Andes Rising

A lost son (Thomas), a physicist involved with the Manhattan Project disappears in Columbia. The family's Rabbi goes off to Columbia to find what has happened as a favor to his mother. The story unfolds from the diary of Thomas and his ethical struggles over his work on the atomic bomb, his break from his family and wife and his pursuit of a rare, perhaps mythical bird of the high Andes as a Peace Corps volunteer. I first read this book last year and I admit I had a difficult time of it. I was familiar with the ornithology and geography of Columbia where most of the story is set. I am not at all familiar with Hebrew and only know a little of the history of the Jews. Fortunately conversations with my brother-in-law and some reading has since increased my understanding . You need a familiarity with some Hebrew expressions and Jewish history in addition to the history of the Cold War to fully understand this book. This should not discourage anyone that would attempt this book. I am very interested in the natural history of the Andes and with better preparation I tried the book again this summer. This second time around I had a much better appreciation for the book and did enjoy it. I remember a phrase from my Peace Corps experience "It's the toughest job you'll ever love. This is one of the toughest novels I've ever enjoyed. If you like the "man's search for meaning" genre and descriptive novels of exotic locals you'll enjoy this book. I especially enjoyed the forays into Chapmann's historical expedition into Columbia and Thomas's (main character) diary, a collection of thoughts on the birds, science, evolution, history and politics of the US and Columbia.