Book Review: The Snake Charmer
Jamie James’ Compelling Biography of Herpetologist Joe Slowinski
Joe Slowinski was bitten by a many-banded krait (Bungarus multicinctus), the animal infamously known as the two step snake, based on the belief that two steps were as far as one got after being bitten. Joe was a recognized leader in herpetology, specifically in the study of venomous snakes. His life, and how he came to be in such a remote place in search of these deadly reptiles, is a compelling read.
The Snake Charmer starts with a description of the krait and its mimic species (which will play an important role in the story), followed by some background on Burma’s wilderness, which has not yet been thoroughly surveyed for new species. A brief description of the events immediately preceding Slowinski's death draws the reader into the story.
Joe Slowinski’s Life
From there the reader is taken back to Slowinski’s childhood, as a picture of this brilliant, ambitious and reckless man is developed. James effectively uses family, friends and colleagues' input to show the complexity of his character. Largely given free rein and often encouragement by his family Joe spent his youth collecting fossils and animals. Venomous snakes eventually became his primary passion and his field of study.
James also shows the reader the intelligence and dedication it takes to climb to the top of the field research world. He explores the role that politics plays in that research, especially in developing countries. In researching this book, James traveled to Rat Baw in 2004 to understand how and where Joe Slowinski lost his life.
Summary
James presents a thorough picture of Slowinski, the man and the scientist. This portrait is often less than flattering, which allows the reader to better understand what went wrong on that last expedition and why.
The large amount of factual information about herpetology and the research world presented throughout the book serves to complement Slowinski’s life story and helps the reader to understand the competitive, difficult and often dangerous work that goes on behind the announcement of the discovery of a new species.
At just under 250 pages, the book is so well crafted the reader is almost unaware of the depth of information provided. Joe Slowinski, the person, is so well developed that it will be hard to read the book without forming a strong opinion about him, good or bad.
The Author
Jamie James, former staff critic for The New Yorker, now lives in Indonesia. He owns and manages two restaurants with his partner. In addition to fiction and non-fiction books, he writes travel and culture articles for major US magazines.
The Snake Charmer: A Life and Death in Pursuit of Knowledge by Jamie James. New York, NY. Hyperion. 2008. ISBN-13:978-1-4013-0213-9
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