What do you think?
Rate this book
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.
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.
312 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
226 people are currently reading
10103 people want to read
About the author
Ewan McGregor
20 books175 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 563 reviews
September 9, 2008
My love of Long Way Round is purely emotional. We are not talking about great literature here, nor should anyone expect it. After all, the book isn't written. It is spoken. But that adds to the charm.
As these two spoiled boys travel around the world from London to New York, cutting through places like Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia, it is the chattiness and comradeship of such close friends living a "Boys' Own" adventure that sucks us in. Whether they are shitting their pants when a Russian miner comes down the stairs with an AK-47 on his hip or they are overwhelmed with emotion when they spend time with Mongolian kids in the sewers of Ulan Bataar, whether they are arguing over the killing of a Grizzly Bear along the Road of Bones or they are worrying for Ewan's life after a car crash near Calgary, they are really just two real blokes enjoying a lark.
But they do it all with humility, which suppressed my usual annoyance at rich folk whining about supposed adversity while doing something the rest of us never will. Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman actually seemed to get the immensity of what they were doing (and how insanely lucky they were to be doing it), and even though they complained about the rough roads and the cold and the wet and the adversity, they really learned some important lessons during their trip -- particularly when it came to the importance of their families.
As for me, well, I was surprised to discover that I was inspired by Ewan and Charlie to make a journey of my own. It hasn't happened yet, but it will. But I think I'll be taking my son.
This book may not be for you, but it was definitely for me.
As these two spoiled boys travel around the world from London to New York, cutting through places like Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia, it is the chattiness and comradeship of such close friends living a "Boys' Own" adventure that sucks us in. Whether they are shitting their pants when a Russian miner comes down the stairs with an AK-47 on his hip or they are overwhelmed with emotion when they spend time with Mongolian kids in the sewers of Ulan Bataar, whether they are arguing over the killing of a Grizzly Bear along the Road of Bones or they are worrying for Ewan's life after a car crash near Calgary, they are really just two real blokes enjoying a lark.
But they do it all with humility, which suppressed my usual annoyance at rich folk whining about supposed adversity while doing something the rest of us never will. Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman actually seemed to get the immensity of what they were doing (and how insanely lucky they were to be doing it), and even though they complained about the rough roads and the cold and the wet and the adversity, they really learned some important lessons during their trip -- particularly when it came to the importance of their families.
As for me, well, I was surprised to discover that I was inspired by Ewan and Charlie to make a journey of my own. It hasn't happened yet, but it will. But I think I'll be taking my son.
This book may not be for you, but it was definitely for me.
January 4, 2020
Two actors travel around the world on BMW motorcyles. The book reads like a diary, with each actor writing alternating chapters. They get homesick. There are personality conflicts with their support crew, David, and Russ. They traverse some horrid off-road areas. They meet some locals. They are sometimes beset by paparazzi. They stay in hotels/motels, private homes/gers/shacks/etc., and when the need arises, they camp in the tents they have with them.
It's not stellar travel writing, it's more of a bit of fluff, but not a totally unappealing bit of fluff. If you're a fan of the actors, you might enjoy this more than the average reader. I had no idea who they were, or what movies/TV they had done, so, that wasn't a factor for me.
Sufficeth to say, Paul Theroux has nothing to fear from these two writers. ;)
3 Stars = I liked the book.
It's not stellar travel writing, it's more of a bit of fluff, but not a totally unappealing bit of fluff. If you're a fan of the actors, you might enjoy this more than the average reader. I had no idea who they were, or what movies/TV they had done, so, that wasn't a factor for me.
Sufficeth to say, Paul Theroux has nothing to fear from these two writers. ;)
3 Stars = I liked the book.
April 1, 2009
This is a true story about two fairly well known people taking a trip across a vast distance. The A-List actor and a well-to-do buddy (d-list actor?) have a dream and try to put it into action. Some of their challenges are ones that most people would not have - e.g. having a director who does not want you riding a motorcycle to practice for the trip in case you injure yourself before your movie is complete. Some of the other challenges they thought were unique to their "star power" were likely challenges that anyone travelling the road less travelled would have: i.e people coming out to stare, insisting on some celebration or having a political leader want to meet you. I have travelled some and am not famous for anything and I have had these experiences.
