Published: November 26, 2013 by Matador
I've been lucky to I've been able to do quite a bit of traveling. I've been to France, Israel, Japan, and quite a few others. But I've never made it to South America, Africa, or Australia. Knowing the this book is the author's travels to all three continents is one reason why I was so excited for this book.
Except while I'd love to visit each place someday, I'm not quite sure I want to replicate McGuinness adventures. The entire memoir reads like a bad episode of Amazing Race, a comedy of errors. Over and over he winds up cheated by locals. He always seems to be always suffering from some type of food poisoning. And unfortunately seems to be a bit miserable throughout most of the journey.
The book started out with him and his wife in South America, but overall I wasn't a huge fan of this section. I did find myself enjoying the book more once they made it to Africa, and especially when they climbed Kilimanjaro. I may not have wanted to be with them on a lot of their adventures, but would have loved to by at Kilimanjaro, and if there was ever a part I felt transported to another country, that was it.
The book also includes gorgeous maps depicting the couple's travels and destinations. I get the feeling they were originally done in color, and while I would have loved to see them unaltered, I still looked forward to each one.
This book wound up as quite the an interesting journey. I don't know that I've ever read a travel memoir quite like it, and it definitely was a ride throughout.
3.5/5
If you're also looking to travel throughout the world with McGuinness I'm happy to say, you have the chance! I'm giving away one copy of Round the Bend. The winner is able to choose a print copy or an ebook and the giveaway is open internationally. Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter.
Thanks for taking part in the tour. I'm glad you enjoyed 'Round the Bend' so much!
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds really interesting.
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ReplyDeleteThanks for reading my book and giving an honest, open review. Maybe its just my English humour, but during the trip I was very happy (even when being charged by rhinos). Climbing Kilimanjaro was a special moment, as was teaching English in the Amazon forest. All the best...Alistair
ReplyDeleteI would love to win. I am in need of a new book to read and this book sounds very interesting. :) My email is perezashley60@hotmail.com. I hope I get lucky!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds captivating and special. A travel book which is real always interests me. thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
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