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Long Way Round: Chasing Shadows Across the World
It started as a daydream. Poring over a map of the world at home one quiet Saturday afternoon, Ewan McGregor - actor and self-confessed bike nut - noticed that it was possible to ride all the way round the world, with just one short hop across the Bering Strait from Russia to Alaska. It was a revelation he couldn't get out of his head. So he picked up the phone and called Charley Boorman, his best friend, fellow actor and bike enthusiast. 'Charley,' he said. 'I think you ought to come over for dinner...' From London to New York, Ewan and Charley chased their shadows through Europe, the Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Russia, across the Pacific to Alaska, then down through Canada and America. But as the miles slipped beneath the tyres of their big BMWs, their troubles started. Exhaustion, injury and accidents tested their strength. Treacherous roads, unpredictable weather and turbulent politics challenged their stamina. They were chased by paparazzi in Kazakhstan, courted by men with very large guns in the Ukraine, hassled by the police, and given bulls' testicles for supper by Mongolian nomads. And yet despite all these obstacles they managed to ride over 20,000 miles in four months, changing their lives forever in the process. As they travelled they documented their trip, taking photographs, and writing diaries by the campfire. Long Way Round is the result of their adventures - a fascinating, frank and highly entertaining travel book about two friends riding round the world together and, against all the odds, realising their dream.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2004
About the author
Ewan McGregor
14 books157 followersEwan Gordon McGregor is a Scottish actor. His accolades include a Golden Globe Award and a Primetime Emmy Award. In 2013, he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to drama and charity.
While studying drama at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, McGregor began his career with a leading role in the British series Lipstick on Your Collar (1993). He gained stardom for starring as drug addict Mark Renton in Trainspotting (1996) and as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars prequel trilogy (1999–2005). His career progressed with starring roles in the musical Moulin Rouge! (2001), action film Black Hawk Down (2001), fantasy film Big Fish (2003), and thriller Angels and Demons (2009). He gained praise for his performances in the thriller The Ghost Writer (2010) and romantic comedy Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011).
McGregor made his directorial debut with the crime film American Pastoral (2016), in which he also starred. For his dual role as brothers Ray and Emmit Stussy in the third season of the anthology series Fargo (2017), he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film. He voiced Lumière in Beauty and the Beast (2017), and played the title role in Christopher Robin (2018), Dan Torrance in Doctor Sleep (2019), and Black Mask in Birds of Prey (2020). He reprised his role as Kenobi in the 2022 miniseries Obi-Wan Kenobi, and won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his portrayal of fashion designer Halston in the miniseries Halston (2021).
McGregor has also starred in theatre productions of Guys and Dolls (2005–2007) and Othello (2007–2008). He has been involved in charity work and has served as an ambassador for UNICEF UK since 2004.
While studying drama at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, McGregor began his career with a leading role in the British series Lipstick on Your Collar (1993). He gained stardom for starring as drug addict Mark Renton in Trainspotting (1996) and as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars prequel trilogy (1999–2005). His career progressed with starring roles in the musical Moulin Rouge! (2001), action film Black Hawk Down (2001), fantasy film Big Fish (2003), and thriller Angels and Demons (2009). He gained praise for his performances in the thriller The Ghost Writer (2010) and romantic comedy Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011).
McGregor made his directorial debut with the crime film American Pastoral (2016), in which he also starred. For his dual role as brothers Ray and Emmit Stussy in the third season of the anthology series Fargo (2017), he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film. He voiced Lumière in Beauty and the Beast (2017), and played the title role in Christopher Robin (2018), Dan Torrance in Doctor Sleep (2019), and Black Mask in Birds of Prey (2020). He reprised his role as Kenobi in the 2022 miniseries Obi-Wan Kenobi, and won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his portrayal of fashion designer Halston in the miniseries Halston (2021).
McGregor has also starred in theatre productions of Guys and Dolls (2005–2007) and Othello (2007–2008). He has been involved in charity work and has served as an ambassador for UNICEF UK since 2004.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews
June 23, 2008
Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman have lost some of their naivete in their second world stomping journey, and that innocence has given way to a touch of privilege that leads to some insufferable whining and a lot of indignance at the world's ills. This journey through Africa is more about making their Unicef dates than it is about discovering the world they're riding through (and that isn't a bad thing, necessarily, but it doesn change the dynamic that fans of the boys may find distracting), and that makes their own enjoyment suffer as much as ours. Still, by the time they reached Malawi and Ewan's wife Eve finally arrived, the boys had found a little bit of the joy that made Long Way Round such a joyful trip. Not nearly as good as the original, but still well worth the read if you like world travel, motorbikes and/or Obi Wan Kenobi.
