Marquesa: A Time & Place With Fish

Rating:
Summary: Tropical island reverie
Review: Florida fishing guide Jeffrey Cardenas did something on his free time that he never could while taking clients to the Marquesas off Key West -- fish, snorkel and generally enjoy himself.

Cardena spent several weeks living alone on his houseboat, getting up close and personal with hammerhead sharks, barracudas and the game fish that he pursues professionally.

If you've ever dreamed of chucking it all, if only for a few weeks, and heading for a tropical island, "Marquesa" will be just the ticket.

It was a joy to read, and while its brevity (if it had been longer I would have given in five stars) is obviously part of its charm, I couldn't help wanting it to go on.

Cardenas is very knowledgable on the natural and human history of the islands, and has a sharp eye for observation and a lyrical touch. There were moments reminiscent of the best of Peter Matthiessen and John McPhee, with a bit of John Gierach ("Trout Bum") thrown in for laughs.

You really feel like you're out there neck deep in the lagoon, swimming with the fishes. Though it's hard to shake the nightmare image of trailing one's legs through shark-infested flats while holding your catch over your head...