The Lost City of the Monkey God: A True Story

“This fearful isolation has wrought a curious result: For centuries, Mosquitia has been home to one of the world’s most persistent and tantalizing legends. Somewhere in this impassable wilderness, it is said, lies a ‘lost city’ built of white stone.” 

Preston emphasizes the region’s isolation and inherent danger, building suspense while also demonstrating how such isolation breeds mystery and legend. Preston constantly reaffirms the danger and isolation of Mosquitia throughout the book, only to break down the Lost City legend as the team finds and investigates the T1 site.

“We would be the first researchers to enter that part of Mosquitia. None of us had any idea what we would actually see on the ground, shrouded in dense jungle, in a pristine wilderness that had not seen human beings in living memory.”

Preston consistently emphasizes the unknown dangers and isolation of the T1 research area. This builds suspense and also heightens the reader’s anticipation for the discovery of the lost city. Preston uses captivating language to hook the reader at this point in the narrative, though this tone is eventually replaced by one that’s more scientific and pragmatic when he describes the research at T1.

“I can’t tell you any more, because this space-imaging data can be purchased by anybody. Anybody could do what we did and grab the credit. It could also be looted.” 

Elkins notes the extreme need for secrecy. Archaeologists are frequently shown as competing for leads and privileged information. What’s more, looters frequently sack and destroy archaeological sites if such privileged information makes its way to the public. Again, this works to create suspense and raise stakes in the narrative.