January 29, 2009
In general I enjoyed this book. However, its odd that they spent so much time riding and writing about Europe when in fact the context is supposed to be a trip through Africa. Having just traveled in Ethiopia, I enjoyed that part the most. And they provided a glimpse into other regions that I hope to visit. Overall I feel that the authors are honest about their travels - like the irritation you feel when traveling for long periods of time with friends and family or the disgust at the raw smells and dirty sights you often find along the road, which made for some funny commentary.
August 3, 2010
There are just two books (I think) that have returned to the shelf without finishing reading. But this is the one that made me angry the most.
As someone who has taken long tours on a bicycle in Kenya and currently planning to do an Ethiopia-Malawi tour, I hoped that it would tell the stories about the struggles on the road that make one a tougher, better person in touch with the reality of the landscape that one passes through and the PEOPLE that are HUMAN and that inhabit that landscape. It wasn't to be. You just can't do a tour when you are being pampered and given security on all sides and booked into expensive hotels and made to meet United Nations hypocrites for expensive food and expect that you can tell an interesting story that doesn't make you look like a spoiled Western ruling-class hypocrite. It's not possible.
Did you get stung by scorpions, or get a puncture that you repaired all by yourself, or run out of water to the point of having hallucinations, or just something barely tough? No? Then don't tell us about it. Don't even write about it. And when you write don't sell it to humans.
That is not all but I'll stop.
As someone who has taken long tours on a bicycle in Kenya and currently planning to do an Ethiopia-Malawi tour, I hoped that it would tell the stories about the struggles on the road that make one a tougher, better person in touch with the reality of the landscape that one passes through and the PEOPLE that are HUMAN and that inhabit that landscape. It wasn't to be. You just can't do a tour when you are being pampered and given security on all sides and booked into expensive hotels and made to meet United Nations hypocrites for expensive food and expect that you can tell an interesting story that doesn't make you look like a spoiled Western ruling-class hypocrite. It's not possible.
Did you get stung by scorpions, or get a puncture that you repaired all by yourself, or run out of water to the point of having hallucinations, or just something barely tough? No? Then don't tell us about it. Don't even write about it. And when you write don't sell it to humans.
That is not all but I'll stop.
June 29, 2010
A very weak 2 stars. The journal entries like style of "he said, he said" bored me to tears. It dragged the narrative down to a crawl and made a journey that was interesting boring.
There were parts that were worth it but they were so diluted in the incessant flow of boring, redundant informations that unfortunately the thrill of being on the road on motorbikes in Africa was lost unlike Long Way Round where you were there in Mongolia, on the Road of Bones.
Still white dudes on big expensive motorbikes on their boy's adventure in Africa is going to be problematic any way you look at it much more than Long Way Round which was more about adventure in the great wilderness.
There were parts that were worth it but they were so diluted in the incessant flow of boring, redundant informations that unfortunately the thrill of being on the road on motorbikes in Africa was lost unlike Long Way Round where you were there in Mongolia, on the Road of Bones.
Still white dudes on big expensive motorbikes on their boy's adventure in Africa is going to be problematic any way you look at it much more than Long Way Round which was more about adventure in the great wilderness.
August 25, 2008
I didn't like this as much as Long Way Round. There was still a lot of amazing things that happened to them throughout this journey, but it didn't feel as monumental as the first journey. I am looking forward to seeing the show when it comes out on DVD.
November 15, 2008
I'm not sure how I feel about this book other than I still really like Ewan McGregor and their travels are interesting (except do we really need to know that Ewan had to purchase new underwear because the ones he brought pinched his bum?). What's interesting about this book is that this book wasn't published when it was supposed to and was a number of months late. I often wonder why, and after reading about 1/4 of the book, am thinking that perhaps the writing needed to be fleshed out a little (see underwear comment above-pun not intended) as it doesn't seem to be as well done as their first book, LONG WAY ROUND. Nevertheless, I am reserving final judgment until I finish the book and will give a final report.
UPDATE: I finished this but have to say I wasn't as impressed with this journey as I was with the first, LONG WAY ROUND. I don't think this book had a ghostwriter and I felt the writing got a little clunky although there were times when the authors' own voices lent a certain charm to a passage or comment. I do want to watch the TV series so will try to get through Amazon or Netflix.
