Escape from Chichén Itzá

John Walker is a professor of Spanish studies at Queen’s University.

Winston (“Crocodile”) Ruby has traveled widely in South America,
Central America, and Mexico, where this adventure story for young people
is set. The first-person narrator, a young Canadian named Ryan, is
traveling on the ship Explorer, which docks at Cozumel in the Yucatan
Peninsula to undergo repairs. On board he befriends Cudmore, a
stereotypical “ugly American,” who offers to show him the mysterious
Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzб. Thereafter the story takes on a frantic
pace. Cudmore and Ryan become involved with shadowy figures who might be
grave robbers and/or American government secret agents. There are hunts
and chases, lies and deceit, the discovery of valuable books and
artifacts, and revelations about Cudmore’s checkered and mysterious
past.

This action-filled story tells us much about the history of the Mayan
people, through its presentation not only of the wonders of the
archeological ruins of the Mayan site and the Spanish conquest, but also
of the everyday customs, music, colors, and religion. The destruction of
past civilizations and the ambivalent attitude of developed countries
toward their Third World neighbors are also addressed.

The story is enhanced by maps and illustrations, an eye-catching cover,
a glossary of Spanish and Mayan words (containing a few linguistic
errors), and a pronunciation guide. Winston Ruby has produced for young
North American readers a fine adventure story about an important topic.
Highly recommended.