Meet Me in Atlantis

My Review (Spoiler Free)

Meet Me in Atlantis is a wide ranging book that geographically covers the world from North America to Germany to Morocco and everywhere in between. The book, ostensibly, is an account of Mark Adams' quest to understand why people devote their lives to searching for the fantastical island of Atlantis. The author interviews several prominent atlantologists, people from all walks of life who study and create theories of the location and true story of Atlantis. The idea of Atlantis comes from the Ancient Greek philosopher Plato in his books Timaeus and Critias. Plato's story of Atlantis describes an incredible city, past the Pillars of Hercules, generally thought to be the Straits of Gibraltar. While the story of Atlantis is full of detailed descriptions of the city, it is lacking in specific details that would delineate a proper location. Compounding this problem, is the fact that Atlantis and the story of it is not recorded in any other Classical source, except Plato. 

Adams introduces the reader to several issues that surround Plato's intention of writing the story and the issues surrounding the various theories proposed by researchers across the globe. Theories extend from Atlantis being the modern-day site of Malta to Atlantis being connected to Poverty Point, Louisiana. Adams diligently gives equal credit and footing to each of these throughout the book and visits a majority of the locations himself with the researchers who proposed the theories. This is not to say that this is a slow, dense collection of theories. Adams' writing style is engaging and informative. He weaves personal stories and anecdotes throughout and makes the reader feel as though they are in the very same coffee shop as the interviewer and interviewee. Adams writes about the people he interviews in a way that allows the reader to feel as if they are personally getting to know them. He includes personal anecdotes and stories that are sometimes only tangentially related to Atlantis, but improve the overall personal nature of the book.

Atlantis is the stuff of legends across the world and has inspired several books and movies. Mysteries intrigue all humans. There is a desire to know the truth, to find out the why, and in the case of Atlantis, Plato left one of the biggest mysteries in history. For those who believe that it is more than just a story, that there is something real to be found, Plato's Atlantis leaves a trail of clues and information that egg the reader on. Adams' book continues that tradition of Plato in an intriguing way, he tracks down the clues and follows the trail for the reader. Adams travels the world to find the answer, while the reader can read in comfort. Meet Me in Atlantis does not seek to make a definitive answer, but catches the reader up on the current research, and lets the reader make up their own mind.