UPDATE: I finished this but have to say I wasn't as impressed with this journey as I was with the first, LONG WAY ROUND. I don't think this book had a ghostwriter and I felt the writing got a little clunky although there were times when the authors' own voices lent a certain charm to a passage or comment. I do want to watch the TV series so will try to get through Amazon or Netflix.
December 3, 2008
I read this book while travelling through the countries that it covered, which was the only thing that kept me turning pages. That, and it was the only unread book that I had with me.
I can't stand regurgitated conversations in books - 'he said this, and I replied, no, that!', etc. It's a personal irritation, I guess, but I find it lazy, unbelievable, and reminiscent of my diary as a 13 year old. This book was a collection of re-told interactions and, while I'm sure it's as awesome to watch as the Long Way Round, the book just didn't do it for me.
I can't stand regurgitated conversations in books - 'he said this, and I replied, no, that!', etc. It's a personal irritation, I guess, but I find it lazy, unbelievable, and reminiscent of my diary as a 13 year old. This book was a collection of re-told interactions and, while I'm sure it's as awesome to watch as the Long Way Round, the book just didn't do it for me.
February 4, 2011
God what a crappy book. The only reason I finished it was 1) I love motorcycles and 2) I like travel narratives. I really liked THE LONG WAY AROUND PBS series and thought this book would be good. Both McGregor and Boorman are whiny and self-absorbed. They are remarkably incurious and culturally tone-deaf to the culture they travel through- bordering on racism. My only consolation was that I bought the book as a remainder, thereby depriving the authors of undeserved royalties.
Read
December 20, 2008Good book. Did not enjoy it as much as their first book Long Way Round.
January 23, 2024
Not great tbh. A bit of a coddled journey which is poorly written. Not funny, exciting or particularly interesting. There are a few saving moments where they tell tales of local people and their struggles. Also a bloke on a bicycle did it quicker than them and they constantly talk about the rush they’re in - can’t have been rushing that much.
March 4, 2015
Having been fascinated by Africa for many years, I watched Long Way Down before Long Way Round, and am following the same pattern with the books. Yes, I am aware I am doing this all out of sequence.
Reading along as they traveled, it was wonderful to see the experiences Ewan and Charley had through their own eyes. Not everyone has such an opportunity, be it due to time, money, or both. I think it's great that they had such an opportunity to experience the world in such a way, and took it. Was it completely on their own? No. They had a film crew with them, a team medic, a guy who handled security (if needed), and fixers for each country. People may scoff at that, but let's not forget that Ewan is a known actor, which could have labeled him as a target, especially since this trip was publicized and people around the world were tracking the boys. Was it likely that something would have happened? Obviously not; both men were safe and the most danger they faced seemed to be with sandstorms, kids throwing rocks, and false charges from an elephant.
I loved reading about road obstacles that were overcome, meeting fellow travelers on the road, and really seeing Ewan and Charley in their element. I wound up forgetting about the actor Ewan McGregor, and just appreciated the person Ewan McGregor, and reading his thoughts and experiences, and seeing his genuine love for what was around him. I was not familiar with Charley prior to watching the series, but really enjoyed him. Although Eve wasn't everyone's favorite, and admittedly I was hesitant about Eve joining when I watched the series, I found that I loved her inclusion. I felt that she represented those of us who don't ride, but would love a chance like this. Well done for her that she learned how to ride so she could experience at least a small portion of this with her husband and give us a bit of insight as to what it would be like for a brand new rider.
I will admit there were a few things that could have been written better. First, I would have loved to have read more about their experiences with the people, because it was amazing to get glimpses into how they lived and reading about their personal histories. So much life, love towards complete strangers, hurt, and ultimately: hope. But, understandably, time was limited and therefore the writing was to be affected by that. Second, the last chapter felt very rushed. I'm reading about how the journey is coming to an end, and next thing I know, I'm on the last page and it's all over. I would have loved more thoughts reflecting on the journey as they approached Cape Town.
