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jend33's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this and a lot of paragraphs stuck with me. I really enjoyed the writing style and loved the idea of following in another writer's footsteps. I'll definitely be reading more of Alastair Humphreys books (and Laurie Lee's!).
the_neon_poodle's review against another edition
3.0
I always enjoy Alastair's writing and maybe even more, I like listening to him reading his books.
This story however, I don't think is worth telling to the general public. I simply don't think it's interesting enough and the part where he tries to find himself again is just a very small backstory.
As a reader/listener there is no anticipation. No real reason to turn the page. I finished the book because I like his humor. Those small moments where he tries to be Messi kicking a cherry pit. Those moments made me chuckle and there are plenty.
But the story doesn't really resonate. And although I don't want to come over to negatively I sometimes had the feeling that this book was the result of the need to publish at least something.
This story however, I don't think is worth telling to the general public. I simply don't think it's interesting enough and the part where he tries to find himself again is just a very small backstory.
As a reader/listener there is no anticipation. No real reason to turn the page. I finished the book because I like his humor. Those small moments where he tries to be Messi kicking a cherry pit. Those moments made me chuckle and there are plenty.
But the story doesn't really resonate. And although I don't want to come over to negatively I sometimes had the feeling that this book was the result of the need to publish at least something.
dzsossz's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 - I’ve followed Alistair since his annual updates of his round the world cycle in the Guardian. His self deprecating style is refreshing, relatable, and had me burst out laughing. I’d decided to read the Laurie Lee book first then jump to this. I expected a little more action (having watching his YouTube video of the trip), but hadn’t expected the self reflection of the struggles he’d found in settling down to a young family conflicting with his urge to travel. This was nicely build into the storyline. I felt there was a bit too much hero worship of Laurie Lee, and the many quotes was a bit tiring, but the book kept me engaged and interested, and laughing.
infinite_fun's review against another edition
5.0
A fantastic book by a fantastic fellow. A very pleasurable listen. If I had any gripe at all it would be that the book is more a series of blog posts (with a couple of mini-series thrown in) than a bonafide book. Yet that is far too minor to be a complaint and more a reflection of my own mood than the book's innate value as a read. Thus far, all his writings I've consumed get an enthusiastic endorsement from me.
tonyfrobisher's review against another edition
5.0
Travel is discovery. Of place, of the person. Alistair Humphreys has written a beautiful understated, thought provoking and considered book about a month long journey, walking from Vigo to Madrid, with nothing but a violin to busk with and earn money to sustain himself and his travels.
It is an honest appraisal of the dilemma of the adventurer, the traveller. Torn between satisfying the wanderlust that nags and pleads more and more time away from family and a home life that binds you to one place. A wholly different life. Can you lead both?
Following the footsteps of Laurie Lee, this is a book to savour. Beautifully written and full of rich imagery of a Spanish summer.
Wonderful.
It is an honest appraisal of the dilemma of the adventurer, the traveller. Torn between satisfying the wanderlust that nags and pleads more and more time away from family and a home life that binds you to one place. A wholly different life. Can you lead both?
Following the footsteps of Laurie Lee, this is a book to savour. Beautifully written and full of rich imagery of a Spanish summer.
Wonderful.
sophiaaez's review against another edition
5.0
Incredibly insightful and eye opening.
Alastair openly talks about the struggles of the adventurous soul as he sets out on one last big adventure. Absolutely brilliant, highly recommend it!
Alastair openly talks about the struggles of the adventurous soul as he sets out on one last big adventure. Absolutely brilliant, highly recommend it!
bobreturns's review against another edition
4.0
I often don't get along with adventure/travel books, but this was surprisingly enjoyable.
The subtitle could just as easily read "How I took steps towards being less of an asshole". Humphreys is refreshingly honest about the privilege of his life and the inherent problems of being insistent about "adventuring" at the cost of having a family. He really bares it all - including the ugly parts - and for that I can't help but respect him. Admitting that one some level he was angry at his family for stopping his life of adventure takes a lot of courage to admit, when it's such an unpleasant instinct to have. You don't often see real personal growth in these kinds of books.
Some parts of it he's only most of the way there - he acknowledges the inherent problematic nature of a privileged white guy bumming his way across the country looking for charity - but he still does it. I'm not sure how I ultimately feel about it, on the one hand he did at least make the effort of busking rather than just begpacking, but it's still awkward. I'm not convinced he quite gets all the way to a satisfying conclusion about it, but at least he acknowledges it. Similarly, with the adventure/family theme, he sort of gets to a point where he can have both, but only lightly acknowledges the burden he places upon others to do it - he was still away for a month leaving his wife to look after the kids. It may not be Antarctica, but it's still a month away from home. He still picked adventure over the school run to some extent. A complicated family compromise to reach, and not one I'd really feel comfortable prying into (except that by putting it into the book Humphreys does put it out there).
It's an interesting book, and at least has some stuff worth talking about (which is head and shoulders above most of the rest of this genre).
The subtitle could just as easily read "How I took steps towards being less of an asshole". Humphreys is refreshingly honest about the privilege of his life and the inherent problems of being insistent about "adventuring" at the cost of having a family. He really bares it all - including the ugly parts - and for that I can't help but respect him. Admitting that one some level he was angry at his family for stopping his life of adventure takes a lot of courage to admit, when it's such an unpleasant instinct to have. You don't often see real personal growth in these kinds of books.
Some parts of it he's only most of the way there - he acknowledges the inherent problematic nature of a privileged white guy bumming his way across the country looking for charity - but he still does it. I'm not sure how I ultimately feel about it, on the one hand he did at least make the effort of busking rather than just begpacking, but it's still awkward. I'm not convinced he quite gets all the way to a satisfying conclusion about it, but at least he acknowledges it. Similarly, with the adventure/family theme, he sort of gets to a point where he can have both, but only lightly acknowledges the burden he places upon others to do it - he was still away for a month leaving his wife to look after the kids. It may not be Antarctica, but it's still a month away from home. He still picked adventure over the school run to some extent. A complicated family compromise to reach, and not one I'd really feel comfortable prying into (except that by putting it into the book Humphreys does put it out there).
It's an interesting book, and at least has some stuff worth talking about (which is head and shoulders above most of the rest of this genre).
kiwi_zoe's review
lighthearted
2.0
While I loved the idea (as a massive Laurie Lee fan) it didn't quite live up to expectation. The writing was good, it was an easy read, and had beautiful Spanish scenery. However, it was mostly a middle-aged man complaining about his very privileged life and 'coming to terms' with the fact that his life was now raising two children with his wife in extreme comfort on the outskirts of London.