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tonyfrobisher's reviews
267 reviews
The Cyclist Who Went Out in the Cold by Tim Moore
5.0
Mad marvellous mighty Moore and MIFA
Of all Tim Moore's fantastic travel writing, this epic journey on an East German shopping bike, down the length of the Iron Curtain is not just a great read. It is a brilliant narrative on the Cold War, a concise summary of the legacy of the geopolitical schism that tore Europe in two and the people either side of the border.
But mostly it's a gripping account of a small bike and a determined, tenacious and downright bonkers chap cycling over 8,000kms from the frozen wastes of Finland to the baking Balkans and the Black Sea.
Read it. But I wouldn't ride it. Tim Moore did and I'm glad for that. Superb.
Chapeau Timoteya
Of all Tim Moore's fantastic travel writing, this epic journey on an East German shopping bike, down the length of the Iron Curtain is not just a great read. It is a brilliant narrative on the Cold War, a concise summary of the legacy of the geopolitical schism that tore Europe in two and the people either side of the border.
But mostly it's a gripping account of a small bike and a determined, tenacious and downright bonkers chap cycling over 8,000kms from the frozen wastes of Finland to the baking Balkans and the Black Sea.
Read it. But I wouldn't ride it. Tim Moore did and I'm glad for that. Superb.
Chapeau Timoteya
Twelve Days Down by Alexander Crane
5.0
A remarkable book. The narrative of events that inexorably spiral downwards as the protagonist's life slowly tumbles out of control is gripping and tinged with humour.
That the events portrayed could happen to anyone makes it all the more a salutory tale for today.
I loved it. A superb book
That the events portrayed could happen to anyone makes it all the more a salutory tale for today.
I loved it. A superb book
You Are Awful (But I Like You): Travels Through Unloved Britain by Tim Moore
4.0
Funny yet melancholic
A book that leaves you feeling a bit grubby under the nails and needing a good wash...Tim Moore travels the length and breadth of the UK, our sceptered isle to discover the worst we have to offer. Our sceptic isle..towns and cities in rapid decay and decline. Filled with great insights into how a once great industrial nation suffered terminal decline and how the consequences are being felt today.
Austin Maestros and Keith Harris and Orville the duck. Washed down with half a mild and a bag of soggy chips.
Very funny with a wistful nostalgic feeling to times when optimism was often well intentioned yet doomed to failure.
A book that leaves you feeling a bit grubby under the nails and needing a good wash...Tim Moore travels the length and breadth of the UK, our sceptered isle to discover the worst we have to offer. Our sceptic isle..towns and cities in rapid decay and decline. Filled with great insights into how a once great industrial nation suffered terminal decline and how the consequences are being felt today.
Austin Maestros and Keith Harris and Orville the duck. Washed down with half a mild and a bag of soggy chips.
Very funny with a wistful nostalgic feeling to times when optimism was often well intentioned yet doomed to failure.
Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann
5.0
Powerful, evocative and beautifully written. A fantastic book; multi-layered and covering so many aspects of humanity. Beautiful, a story that is interwoven but never loses its way.
Mindfulness: Live in the Moment Happy and Free of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression by Daiton Hunter
4.0
Indonesia, Etc.: Exploring the Improbable Nation by Elizabeth Pisani
5.0
I've been travelling to and around Indonesia for 20 years. I have lived in Jakarta and have a house near Semarang in Central Java. My wife is from Central Java. 20 years and the changes that have occurred in Indonesian society, politics, economy and daily life have been rapid, overwhelming and at times bewildering.
Elizabeth Pisani has written the most comprehensive and intriguing account of how Indonesia has emerged as a newly democratised nation and how this has shaped the lives of people since - for better or worse. A fascinating book which encapsulates the essence of Indonesia and its myriad peoples, scattered amongst 17,000 islands. An incongruous nation held together, somehow, despite its vast cultural and societal differences. But a nation that ultimately remains resolute in its ability to function and shows kindness, generosity, good humour and fortitude at every turn.
Selamat Bu Pisani. Indonesia memang begitulah, tetapi memang bagus sekali.
I would happily recommend Indonesia Etc to anyone interested in this wonderful country that I fell under the spell of 20 years ago and which entrances me still.
Elizabeth Pisani has written the most comprehensive and intriguing account of how Indonesia has emerged as a newly democratised nation and how this has shaped the lives of people since - for better or worse. A fascinating book which encapsulates the essence of Indonesia and its myriad peoples, scattered amongst 17,000 islands. An incongruous nation held together, somehow, despite its vast cultural and societal differences. But a nation that ultimately remains resolute in its ability to function and shows kindness, generosity, good humour and fortitude at every turn.
Selamat Bu Pisani. Indonesia memang begitulah, tetapi memang bagus sekali.
I would happily recommend Indonesia Etc to anyone interested in this wonderful country that I fell under the spell of 20 years ago and which entrances me still.
Lion: A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley
5.0
Life affirming
A story of a 5 year old boy swept away in the chaos of India, adrift, homeless on the streets of Kolkata. A story of humanity and humility. Adopted and growing up in Australia, Saroo remains faithful to his Indian beginnings and his family he lost. And starts an imprbable search to reunite with his birth mother and his family, despite being uncertain where exactly he came from.
A story told with simplicity and honesty.
Miracles do happen. There is goodness in people.
Fate...destiny.
A remarkable story and a life affirming book.
A story of a 5 year old boy swept away in the chaos of India, adrift, homeless on the streets of Kolkata. A story of humanity and humility. Adopted and growing up in Australia, Saroo remains faithful to his Indian beginnings and his family he lost. And starts an imprbable search to reunite with his birth mother and his family, despite being uncertain where exactly he came from.
A story told with simplicity and honesty.
Miracles do happen. There is goodness in people.
Fate...destiny.
A remarkable story and a life affirming book.