Take a photo of a barcode or cover
tonyfrobisher's reviews
267 reviews
The Hezbollah Hiking Club: A short walk across the Lebanon by Dom Joly
5.0
A much misunderstood country
Lebanon. Say the word, add Beirut to it and people immediately conjure images of war, destruction, hostage taking. It takes someone brave enough to dispel those images. Dom Joly strides across the length of Lebanon like a colossus, with not so eager companions Chris and Harry in tow and hikes through unparalleled beauty....cedar forests, mountain passes, gorges and valleys. A rich book that is travel writing at its most enjoyable. A real sense of place, of people, of politics and history, problems and society. I laughed readily and often. But most importantly for me, Dom Joly has made me want to jump on a plane and visit Lebanon and not only for its incredible cuisine.
Lebanon. Say the word, add Beirut to it and people immediately conjure images of war, destruction, hostage taking. It takes someone brave enough to dispel those images. Dom Joly strides across the length of Lebanon like a colossus, with not so eager companions Chris and Harry in tow and hikes through unparalleled beauty....cedar forests, mountain passes, gorges and valleys. A rich book that is travel writing at its most enjoyable. A real sense of place, of people, of politics and history, problems and society. I laughed readily and often. But most importantly for me, Dom Joly has made me want to jump on a plane and visit Lebanon and not only for its incredible cuisine.
Around the World in 80 Trains: A 45,000-Mile Adventure by Monisha Rajesh
5.0
Travel writing of the highest quality
I have been fortunate to travel, to experience the joy of place and people and culture. Often by train. A long train journey is an encapsulation of life. It is a pleasure, a discomfort, an excitement, a frustration, a discovery and an endeavour and adventure.
To travel the world in 80 trains is one thing. To write so evocatively about the experiences and encounters, the personal interactions with strangers, is a fantastic achievement. Monisha writes and you feel you are in the cabin alongside her and her fiancee Jem on every amazing journey. Travel writing is rarely original and memorable nowadays. Around the World in 80 Trains and Monisha Rajesh are the wonderful exception. A fantastic book of an amazing journey.
I have been fortunate to travel, to experience the joy of place and people and culture. Often by train. A long train journey is an encapsulation of life. It is a pleasure, a discomfort, an excitement, a frustration, a discovery and an endeavour and adventure.
To travel the world in 80 trains is one thing. To write so evocatively about the experiences and encounters, the personal interactions with strangers, is a fantastic achievement. Monisha writes and you feel you are in the cabin alongside her and her fiancee Jem on every amazing journey. Travel writing is rarely original and memorable nowadays. Around the World in 80 Trains and Monisha Rajesh are the wonderful exception. A fantastic book of an amazing journey.
Alice Teale is Missing by Howard Linskey
5.0
Twists, Turns and Second Guessing
Howard Linskey is always able to do what many can't. He writes seamlessly, with a flow amd a narrative that makes you keep saying, one chapter more. Ok, one more. Alice Teale is Missing is a superbly written story, fast paced and Howard is able to continally surprise, shock and keep you second guessing right up to the end.
Another brilliant crime novel set in the North East, which Howard Linskey brings alive to the extent you can smell the spilt beer in the pubs, the chippy and the rain sodden streets.
Howard Linskey is always able to do what many can't. He writes seamlessly, with a flow amd a narrative that makes you keep saying, one chapter more. Ok, one more. Alice Teale is Missing is a superbly written story, fast paced and Howard is able to continally surprise, shock and keep you second guessing right up to the end.
Another brilliant crime novel set in the North East, which Howard Linskey brings alive to the extent you can smell the spilt beer in the pubs, the chippy and the rain sodden streets.
The Little Big Things: The Inspirational Memoir of the Year by Henry Fraser
5.0
Humbling, inspiring and thought provoking. An incredible story of adversity and the power of strength, determination, tenacity and the care of those around you. Henry Fraser is an example of how to live your best in the most difficult of circumstances and to appreciate the little big things.
The Saboteur of Auschwitz: The Inspiring True Story of a British Soldier Held Prisoner in Auschwitz by Colin Rushton
5.0
The Darkest of Times and The Best of Men
My ignorance was not deliberate. I thought I knew of the horrors of Auschwitz. I had read many accounts of the Nazi killing machine, the inhumanity and genocide of the Jews. We learned of this heinous crime in history lessons at school. But it is sad that the stories of the brave British POWs internned in Auschwitz, witness to the brutality and subject to appalling treatment and conditions, was neglected.
The testimony of Arthur Dodd has rightly allowed their story to be told. Their bravery in undermining the Nazis by sabotage, their comradeship and their ability to endure the worst of mankind.
I have been educated. And for that I am grateful. Like the suffering of the Jewish people, these brave men should not be forgotten.
Thank you to Arthur, may he rest in peace and to Colin Rushton for bringing Arthur's experiences to the page.
My ignorance was not deliberate. I thought I knew of the horrors of Auschwitz. I had read many accounts of the Nazi killing machine, the inhumanity and genocide of the Jews. We learned of this heinous crime in history lessons at school. But it is sad that the stories of the brave British POWs internned in Auschwitz, witness to the brutality and subject to appalling treatment and conditions, was neglected.
The testimony of Arthur Dodd has rightly allowed their story to be told. Their bravery in undermining the Nazis by sabotage, their comradeship and their ability to endure the worst of mankind.
I have been educated. And for that I am grateful. Like the suffering of the Jewish people, these brave men should not be forgotten.
Thank you to Arthur, may he rest in peace and to Colin Rushton for bringing Arthur's experiences to the page.
On Roads That Echo: A bicycle journey through Asia and Africa by Charlie Walker
5.0
I have read both Through Sand and Snow and On Roads That Echo. To undertake such an epic journey, to cover 43,000 miles by bike, but also on horseback, foot and dugout canoe, through inhospitable terrain, takes determination and tenacity.
Charlie Walker's 4 year global travels are conveyed in his books with clarity, honesty and unflinching detail of the many highs and lows, physically and emotionally.
I would definitely recommend On Roads That Echo, but read Through Sand and Snow first. An unfathomable adventure, an incredible journey. Chapeau Charlie.
Charlie Walker's 4 year global travels are conveyed in his books with clarity, honesty and unflinching detail of the many highs and lows, physically and emotionally.
I would definitely recommend On Roads That Echo, but read Through Sand and Snow first. An unfathomable adventure, an incredible journey. Chapeau Charlie.