There is lots of whining and the book is not particularly well written. Having said that, these guys are not famous (or almost famous) for their writing skills. Also, they have obviously not had to endure manhy hardships throughout their lives but I wish the editor had reeled them in a bit.
One of the areas that I thought was really lacking in their writing was their insistance that the adventure really moved them, that they felt connected to teh places that they had visited and that it changed their lives. Unfortunately, they could not demonstrate this and had to rely on telling us that. I actually believe them but wish I could have read the book and felt it with them.
Not the worst book out there and if you are a motorcycle kind of person you will get a lot more out of the many pages devoted to their research and decision making (and errors)that went into motorcycle choice.
There is lots of whining and the book is not particularly well written. Having said that, these guys are not famous (or almost famous) for their writing skills. Also, they have obviously not had to endure manhy hardships throughout their lives but I wish the editor had reeled them in a bit.
One of the areas that I thought was really lacking in their writing was their insistance that the adventure really moved them, that they felt connected to teh places that they had visited and that it changed their lives. Unfortunately, they could not demonstrate this and had to rely on telling us that. I actually believe them but wish I could have read the book and felt it with them.
Not the worst book out there and if you are a motorcycle kind of person you will get a lot more out of the many pages devoted to their research and decision making (and errors)that went into motorcycle choice.
Want to read
May 28, 2020Review of the TV mini series (2004)
It is quite an adventure,Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman ride their motorbikes from London to New York.Along the way they pass through several countries in Europe and Asia,alongwith Alaska.
For me,the most interesting part of the trip was when they passed through Mongolia's vast uninhabited landscape.There are few such open spaces left in the world now.
The motorcycles often malfunction and sometimes get bogged down in muddy and watery obstacles.There is also some very inhospitable terrain,including that of Siberia to pass through.
These guys are not necessarily the most likable ones,but they somehow stay the course.It makes for a thrilling adventure.
3.5 stars for the mini-series.I presume the series is more interesting than the book.The primary intention was to film the journey,and the book was more of a by ptoduct.
It is quite an adventure,Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman ride their motorbikes from London to New York.Along the way they pass through several countries in Europe and Asia,alongwith Alaska.
For me,the most interesting part of the trip was when they passed through Mongolia's vast uninhabited landscape.There are few such open spaces left in the world now.
The motorcycles often malfunction and sometimes get bogged down in muddy and watery obstacles.There is also some very inhospitable terrain,including that of Siberia to pass through.
These guys are not necessarily the most likable ones,but they somehow stay the course.It makes for a thrilling adventure.
3.5 stars for the mini-series.I presume the series is more interesting than the book.The primary intention was to film the journey,and the book was more of a by ptoduct.
May 5, 2025
Nothing I was looking for, but spotted this in the "Travel" section of our massive used bookstore, and "Like New" for just $1.99 (when the original price shows £25.00) — so how could I not?
I'd heard of McGregor having done this (motorbiked around the world, although the book focuses on the Ukraine/Kazakhstan/Mongolia/Siberia piece), but that all I knew — so this was a very pleasant surprise. I imagine the original "unillustrated" version is relatively dry and considerably shorter, but combined with the often spectacular photos here, this was a very pleasant read — especially now that I'm watching the BBC production in tandem on Apple+, so that when Obi-Wan describes the old Ukrainian woman with whom he had a delightful (and totally unintelligible) conversation ("It was beautiful and I'll never forget her"), we get to see that whole conversation in the show…similarly, when he describes the Ukrainian mafioso who greets them with a guitar in one hand and a Kalashnikov in the other ("He then launched into the most dramatic folk song imaginable, clicking his fingers, plucking the strings, then strumming them maniacally"), we actually get to see and hear the entire performance, (which was in fact surprisingly good). And of course, who doesn't enjoy watching a good game of goat polo?
Anyway, done with the book but have a few more TV episodes to go, (basically back across North America, which, y'know, ho hum). I've seen other reviews that pooh-pooh McGregor and Boorman as adventurer poseurs, but I've spent more than a few nights in iffy cities and tropical backwaters where I wasn't sure how things would turn out,* and even for experiences on the very mildest end of the "is this a good idea?" spectrum, it's frankly unfair to criticize anyone when you haven't been there yourself. Yes, they had a support team and were well-stocked and funded, but they were often days out of touch with dodgy machines, shite weather, disreputable companions and horrific roads (if any at all), and so that still counts qualifies for hazard pay in my book.
