A review by susanlawson
Patrick Leigh Fermor: An Adventure by Artemis Cooper

3.0

I had read and re-read Fermor's books, 'A Time of Gifts' and 'Between the Woods and the Water' where he described the first great adventure of his young life when he walked across Europe a few years before the outbreak of WW2. This biography fills in the blanks of the life of this extraordinary man who, through intelligence and charm, led an amazing life of travel and discovery. Although the biographer clearly admires Fermor, there are moments where a slightly less likeable character emerges. He appears to have spent most of his life with little or no personal income, but has depended on his wealthy friends to support his lifestyle. Having said that, his immense interest in others, no matter their background, is obviously at the root of his great ability to write in such a vivid and compassionate manner.