I'm not really sure what people are reading to criticize it so harshly. Is there some complaining? Sure. Who hasn't gone on a long road trip without a few complaints? Now imagine doing that day after day, hundreds of miles a day, with little rest, few showers, and really not knowing where you'll be camping that night. It does take its toll. When this is not your every day life that you would be so adjusted to it, a complaint is bound to pop up. But I loved that it was never dragged out to the point of sensationalism (even the show stopped filming so they could work things out - something most reality shows would NEVER do as they thrive on conflict). They resolved their differences and complaints, realizing they were petty, and ultimately appreciated everything they were doing and understood just how blessed they were. If that's insufferable, or spoiled, or privileged...so be it. These are men who are being honest about themselves and their faults, own up to them, and see that there are people who have much less than them but still show genuine kindness and hospitality to them. It clearly humbled them. As for reviews that criticize how Ewan and Charley traveled with "humblebrags" that declare how their way is the only way - well, I find it very disappointing that an equally privileged person (because if you can travel from one country to another just for touring, you're privileged) would harshly come down on a fellow traveler. Who cares how people are experiencing this world? The fact is that they left their comfort zone and went out to see the world. That's more than most people in our lives can say. If anyone feels Ewan and Charley shouldn't have written about their experiences, then I invite that person to write a book because I honestly would love to know how vastly different Africa is to someone who bikes on their own vs how Ewan and Charley went. Honestly, I would love to see another perspective on it.
I truly did enjoy this book and look forward to reading Long Way Round. Although I will be going backwards in time in a way, it will be nice to "get back on the road" with Ewan and Charley. I woke up this morning missing my daily travels with them as I read through this book, which made me realize they did a good job making this about a couple of guys biking down through Africa, rather than making it all pomp and circumstance. The latter would have felt fake. I know so much is involved in these trips and it takes away a lot of time from their families, but I do hope they do another Long Way. Many of us are ready to go on another journey with them.
Reading along as they traveled, it was wonderful to see the experiences Ewan and Charley had through their own eyes. Not everyone has such an opportunity, be it due to time, money, or both. I think it's great that they had such an opportunity to experience the world in such a way, and took it. Was it completely on their own? No. They had a film crew with them, a team medic, a guy who handled security (if needed), and fixers for each country. People may scoff at that, but let's not forget that Ewan is a known actor, which could have labeled him as a target, especially since this trip was publicized and people around the world were tracking the boys. Was it likely that something would have happened? Obviously not; both men were safe and the most danger they faced seemed to be with sandstorms, kids throwing rocks, and false charges from an elephant.
I loved reading about road obstacles that were overcome, meeting fellow travelers on the road, and really seeing Ewan and Charley in their element. I wound up forgetting about the actor Ewan McGregor, and just appreciated the person Ewan McGregor, and reading his thoughts and experiences, and seeing his genuine love for what was around him. I was not familiar with Charley prior to watching the series, but really enjoyed him. Although Eve wasn't everyone's favorite, and admittedly I was hesitant about Eve joining when I watched the series, I found that I loved her inclusion. I felt that she represented those of us who don't ride, but would love a chance like this. Well done for her that she learned how to ride so she could experience at least a small portion of this with her husband and give us a bit of insight as to what it would be like for a brand new rider.
I will admit there were a few things that could have been written better. First, I would have loved to have read more about their experiences with the people, because it was amazing to get glimpses into how they lived and reading about their personal histories. So much life, love towards complete strangers, hurt, and ultimately: hope. But, understandably, time was limited and therefore the writing was to be affected by that. Second, the last chapter felt very rushed. I'm reading about how the journey is coming to an end, and next thing I know, I'm on the last page and it's all over. I would have loved more thoughts reflecting on the journey as they approached Cape Town.
I'm not really sure what people are reading to criticize it so harshly. Is there some complaining? Sure. Who hasn't gone on a long road trip without a few complaints? Now imagine doing that day after day, hundreds of miles a day, with little rest, few showers, and really not knowing where you'll be camping that night. It does take its toll. When this is not your every day life that you would be so adjusted to it, a complaint is bound to pop up. But I loved that it was never dragged out to the point of sensationalism (even the show stopped filming so they could work things out - something most reality shows would NEVER do as they thrive on conflict). They resolved their differences and complaints, realizing they were petty, and ultimately appreciated everything they were doing and understood just how blessed they were. If that's insufferable, or spoiled, or privileged...so be it. These are men who are being honest about themselves and their faults, own up to them, and see that there are people who have much less than them but still show genuine kindness and hospitality to them. It clearly humbled them. As for reviews that criticize how Ewan and Charley traveled with "humblebrags" that declare how their way is the only way - well, I find it very disappointing that an equally privileged person (because if you can travel from one country to another just for touring, you're privileged) would harshly come down on a fellow traveler. Who cares how people are experiencing this world? The fact is that they left their comfort zone and went out to see the world. That's more than most people in our lives can say. If anyone feels Ewan and Charley shouldn't have written about their experiences, then I invite that person to write a book because I honestly would love to know how vastly different Africa is to someone who bikes on their own vs how Ewan and Charley went. Honestly, I would love to see another perspective on it.
