Carnet De Voyage is much different than Thompson's last, and most celebrated work, book. Those who purchase Carnet De Voyage and expect to see more of Blankets or something along those lines may be disappointed. In fact, Thompson even includes a disclaimer at the beginning of Carnet De Voyage specifically telling people that this isn't his next big project. No, it is something quite more personal and engaging than a work of fiction. It is Thompson's experiences, thoughts and account of his adventure, and misadventure, as he travels.

Many of the experiences are not pleasant, though. Carnet De Voyage includes encounters with pushy locals, the loneliness and unease that comes with being a stranger in a strange land, and even a few examples of Thompson himself being a little pushy and rude. I greatly enjoyed the fact that he included some less than pleasant moments on his part. It really made it easy to identify with Craig, the fact that he could get upset, lonely, tired and even a little angry when it came to dealing with his adventure. Traveling isn't always fun and excitement, but often an arduous and frustrating experience.

The sketches and illustrations that litter the pages of Carnet De Voyage are fantastic. Thompson's work ranges from simply beautiful drawings of cities, deserts, animals and local architecture to friends and acquaintances. Some of these drawings, such as buildings, are done in fantastic detail. It often feels as though the reader is there with Craig, experiencing that particular time and day along with him. Images of friends are drawn with delicate grace and it communicates clearly that these people mean a great deal to him.

A lot of reviews have said that this book is "brilliant." I would agree that there are definitely aspects of the book that show hints of greatness, but I personally wouldn't go so far as to say that it is "brilliant." It is still a travel sketchbook and even though Thompson's work on the book transports the reader it wasn't something that impressed me as much as Blankets had. I often wonder if another creator had released this book, someone without the success of Blankets, would it of been as well received?