The Green Labyrinth: Exploring the Mysteries of the Amazon

What risks would you take to gain insights into yourself and into other forms of reality that might transform your life? That was what Sylvia Fraser asked herself after reading reports of pioneering scientists who testified that drinking ayahuasca, a psychoactive Amazonian “plant medicine,” allowed them to “run like pumas and fly like eagles.” They were not, they insisted, merely hallucinating, but undergoing mind-expanding, life-changing journeys into other dimensions of reality, free of the laws of physics. Amazonian shamans also credited ayahuasca for their discovery of many potent pharmaceuticals, later adopted into Western medicine. Though Fraser had never experimented with psychedelics, she decided to travel to the Amazon to experience ayahuasca, and to learn some of the healing wisdom of the shamans. With Fraser as our guide, we visit tribal sanctuaries, where she ingests ayahuasca in ceremonies that propel her on sometimes terrifying but always illuminating journeys into the unknown, forcing her to reassess Western concepts of what is "real." We also climb Machu Picchu, legendary fortress of the Incas, then travel through Peru’s coastal desert to see the ancient Nazca line drawings, popularly attributed to aliens. Accessible and rich in humor and insights, The Green Labyrinth takes the reader on a series of thrilling physical and psychological adventures, guided by a keen-eyed, well-grounded journalist. This is no-holds-barred travel writing at its best.

“The word that best describes Sylvia Fraser is ‘intrepid.’ She took off for Iquitos in the Peruvian jungle with an open mind and an eager heart. The resulting book.is a vibrant skin-prickling read, her writing so saturated with richness and color that it seems to vibrate to a higher frequency - January Magazine

"Fraser strikes the perfect balance between eager spiritual adventurer and keen-minded journalist. With skills like hers, she can just let go and write" - Calgary Herald

“The Green Labyrinth is by turns funny, courageous and thought provoking” - Hamilton Spectator

"One can relax and enjoy Ms. Fraser's writing, which is rich yet superbly honed" - New York Times

“Fraser’s book woos us with an altogether enticing dance that persuades even a good old atheist like myself that alternative realities remain a tantalizing possibility” - Toronto Star

“Full of aural and visual detail: wet earth smells, the scent and look of tropical vegetation. You can almost hear the eerie squawking of strange and colorful birds” - Vancouver Sun

“Ultimately there’s plenty to marvel at and argue with, and if I could remain engaged throughout, there are certainly many other more open-minded readers who will be enthralled to the point of booking a flight to Iquitos” - Books in Canada

“The energies of Peru’s jungle, sky and river gods are brilliantly presented. Yet Fraser exhibits a remarkable ability to draw back from the processes and comment upon them in an impartial and grounded way. This gives the reader a balanced unfolding. Ultimately, the ayahuasca experiences make connection and expand horizons for author and reader alike. A thoroughly engaging and stimulating read” - Vitality