Reviews

Voices from the Lower Deck. Folklore and Folkways of the Sea (2019)

"Layton studies the vast culture of past seafarers in this anthropological work…. From jokes and riddles to mutinies and executions, Layton takes readers through an extensive and specific subculture. She writes in a formal but accessible prose style, making her scholarly arguments palatable for a general audience… The overall topic is compelling––literally the stuff of swashbuckling adventure––and Layton finds so many jewels of trivia that the pages sail by… A thoroughly researched and enjoyable exploration of sailor folklore.” (Kirkus Reviews).

Everyday Evil. Why Our World Is the Way It Is. ( 2019)

“With remarkable detail and a wide breath of examples, Monique Layton has engineered an assault on our too-often thoughtless innocence. Her analysis ranges from Genesis, through the philosophy of classical and modern writers to the Sneetches of Dr. Seuss, from the work of historians and journalists to editorials and documentary films.” (Elvi Whittaker, PhD, LL.D (Hons) and author of The Mainland Haole, A Baltic Odyssey and Solitudes of the Workplace).

“Monique Layton challenges her readers to take the concept of everyday evil seriously. But she also provides windows of insight for change. Therein lies the hope for our era.” (Meg Hickling, CM, OBC, LLD (Hons) and author of Speaking of Sex and Boys, Girls and Body Science.

“Well written and a great read.” (Sarah Wethered, Vice-President, BC Teacher Librarians Association).

Life at Sea. From Caravels to Cruise Ships (2017)

“A wide-ranging account of the history of seafaring that incorporates economic, poloticla, and sociological commentary… Overall, this is simply a delight to read, well researched and refreshingly quirky as well as thoughtful. An eccentric but enthralling look at the human conquest of the sea.” (Kirkus Reviews).

Layton’s book is a fresh voyage through a fascinating subject, bringing the feeling of sailing to the page…. By satisfying her own curiosity, Layton has pieced together a vibrant tale that puts a fresh spin on a subject that has fascinated civilizations for centuries. Those interested in history, travel, and sociology will find this book informative and riveting.” (Becky Diamond, Foreword Reviews)

The New Arcadia: Tahiti’s Cursed Myth (2015)
Shortlisted, Whistler Independent Book Award, 2016.

“Layton dissects Tahiti’s complex history by examining not only historical accounts, but also the cultural myth these accounts spawned in the Western world… A layered and fascinating analysis of history and anthropology” (Kirkus Review)

“The idyllic image of a tropical paradise and the cultural costs of perpetuating that image are at the center of Monique Layton’s fascinating new book… Layton draws on an impressive range of historical material to present an unfamiliar and troubling picture of the fames South Pacific island of Tahiti… A vital and compelling picture of a conflicted island and its people” (Scott Neufer, Clarion Reviews)

“Engrossing” (BC BookWorld)

“Layton is a trained anthropologist who makes her material accessible and maintains a detached compassion throughout… She succeeds in writing a scholarly book, research-rich yet appropriate and interesting for the general reader” (Jury, Whistler Independent Book Award, 2016)

Notes from Elsewhere. Travel and Other Matters (2011)
Finalist, Whistler Independent Book Award (2017)

“This wide-ranging book… reveals a singular voice and a capacious mind” (Eleanor Wachtel, author of Writers and Company, Original Minds, Random Illuminations)

“A rich melange of philosophical musings and literary allusions…. A considerable reading pleasure…” (Elvi Whittaker, author of A Baltic Odyssey, The Mainland Haole, the Silent Dialogue, Solitudes of the Workplace)

“Rich, sensory details… [Her] blend of historical, literary and political references throughout helps put her keen personal observations in context…This memoir offers striking details about about less-traveled locations and thought-provoking commentary on the difficulty of understanding a culture other than one's own. (Kirkus Review)

“Notes from Elsewhere reveals a traveler with an intelligent, erudite, sardonic, even exasperated, voice.” (J. J. Lee, WIBA reviewer)

“From the beginning of the book, the author captivates the reader with rich, sensory descriptions of her extensive travels over many years. Her historical, literary and political references situate each trip…. The author’s voice is clear and believable and quite beautiful at times. The writing is developed, expressive and clean.” (Sue Oakey Baker, WIBA Reviewer)

“Spanning time and distance, Monique has woven her anecdotes, thoughts, and adventures into a lovely read that will be appreciated by any armchair traveler. Her vivid memories of the past and its people are especially impressive, conjuring a bright, warm world to explore before the attacks of blogs and digital cameras.” Robin Estock, Author of The Great Canadian Bucket List – One-of-a-Kind Travel Experiences, The Great Australian Bucket List, World Travels. Dispatches from the World’s Best Job.)

"The reader of Layton's ethnography is invited into the oral tradition of prostitute drug addicts, is encouraged to think about them differently and to learn about their verbal creativity."
- Dr. Elvi Whittaker, PhD, LlD, professor emerita, University of British Columbia; author of A Baltic Odyssey, The Mainland Haole, and The Silent Dialogue

"Structural Anthropology, Volume II is a diverse collection. [It is] a useful 'sampler' that gives a reader the full range of Lévi-Strauss's interests."—Daniel Bell, New York Times Book Review