BOOK REVIEW Book Review
REINVENTING THE WHEEL
It’s that time of year when my mind begins to wander around ideas for travel and holiday plans. This year we won’t be going much further than exeter so, in honour of my love of travel, I’ve focussed on travel writing and works based abroad. All 3 books bring together someone else’s frustrations, observations, experiences and achievements, all mixed with a foreign language and different culture. Chris stewart of genesis fame has succeeded in the art
of reinventing himself not only as a farmer but also as a successful writer. since moving to spain in the 80s he has entertained many a reader with his tales of his beloved sheep farm in a remote rural corner of Andalucia. His latest offering Last Days of the Bus Club (Sort
of Books, p/b £8.99) continues the story of his Driving over Lemons trilogy with more hilarious stories of his spanish life told with humour and his consistently optimistic attitude despite the challenges and trials that are thrown at him and his wife. His books give a real flavour and
feel of spanish life in the remote hills, not as a glamorous ex-pat but more as someone who must get on with his neighbours, animals and environment in order to survive.
Another Mediterranean choice is Italian Ways - On
and Off the Rails from Milan to Palermo by Tim Parks (Vintage, p/b £8.99). Parks has also lived abroad for many years and has written several books detailing his love affair with the ultimate romantic country. This book centres on the romance of the Italian railways outlining how they helped to build Italy. It is a fun, informative and detailed journey with insightful observations of quirky Italian life and characters - both ordinary and infamous - and how they are reflected in the railways. Tim Parks paints a picture of what makes Italian life distinctive and this book will appeal to any lover of Italian life, culture and scenery.
“… a book about Italian railways that is engrossing, entertaining, and wonderfully revealing about the country and its people. It makes perfect armchair travelling - a delight from beginning to end” (David Lodge) “All Italy is here, its history, its character, its flaws” (sunday Times) My third choice of book is Gironimo!: Riding the
Very Terrible 1914 Tour of Italy by Tim Moore (Yellow Jersey, p/b, £14.99). Tim is another accomplished travel writer who I turn to when thinking about travelling in europe. His latest book is part travelogue, part sports record and part history and all written with his inimitable humour.
by Emma Jones
year-old man. A 100 year-old bike. Made mostly of wood. That he built.”
The theme in itself is incredible – “A 3,162km race, A 48 This is the story of the author’s attempt to follow
in the footsteps of the most intrepid cyclists who took part in the most gruelling cycle race in history – The 1914 giro d’Italia – it makes the Tour de France look like a tea party with only 8 of the 81 riders even completing the original race. The author battles with adverse conditions and the heights of despair whilst displaying unending tenacity in the face of indescribable pain - all whilst dressed in period costume. The Independent describes him as “Bill Bryson on Two Wheels” and the book is very funny and highly recommended by those who don’t even like cycling. You can also catch Tim Moore at the Ways with Words
Festival in Dartington (4 – 14 July) along with a full range of other writers who come together to bring their writing to life.
www.wayswithwords.co.uk In short, travel writing – one of my favourite genres – should set the imagination alight, make a place come alive or just simply make you laugh. essential ingredients for any holiday even if you don’t move out of your armchair!
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