That said, I have little interest in watching their further escapades, (i.e., seasons 2 and 3, which are Africa and North/South America respectively). This was just a happy confluence of nice book and good documentary TV, so giving it the full 5 stars based on that combination.
* (I'm particularly thinking of one night in pre-tourism Saigon back in 1985, where I got absolutely baked at a little club called "Apocalypse Now" with a group of former Viet Cong who I'd met through my pedicab driver. Good times!)
I'd heard of McGregor having done this (motorbiked around the world, although the book focuses on the Ukraine/Kazakhstan/Mongolia/Siberia piece), but that all I knew — so this was a very pleasant surprise. I imagine the original "unillustrated" version is relatively dry and considerably shorter, but combined with the often spectacular photos here, this was a very pleasant read — especially now that I'm watching the BBC production in tandem on Apple+, so that when Obi-Wan describes the old Ukrainian woman with whom he had a delightful (and totally unintelligible) conversation ("It was beautiful and I'll never forget her"), we get to see that whole conversation in the show…similarly, when he describes the Ukrainian mafioso who greets them with a guitar in one hand and a Kalashnikov in the other ("He then launched into the most dramatic folk song imaginable, clicking his fingers, plucking the strings, then strumming them maniacally"), we actually get to see and hear the entire performance, (which was in fact surprisingly good). And of course, who doesn't enjoy watching a good game of goat polo?
Anyway, done with the book but have a few more TV episodes to go, (basically back across North America, which, y'know, ho hum). I've seen other reviews that pooh-pooh McGregor and Boorman as adventurer poseurs, but I've spent more than a few nights in iffy cities and tropical backwaters where I wasn't sure how things would turn out,* and even for experiences on the very mildest end of the "is this a good idea?" spectrum, it's frankly unfair to criticize anyone when you haven't been there yourself. Yes, they had a support team and were well-stocked and funded, but they were often days out of touch with dodgy machines, shite weather, disreputable companions and horrific roads (if any at all), and so that still counts qualifies for hazard pay in my book.
That said, I have little interest in watching their further escapades, (i.e., seasons 2 and 3, which are Africa and North/South America respectively). This was just a happy confluence of nice book and good documentary TV, so giving it the full 5 stars based on that combination.
* (I'm particularly thinking of one night in pre-tourism Saigon back in 1985, where I got absolutely baked at a little club called "Apocalypse Now" with a group of former Viet Cong who I'd met through my pedicab driver. Good times!)
January 8, 2013
Long Way Round is a mentally and physically exhausting journey made by two friends who wanted a break. The book is comprised of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman’s daily diary entries that were written during the entire trip. By sharing both of their personal diaries you are able to get two very different perspectives of their overwhelming trip around the world.
In the beginning, I was a little irritated, especially with Ewan. He liked to name-drop quite a bit and, also, liked to mention which movies he was filming at the time. However, as I kept reading, I realized that Ewan’s journey was about leaving the film industry behind and discover new things about himself. I thought it was amazing how he and Charley were able to get on a pair of huge BMW bikes without an entourage and travel across some of the most difficult and dangerous roads in the world. They would stay with complete strangers and found out the true meaning of hospitality.
For Ewan and Charley, Mongolia was the highlight of their journey. They were able to, finally, leave behind their insecurities and obsessions of keeping their riding schedules. They started to absorb and enjoy the ride. At one part, they decided to take a quick dip in a nearby river.
Ewan: “This is so liberating!” I screamed, running naked along the riverbank back to my bike. “Three nude men in the countryside. We should have some drums and bows and arrows.” The best part of the impromptu skinny-dip was that we had shaken off our obsession with keeping to the schedule…But we’d come to realize that keeping to planned mileage was pointless if we didn’t experience anything along the way.”
It was moments like that that made the book so entertainment; watching grown men run around like little boys enjoying their adventure.
