Rating: 5 out of 5
ISBN (edition I've read): 9780751536805
Review:
About the authors:
Ewan McGregor, the author. Does that name ring some bells? Yeah, he is the same guy from the movies Star Wars, The Impossible (2012), The Island (2005), Big Fish (2003).
It is claimed that the other author, Charley Boorman, is also an actor. Though I've not noticed in any movie, as I far I could remember, here are a few movies which starred him. Travellers (2011), Deliverance (1972), Excalibur (1981), The Serpent's Kiss (1997).
Plot:
The whole idea of the book is to cirucum-navigate around the world from London to New York.
My take on the book:
This is first of its kind I've ever read. Of course, I was familiar with the word 'circum-navigation' but never read anything like 'circum-navigagting on motorbikes'. To top that, by Ewan McGregor and his actor friend Charley Boorman. It is not very often that you get a chance to see two famous, successful actors of Hollywood, struggling in the muds and potholes with their bikes. I don't know any reason why they would even attempt such a thing.
Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman are no childhood-friends, as it happens with many. Their love for bikes is the only thing which binds them and makes them good friends.
The narrative style of the book impressed me no end. There are two authors and each took turn narrating each chapter. Like, if the first chapter is narrated by Ewan, the next one is narrated in the first-person narration of Charley Through the read there wasn't a hitch. The narration was as smooth as it could be. In fact, it is the best form of narration anyone could come up with two people travelling together. That way, it is possible to get to know each of the character's feelings and emotions.
First of all, Ewan and Charley make a plan of circum-navigating around the world. It is as simple as travelling from point A to point B. Point A being their departure point - London - and point B being their arrival point - New York. The distant between London and New York not much but what they decided to do was take the long way round. Travelling from London to New York the other way round the globe, crossing three continents, 20,000 miles, on two BMW 1150GS Adventures.
To take up the trip, they knew there is a lot of funds required. So they decide to make a show on their trip, while the sponsorers could fund their trip. The best idea anyone could come up with. And that is how they had written this book...
The book is very good, light-humoured and filled with emotions. There is adventure in every turning page and putting down is such a pain. Awesome read.
After reading this book, I've seen the whole TV series 'Long Way Round' and it was equally fantastic. The book leaves nothing behind...
Recommendations:
I would recommend this to bike lovers and the arm chair travellers. To others, it is worth reading for all the adventure...
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