I truly did enjoy this book and look forward to reading Long Way Round. Although I will be going backwards in time in a way, it will be nice to "get back on the road" with Ewan and Charley. I woke up this morning missing my daily travels with them as I read through this book, which made me realize they did a good job making this about a couple of guys biking down through Africa, rather than making it all pomp and circumstance. The latter would have felt fake. I know so much is involved in these trips and it takes away a lot of time from their families, but I do hope they do another Long Way. Many of us are ready to go on another journey with them.
May 19, 2022
Not as entertaining as the long way round, it was very slow in places.
August 12, 2015
This travelogue has an alternating POV between Charley and Ewan, and while their voices can be quite endearing and down-to-earth and even humorous, I thought that their entries would have benefitted from some judicious editing. It's like reading someone's diary with all of the boring parts left in. The book doesn't really come to life until the pair reach Africa -- and there was way too much journey build-up for my taste. I didn't really mind the way the book plugs their UNICEF projects; that is, of course, the point of the whole project. But at its best, the travel project offers a perspective on what will be, for most of us, distant and exotic lands. Very few of us will get to visit places like Libya, (and few of us will want to, frankly). But the men's experiences of places like Rwanda, which are so different from the brutal internecine conflict the country is best known for, make this travel book worthwhile. Personally, I would never want to travel by motorcycle, but I do think it has its appeal in a travel book. As with walking, you see so much along the way -- and are involved in the landscape/weather, rather than being shielded from it. Interestingly, the pair do not shy away from moaning about privations/discomforts -- or from talking about how much they miss their families. It makes for a well-balanced presentation of travelling, pros and cons, rather than an idealised one. Although the two men are more alike than different, there is an interesting (and ongoing) difference about how they approach the trip. Throughout the book, Charley and Ewan tend to argue about the pace of their travels (is it the journey or the destination that is most important?) -- and I think all travellers tend to fall into one of the two camps. Something about that ongoing argument just lent an element of universality to the whole project. Recommended, especially, for male readers (14+) -- no getting around the blokey tone of the writing -- but this travel book would also appeal to anyone who wants to know a bit more about Africa.
September 21, 2015
12-MAY-2007 John O' Groats, Scotland. Ewan and Charley argue, bitch, whine and enjoy themselves travelling on motorbikes to London, France, Italy (Rome and Naples). In Italy they see what appears to be a pyramid modelled on the Egyptian ones. It is the pyramid of Cestius a Roman who decided to be buried Pharaoh-style after Rome had conquered Egypt. Journey carries on down to the port of Trapani where they get a boat to Tunis. At El Jem there is an ancient coliseum that is 1700 years old and the Romans held gladiatorial games here. While in Tunisia they visit Matmata where George Lucas filmed the first Star Wars movie. Into Lybia and Leptis Magna which was established in 100BC. A native of Leptis Magna was Septimius Sererus who became Emperor of Rome. They visit the war graves at Tobruk and then into Egypt where they see the pyramids and sphinx. Then they move onto Valley of the Kings where, for 500 years, the rulers of Egypt's new kingdom constructed their tombs. This is where Tutankhamen was found. They go on through the desert of Sudan to Khartoum where the White Nile meets the Blue Nile. From the desert the land becomes more green and lush in Ethiopia. They have to have armed guards in Kenya where they cross the equator and into coffee-growing Uganda.They see children who have been displaced by the Lords Resistance Army led by the brutal Joseph Kony (I recommend the book 'The Wizard of the Nile by Matthew Green for more on Kony). They meet the president Paul Kagame in Rwanda. Through Tanzania and into Malawi, In 1859 Dr Livingstone reached Lake Malawi and was apparently the first European to see it. In Zambia they see the Zambeze river and the mighty Victoria Falls (largest falls in the world). Botswana then Namibia and the Skeleton Coast until finally reaching Cape Town, South Africa.
October 25, 2007
As Dorothy Parker put it, this is not a book to be put aside lightly - it should be thrown away with great force. Self-indulgent twaddle, endless bollocks about missing their wives while they go off on their great Boys' Own Adventure. I rarely give up on a book, but this one was abandoned just as they got to Northern Africa.