However, there were times where the extreme demand on their minds and bodies was just too much. Charley wrote that “It was just so hard. More than once I thought: what the f—k am I doing here? Why am I doing this? Who thought this was a good idea? I just wanted to go home. For the first time, I really hit a low, my mood all the worse for not having eaten since breakfast.” When Charley would really let himself experience the land, he would lift himself out of his dark mood and journey on. Their extreme mood swings was prevalent throughout their journey. They had highs and lows. It really is amazing how they were able to fight through their emotions to meet their goal.
I really enjoyed this book. I experienced all the highs and lows with Ewan and Charley. You are left with such a respect for what these two accomplished. They left behind the comfort of their families and their privileged lifestyle to experience extreme off rode biking and other cultures. They came back changed men.
In the beginning, I was a little irritated, especially with Ewan. He liked to name-drop quite a bit and, also, liked to mention which movies he was filming at the time. However, as I kept reading, I realized that Ewan’s journey was about leaving the film industry behind and discover new things about himself. I thought it was amazing how he and Charley were able to get on a pair of huge BMW bikes without an entourage and travel across some of the most difficult and dangerous roads in the world. They would stay with complete strangers and found out the true meaning of hospitality.
For Ewan and Charley, Mongolia was the highlight of their journey. They were able to, finally, leave behind their insecurities and obsessions of keeping their riding schedules. They started to absorb and enjoy the ride. At one part, they decided to take a quick dip in a nearby river.
Ewan: “This is so liberating!” I screamed, running naked along the riverbank back to my bike. “Three nude men in the countryside. We should have some drums and bows and arrows.” The best part of the impromptu skinny-dip was that we had shaken off our obsession with keeping to the schedule…But we’d come to realize that keeping to planned mileage was pointless if we didn’t experience anything along the way.”
It was moments like that that made the book so entertainment; watching grown men run around like little boys enjoying their adventure.
However, there were times where the extreme demand on their minds and bodies was just too much. Charley wrote that “It was just so hard. More than once I thought: what the f—k am I doing here? Why am I doing this? Who thought this was a good idea? I just wanted to go home. For the first time, I really hit a low, my mood all the worse for not having eaten since breakfast.” When Charley would really let himself experience the land, he would lift himself out of his dark mood and journey on. Their extreme mood swings was prevalent throughout their journey. They had highs and lows. It really is amazing how they were able to fight through their emotions to meet their goal.
I really enjoyed this book. I experienced all the highs and lows with Ewan and Charley. You are left with such a respect for what these two accomplished. They left behind the comfort of their families and their privileged lifestyle to experience extreme off rode biking and other cultures. They came back changed men.
July 7, 2015
Wow... I went into this book with very little expectations, firstly I know nothing about bikes, and secondly I thought that it may be some kind of shameless promotion on behalf of Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman but I was incredibly wrong.
I was amazed at the journey these men took, and especially amazed at the vast amount of emotion that they both experienced and described throughout the journey and especially at their homecoming.
This is a book for any travel lover, for those who wish to experience a world outside of their own, I was moved by the journey of these men and the relationships that developed while on it, I have a new found respect for Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman and applaud them for accomplishing something so amazing.
I was amazed at the journey these men took, and especially amazed at the vast amount of emotion that they both experienced and described throughout the journey and especially at their homecoming.
This is a book for any travel lover, for those who wish to experience a world outside of their own, I was moved by the journey of these men and the relationships that developed while on it, I have a new found respect for Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman and applaud them for accomplishing something so amazing.
September 11, 2015
I am a total sucker for armchair travel. I love reading about adventures and long distance travel, especially if done on a bike, foot or some other odd thing. I love reading about the details of what people ate, what gear they brought, funny stories of misunderstandings and the significance of meeting people on the road.
This book of Ewan McGregor and his buddy taking a motorcycle trip from London through Europe, into Kazakstan, Mongolia and Russia seemed initially to have all of those things. Win win, right? This was an easy read, and I am still glad I read it but the dialogue in this is fucking ridiculous. The two bicker constantly like an annoying married couple and then say things like, "I'm sorry I was short with you. I am missing my family, please forgive me. Let's go fix our motorcycles." They fight, make up like robots, and then swear they are going to relax and open them selves up to the joys of travel . Over and over and over and well, you know. Some of the travel details get lost in the non-stop discussions of their bikes, which is unfortunate. Their interactions with locals were usually the best parts of this and what ultimately kept me going. Also, I'm glad there are pictures because they are both really bad at setting the setting. Describe the scenery people! Quit wailing about the state of the road!
