"Of equal importance, however, is Chatwin's ability to expand the theme beyond his own
personal scope. To his credit as a writer and observer, he shows the importance which
having roots holds for man on a near-universal level. Chatwin consistently draws our
attention to the sense of history and eagerness to make personal connections which
remains endemic to the human condition. As we see from the following example,
identification with the past and its rich and gloried tradition proves a source of comfort
even when such distinctions seem foolish or out of context:
'This is an Englishman', one of them said.
'A Scotsman,' I corrected.
'Si, soy Escocés,' said Robbie Ross. He had no words of English.
'Mi Patria es la Inglaterra misma. '
For him England and Scotland were an indivisible blur. He shouldered the brunt of
the hard work and was target for the others' witticisms. "