I remember chatting with a drunk wee Glasgow man, who was wearing his slippers, on a Friday night in Heraghty's. (A wee Irish pub in Glasgow). He was drinking steadily, and waving a wee striped plastic bag, telling anyone who would listen "This is smokies for the wife's tea. She's the crown jewels to me, aye. My wee darlin." This was at 7pm. The fishmongers closes at 4:30, so we deduced that he had nipped out to get the smokies, in his slippers, and then nipped into Heraghty's for a quick one, and was still there some long time after she would have had something else for her tea. We were all thinking "If you love her so much, why don't you go back and tell her ? (and take her the smokies) "
Similarly, if Ewan & Charlie are going to go on SO MUCH about missing their wives ....
I remember chatting with a drunk wee Glasgow man, who was wearing his slippers, on a Friday night in Heraghty's. (A wee Irish pub in Glasgow). He was drinking steadily, and waving a wee striped plastic bag, telling anyone who would listen "This is smokies for the wife's tea. She's the crown jewels to me, aye. My wee darlin." This was at 7pm. The fishmongers closes at 4:30, so we deduced that he had nipped out to get the smokies, in his slippers, and then nipped into Heraghty's for a quick one, and was still there some long time after she would have had something else for her tea. We were all thinking "If you love her so much, why don't you go back and tell her ? (and take her the smokies) "
Similarly, if Ewan & Charlie are going to go on SO MUCH about missing their wives ....
June 26, 2011
Funny enough, the day after I finished this book I was watching the morning news and Charley Boorman, who is a co-author of this book, was on his own adventure of traveling from Scotland to Australia by ground only, was finishing his latest adventure in Sydney that day! How funny is that? Unfortunatly, I didn't get to hunt him down. Oh well, next time.
Anyway, this book is a sequel to another book that he and Ewan wrote a few years back except this one took them from the tippy-top of Scotland down to the bottom of S. Africa on motorcycles. These books are good things. They do good as they travel and bring awareness to causes that normally don't get any coverage. Probably the only thing I have to complain about is the amount of stuff they carry when they travel. Since they are celebrities when they travel, they have like whole support crews, where if something goes wrong, someone is there to fix it. They would write about people who they met on the road, now they are real travelers. They are traveling like them, minus the road crew. They talk about things that could go wrong, but with the amount of people traveling with them, really what can? And of course, nothing does.
Grade: C
Anyway, this book is a sequel to another book that he and Ewan wrote a few years back except this one took them from the tippy-top of Scotland down to the bottom of S. Africa on motorcycles. These books are good things. They do good as they travel and bring awareness to causes that normally don't get any coverage. Probably the only thing I have to complain about is the amount of stuff they carry when they travel. Since they are celebrities when they travel, they have like whole support crews, where if something goes wrong, someone is there to fix it. They would write about people who they met on the road, now they are real travelers. They are traveling like them, minus the road crew. They talk about things that could go wrong, but with the amount of people traveling with them, really what can? And of course, nothing does.
Grade: C
October 18, 2013
’You too, mate,’ I said, ‘you too.’
Last line from Long Way Down by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman. Loved Ewan and Charley’s Long Way Round, so it’s about time I read this. As with Long Way Round, I preferred Charley’s voice to Ewan’s because he moans less (though it’s the opposite on screen.)
In terms of the journey, there was more of a sense of place in Long Way Round than Long Way Down. Long Way Round had me itching to follow the same route. However, this left me with only particular places I want to go visit, such as Rwanda (must be the appeal of those cute gorillas.)
Seeing as they travelled the length of Africa, the guys couldn’t avoid witnessing the effects of politics, for instance the genocide in Rwanda, which had me remembering another good book (and film,) An Ordinary Man: The True Story Behind Hotel Rwanda by Paul Rusesabagina. Speaking about Darfur, Charley says,
“For every warmongering, power-hungry psychopath there are hundreds of normal people going about their business quietly ensuring the human race retains some dignity.”
Unfortunately, his words are applicable to too many current situations.
P.S. I’d love to see Lola, true beauty!
Last line from Long Way Down by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman. Loved Ewan and Charley’s Long Way Round, so it’s about time I read this. As with Long Way Round, I preferred Charley’s voice to Ewan’s because he moans less (though it’s the opposite on screen.)
In terms of the journey, there was more of a sense of place in Long Way Round than Long Way Down. Long Way Round had me itching to follow the same route. However, this left me with only particular places I want to go visit, such as Rwanda (must be the appeal of those cute gorillas.)
Seeing as they travelled the length of Africa, the guys couldn’t avoid witnessing the effects of politics, for instance the genocide in Rwanda, which had me remembering another good book (and film,) An Ordinary Man: The True Story Behind Hotel Rwanda by Paul Rusesabagina. Speaking about Darfur, Charley says,
“For every warmongering, power-hungry psychopath there are hundreds of normal people going about their business quietly ensuring the human race retains some dignity.”