Red Flag: There is a lot about motorcycles. Like really really a lot.
This book of Ewan McGregor and his buddy taking a motorcycle trip from London through Europe, into Kazakstan, Mongolia and Russia seemed initially to have all of those things. Win win, right? This was an easy read, and I am still glad I read it but the dialogue in this is fucking ridiculous. The two bicker constantly like an annoying married couple and then say things like, "I'm sorry I was short with you. I am missing my family, please forgive me. Let's go fix our motorcycles." They fight, make up like robots, and then swear they are going to relax and open them selves up to the joys of travel . Over and over and over and well, you know. Some of the travel details get lost in the non-stop discussions of their bikes, which is unfortunate. Their interactions with locals were usually the best parts of this and what ultimately kept me going. Also, I'm glad there are pictures because they are both really bad at setting the setting. Describe the scenery people! Quit wailing about the state of the road!
Red Flag: There is a lot about motorcycles. Like really really a lot.
September 21, 2011
I don't usually take the time to review books here, but this book was so poorly written and annoying to read that on several occasions i wanted to throw it out of a window. The amount of crying and whining that these two grown men did through out their trip, and the amount of pages taken up talking about how much they miss their wives...well...it really loses the essence of what a trip like that is all about. I can see that they attempted to convey some of the emotional trials and tribulation that they went through, but the writing was so poor that they certainly failed at connecting with the reader. Not till the very last pages was it mentioned that Mongolia had been the highlight of their trip but it was certainly lost on me, since the entire chapter on Mongolia was filled with whining how they had to camp outside, how they wished for a hotel, and how they wanted to be "anywhere but there". With almost unlimited resources and money at hand, with all of their fancy gear, well it was exasperating at best to get through. I heard the documentary was better, so perhaps thats a better bet for people.
December 30, 2015
London to New York
A tale of two dudes on bikes
Friendship and folly
A tale of two dudes on bikes
Friendship and folly
December 23, 2014
Author B in my A-Z was Charley Boorman although it says that Long Way Round was just written by Ewan McGregor.
I'm a fan of both actors but I've never seen the TV show so I went into this with a fresh mind not really knowing what to expect. And can I say it was the biggest disappointment.
Both authors moaned, whined and cried their way around the globe. I know it must be hard to miss those you live with constantly, but they were crying when they left and cried during a lot of the journey. When they weren't crying they were moaning about the conditions of the road, which they should have expected and each other.
On top of that it was hard to tell which of them were narrating. Their writing styles were very similar and when events happened they were brushed under the carpet. Nothing was explained in much detail. In fact more time was spent complaining about the state of the roads.
In Ewan McGregor's sections he would constantly 'film drop' mentioning what he'd been in as well as any encounter when someone recognised him from a film. Although I like him as an actor, I didn't really care about that in this context and when he started worrying about his career I skipped large chunks of text.
There were a few bits I enjoyed when there was a lot of tension, or funny moments, which it should have been for the majority of the book in my opinion, which is why I'm giving it two instead of one. But overall it was a complete and utter let down. I don't think I'll be reading one of their books again.
I'm a fan of both actors but I've never seen the TV show so I went into this with a fresh mind not really knowing what to expect. And can I say it was the biggest disappointment.
Both authors moaned, whined and cried their way around the globe. I know it must be hard to miss those you live with constantly, but they were crying when they left and cried during a lot of the journey. When they weren't crying they were moaning about the conditions of the road, which they should have expected and each other.
On top of that it was hard to tell which of them were narrating. Their writing styles were very similar and when events happened they were brushed under the carpet. Nothing was explained in much detail. In fact more time was spent complaining about the state of the roads.
In Ewan McGregor's sections he would constantly 'film drop' mentioning what he'd been in as well as any encounter when someone recognised him from a film. Although I like him as an actor, I didn't really care about that in this context and when he started worrying about his career I skipped large chunks of text.
There were a few bits I enjoyed when there was a lot of tension, or funny moments, which it should have been for the majority of the book in my opinion, which is why I'm giving it two instead of one. But overall it was a complete and utter let down. I don't think I'll be reading one of their books again.
