts SPCA Officer who accepts a commission to rescue wildlife trapped by rising water behind a new dam in Surinam. There is a sense, conveyed in the first couple of chapters that this isn't going to work out; a remote South America tropical rainforest is about as far removed as you can get from Boston, and the guy's writing has all the animation of a SPCA prosecution charge sheet. But, but... Well firstly you realize that this guy is the real deal, he likes people perhaps even as much as he loves animals, has a stupendous organising ability, a seemingly great sense of humour and an unsurpassed level of energy, adventure and fearlessness. And it all works, with misadventures and stumbles but also a steady purpose and the creation of a hugely professional team recruited from the local people.

But here's also the interesting thing. While John Walsh 'lived the book', Robert Gannon 'wrote the book', largely it seems from taped interviews with John Walsh. So its ghost-written. Which leaves you to wonder if it loses some authenticity in the process. These things are impossible to untangle, but the joint authors - to give them credit - give each other credit. Firstly they acknowledge their joint roles (in the second paragraph of the book) and sign the acknowledgements preface jointly. Secondly there is a wonderful photo on the dustjacket of the book of Walsh and Gannon in a dugout canoe in Surinam - Gannon in some kind of Rodin's 'Thinker' pose, while Walsh leans back with his arms crossed in a 'Yeah we did it' kind of pose (sort of intellect and action in a picture). No matter how they did it, within a few pages this turns into a great story of wildlife and people. Highly recommended. ( )