Unfortunately, his words are applicable to too many current situations.
P.S. I’d love to see Lola, true beauty!
August 1, 2015
Ewan and Charley are back on their bikes for another trip. This time from John O'Groats in Scotland to Cape Town in South Africa. I really want to watch the TV show now, I hope it's on Netflix!
I loved the stories from their travels, even if they both could be a bit grumpy at times although I felt it was less than it was in 'Long Way Round'. When they met up with the charities, I was really moved by what happened to the people, especially the child soldiers. What a horrific thing to do to people, the cruelty of man is awful.
It's balanced out though by the kindness of man, these strangers shared what little they had with the guys and they didn't encounter any trouble on their trip. It's such a shame that politics has taken most of these places off detestation lists as they sound like wonderful places and the tourism would really help boost the economy.
A book for people who love bikes travel or Ewen McGregor.
I loved the stories from their travels, even if they both could be a bit grumpy at times although I felt it was less than it was in 'Long Way Round'. When they met up with the charities, I was really moved by what happened to the people, especially the child soldiers. What a horrific thing to do to people, the cruelty of man is awful.
It's balanced out though by the kindness of man, these strangers shared what little they had with the guys and they didn't encounter any trouble on their trip. It's such a shame that politics has taken most of these places off detestation lists as they sound like wonderful places and the tourism would really help boost the economy.
A book for people who love bikes travel or Ewen McGregor.
May 14, 2013
Great book, really loved and appreciated it, the positive attitude and usual high spirits of these guys, their compassion, patience and good works in the world. Inspiring! The biking is intense, particularly all the off-road and that incredible sand storm. Ewan kept at it even when he fell repeatedly, Charley kept at it even when his hands were aching terribly. 15.000 miles, much of it through rural Africa. Many nights camping in the bush. All the way for the children of the world who live in impoverished, diseased and warring countries. kol hakavod (all the respect)! yasher koach (may you have strength)! You guys rock!
Also, I didn't know who Ewan was, don't watch movies. So my daughter put on Moulin Rouge for me and I must say I am very, very impressed. I'd like to see more, including Long Way Around.
Also, I didn't know who Ewan was, don't watch movies. So my daughter put on Moulin Rouge for me and I must say I am very, very impressed. I'd like to see more, including Long Way Around.
January 30, 2016
I loved this book. I’d already watched the TV show, so I knew most of the big moments and things, but it’s so great to read what the adventure is like from their perspective on the road. They both do a great job at describing how different each country is and letting you share in the experience of meeting people along the way.
Perhaps the best parts are when they visit UNICEF and RIDERS. Little goodwill and awareness visits that show the reader what’s being done in Africa to help and why it needs to be done. It’s a tad depressing but it definitely amps the readers knowledge and might inspire some to learn how they can help.
It also turned out to be a great book for learning things about Africa and its nations. We get to hear a little bit about each country they visit and it actually got me curious enough to some research on some of them. So it’s educational!
Perhaps the best parts are when they visit UNICEF and RIDERS. Little goodwill and awareness visits that show the reader what’s being done in Africa to help and why it needs to be done. It’s a tad depressing but it definitely amps the readers knowledge and might inspire some to learn how they can help.
It also turned out to be a great book for learning things about Africa and its nations. We get to hear a little bit about each country they visit and it actually got me curious enough to some research on some of them. So it’s educational!
January 24, 2009
I enjoyed this book thoroughly.
I did not realize until after I picked up the book that this is actually the second journey/book Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman had done. The previous book, "Long way Round" is now on reserve at the library and I will be reading it next. Fortunately it did not really matter that I'm reading them out of order. The two motorcycle journeys are completely independent of each other.
Reading this book brought back so many memories of riding motorcycles though the desert in my younger (much younger) days. But the book is not just about riding. It's a facinating story about the people they meet along the way, as well as the history and politics of Africa.
Strongly recommended for anyone that likes travel journals.
I did not realize until after I picked up the book that this is actually the second journey/book Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman had done. The previous book, "Long way Round" is now on reserve at the library and I will be reading it next. Fortunately it did not really matter that I'm reading them out of order. The two motorcycle journeys are completely independent of each other.
Reading this book brought back so many memories of riding motorcycles though the desert in my younger (much younger) days. But the book is not just about riding. It's a facinating story about the people they meet along the way, as well as the history and politics of Africa.
Strongly recommended for anyone that likes travel journals.