Read
March 22, 2014Disappointed. I wanted and expected to like this. There are pieces of it that I did like, such as the instances of interacting with Ukrainians and Mongolians. Those pieces, approximately 20% of the book, are lost in constant whining about the authors' disagreements with each other and their support crew members, not having enough privacy from media, missing their families, and generally what was going on inside their own heads. The authors show some writing talent and a stern editor who could have forced them to focus other than on themselves might have made this a worthwhile read. That's as kind as I can be. What I really want to say is most of the time they came across as arrogant little Brit snots. Among British actors writing travel books stick with Michael Palin, a true gentleman.
June 9, 2007
This book was kinda boring and whiny for a couple of rich dudes on bikes with a film crew following them around.
July 10, 2016
Long Way Round is a fairly well-known TV series documenting the journey undertaken by actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman in 2004, riding motorcycles all the way around the world from London to New York, across very remote and wild terrain in Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Siberia. McGregor was already quite a famous actor, appearing in Star Wars, Trainspotting and Big Fish; Boorman was considerably less well-known, in the shadow of both Ewan and his more famous father John Boorman (the director of Deliverance). Long Way Round turned out to be the largest success story of both their careers.
I'd already greatly enjoyed the TV series, and since I have motorbikes on the brain at the moment, I recently rewatched it and then picked up the book, which is ostensibly written by both of them but is actually obviously ghostwritten. The style is a bit strange, actually - it regularly cuts between Charley and Ewan, prefacing their segments with their names, but there is no difference whatsoever in their writing style (because, of course, they didn't really write it) and the only way I could ever remember who was talking was to see whether it was "Charley and I" or "Ewan and I" doing something. I'm really not sure why they chose that style.
The book is related in a fairly conversational tone, as though the two adventurers are telling you stories at the pub, and the chronology jumps around quite a bit in the early stages, with flashbacks to the planning sections while they're already riding through Europe. It's a very easy and quick read, and one which I found very enjoyable, but I wouldn't recommend it to somebody who hadn't already watched the TV series.
For somebody who has watched the TV series, however, it's a fascinating in-depth look at the journey. There were a lot of things which happened to them that weren't featured in the series simply because they didn't catch them on film and therefore couldn't work them into the narrative; my favourite would have to be Charley pulling two people out of a car crash on the Road of Bones. There's a deeper insight into their relationship with their two producers, Russ and David, including a crucial confrontation in Prague; there's also a deeper insight into the two men themselves. Both Ewan and Charley are extremely honest about what they think about themselves and each other: their flaws, their strengths, the things they do that really piss each other off... and the fact that, at the end of the day, their positives outweigh their negatives and they're still best friends. There's also appendices detailing the exact mileage and destinations they covered on every day off the trip, and a full inventory of all the equipment they carried on the bikes and in the support vehicles.
Overall, Long Way Round is an excellent supplement to its televised brother, but probably wouldn't work as a stand-alone book.
I'd already greatly enjoyed the TV series, and since I have motorbikes on the brain at the moment, I recently rewatched it and then picked up the book, which is ostensibly written by both of them but is actually obviously ghostwritten. The style is a bit strange, actually - it regularly cuts between Charley and Ewan, prefacing their segments with their names, but there is no difference whatsoever in their writing style (because, of course, they didn't really write it) and the only way I could ever remember who was talking was to see whether it was "Charley and I" or "Ewan and I" doing something. I'm really not sure why they chose that style.
The book is related in a fairly conversational tone, as though the two adventurers are telling you stories at the pub, and the chronology jumps around quite a bit in the early stages, with flashbacks to the planning sections while they're already riding through Europe. It's a very easy and quick read, and one which I found very enjoyable, but I wouldn't recommend it to somebody who hadn't already watched the TV series.
For somebody who has watched the TV series, however, it's a fascinating in-depth look at the journey. There were a lot of things which happened to them that weren't featured in the series simply because they didn't catch them on film and therefore couldn't work them into the narrative; my favourite would have to be Charley pulling two people out of a car crash on the Road of Bones. There's a deeper insight into their relationship with their two producers, Russ and David, including a crucial confrontation in Prague; there's also a deeper insight into the two men themselves. Both Ewan and Charley are extremely honest about what they think about themselves and each other: their flaws, their strengths, the things they do that really piss each other off... and the fact that, at the end of the day, their positives outweigh their negatives and they're still best friends. There's also appendices detailing the exact mileage and destinations they covered on every day off the trip, and a full inventory of all the equipment they carried on the bikes and in the support vehicles.