January 31, 2009
Much like Long Way Round, this book is set with "the boys" going down through Africa. I thought it was more of the same kinds of issues and dramas, but it was all overshadowed by an amazing look into the lives of real people from those nations. I think sometimes everyone is afraid of Africa, and some places are dangerous, but the culture and energy of the place just totally came thorugh in this piece.
I read the book and am in the middle of the series. I think that's the order to do it in! Again, when traveling and culture are involved I'm sold! I learn a lot about places, and start planning trips!
I read the book and am in the middle of the series. I think that's the order to do it in! Again, when traveling and culture are involved I'm sold! I learn a lot about places, and start planning trips!
February 14, 2011
I read their first book, "Long Way Around" and liked it which is why I picked this one up when I saw it at the library. Unlike the other book, this one was just whiny and self-indulgent. There was just one complaint after another from someone's underwear chafing to there being too much rain or sun or sand or gravel. The fun of exploration was just not there. And if I had to read one more time about Charley Boorman and his selfish wheelies (after he was asked to please not do them for his own safety as well as that of the other members of the expedition), I was ready to hurl the book across the room.
April 29, 2010
Oh noes, dirt. Oh noes, sand. Oh noes, they gots the HIV. Oh noes, it's hot. That pretty much sums up "Long Way Down."
I thoroughly enjoyed "Long Way Round" but I think I just finished LWD so I could avoid putting it on my shelf-o-shame. Once they got through Libya I just lost interest in the book. There were not the same kind of wacky adventures that were had in LWR.
I applaud their work on behalf of the charity organizations but I'm not sure that I'll be reading "Long Way on the Z-Axis" if that ends up happening.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Long Way Round" but I think I just finished LWD so I could avoid putting it on my shelf-o-shame. Once they got through Libya I just lost interest in the book. There were not the same kind of wacky adventures that were had in LWR.
I applaud their work on behalf of the charity organizations but I'm not sure that I'll be reading "Long Way on the Z-Axis" if that ends up happening.
July 26, 2011
Long Way Round somehow gave you a feel that despite all the support crews this was genuinely just 2 guys on bikes having the trip of a lifetime. This sequel trip however really doesn't. They have a whole army of support staff including an SAS man and a Doctor, they're only riding their bikes for crying out loud. The worst aspect also has to be Ewan's father his brother and his mother all turning up and worst of all his bloody annoying wife! It's written quite poorly as well and becomes quite boring, only the genuine beauty of Africa kept me interested.
September 30, 2012
I have a rule that I don't allow myself to give up once I've started a book. The rule was put to the test. The first book sort of had a point to it. This one didn't. Also the fact that Ewan McGregor's sections are almost readable make the other fellows twaddle completely unreadable. If there is a competition for a pointless person I reckon Charley would be in with a chance.
"Hello Charley. And what do you do?"
"I know Ewan McGregor."
"Yes, fine. But what is it you do?"
"I know Ewan McGregor."
"Hello Charley. And what do you do?"
"I know Ewan McGregor."
"Yes, fine. But what is it you do?"
"I know Ewan McGregor."
January 5, 2008
I really wanted to enjoy this book, as I had enjoyed 'Long Way Round', but there was no pattern to the narrative, it was as if the script for the TV series was converted into a book. I found myself skipping pages to avoid the dreary descriptions and abominal grammer. Sorry boy's, i love the TV series and the 'charidee' work you guys have managed to complete, but leave writing to Ghostwriters - or if this was written by a Ghostwriter fire him/her !!!!
March 21, 2011
Disappointing. Lots of droning and technical motorcycle talk and not a lot of stopping and taking in the local scenery. A lot of self aggrandizing with the charity folk who help pay for the trip. Rush, rush, rush, always worried about deadlines and making time. And the condition of the road. And the weather. I was expecting a little more adventure, humor, and anecdotes beyond the TV series. DVD is better. Sorry.
November 2, 2017
I listen to the (abridged) audiobook and was disappointed. I am guessing the full version is better, as my biggest issue is the lack of depth in this book. It simply jumped between them riding their motorcycles and whatever project/organization they dropped in on and we got little or no insight to the countries or cultures the riders encountered. This was an example of when good people take a great trip but it just doesn't work as a travel book.
September 16, 2009
I thought I'd like this book more than I did. Two motorcyclists (famous) ride from Scotland to Capetown and chronicle their adventures. I got annoyed with their "rich kid" solution to every problem and their premise that because they're zipping through the countryside on motorcycles, their experience is the "real" Africa.
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