Overall, Long Way Round is an excellent supplement to its televised brother, but probably wouldn't work as a stand-alone book.
November 24, 2017
The first 50 pages were excruciatingly tedious as I'm NOT interested in motorcycles at all, but the book got more interesting when they finally started the journey. Over three months, 20 000 miles, through the most difficult conditions... you can't help but admire their journey! I learned new things as well and updated my geography of Asia (Kazakhstan is huge!).
November 30, 2017
This was great. Of course it wasn't a literally masterpiece, but I listened to the audiobook and it was captivating. it narrated an adventure between two great friends and it was easy to imagine those experiences they had. It was fun and adventurous and it just made me wanna learn to ride a bike so I could make such a trip myself.
November 14, 2020
An absolutely incredible read for an avid motorcyclist or adventurer. It gave me ideas of roads I want to ride and let me experience so many rides that ill probably never get to otherwise. A must read for two-wheeled adventurers.
December 4, 2024
This book is ok. Skip the book and see the series on DVD. Really enjoyed their journey.
February 12, 2025
Fun book about two actors who take a few months off work in 2004 to ride their motorcycles from London to New York the “Long Way Round”.
The most interesting parts of their journey was the time spent in Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and on the Road of Bones in Russia. While Europe and North America provided nice roads to cruise on. Those other countries proved considerably more challenging. Much worse road quality and sometimes no road at all; mud, sand, gravel, dust, and even rivers to ford.
A buddy journey that shows both the highs and lows of an aiming impossible task.
The trip is detailed with the narrator switching between Ewen and Charley.
The most interesting parts of their journey was the time spent in Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and on the Road of Bones in Russia. While Europe and North America provided nice roads to cruise on. Those other countries proved considerably more challenging. Much worse road quality and sometimes no road at all; mud, sand, gravel, dust, and even rivers to ford.
A buddy journey that shows both the highs and lows of an aiming impossible task.
The trip is detailed with the narrator switching between Ewen and Charley.
December 28, 2023
Great story! I really enjoyed the process of the trip and how the authors managed to get through.
March 14, 2016
Having adored the Long Way Round TV series, where actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman biked from London to New York "the long way round", it was only a matter of time before I picked up the book. I met Charley Boorman a few years ago and we swapped travel stories (his were far better than mine!), leaving me in awe of the adventures he and Ewan had been on. So when I found Long Way Round and the Scotland to South Africa adventure Long Way Down in a charity shop for pennies each, there was no excuse for me not to finally read them.
If you haven't seen the series, the book is a dual pov sort of travel diary from Ewan and Charlie as they hop on a pair of donated BMW motorbikes and travel across Europe, Asia and North America to reach New York, crossing 12 countries and 20,000 miles in 119 days. It's meandering, a little self indulgent at times with more than a little navel gazing, but it's also inspiring and uplifting. The guys bicker and argue, clash with their road crew and tv sponsors, but for every breakdown or day of riding on unpaved, dangerous roads completely alone, there's a Mongolian sunset or encounter with locals that makes it worthwhile. An encounter with Eastern European gangsters is simultaneously laugh out loud funny and genuinely a bit scary, while a surprise visit from Ewan's dad on the road enough to make me well up. I skim read the opening chapters which covered the set up and logistics, keen for the guys to get on the road, but the book gives great insight into the effort and physical and emotional toll that the trip took on everyone involved, especially Ewan and Charley. If you're hoping for a juicy read riddled with schadenfreude about a Hollywood A-lister forced to rough it in the wilderness, you'll be sorely disappointed. Both guys dive headfirst into their journey, embracing everything that comes with it, good and bad.
I've been reading this book on and off for nearly three months. It's certainly not unputdownable, more of a lazy Sunday afternoon read that you can dip in and out of. If you're a travel fanatic like me, you should definitely give it a go. Long Way Round is an absolute must read for anyone who dreams of leaving it all behind and chasing their shadow across the world.
If you haven't seen the series, the book is a dual pov sort of travel diary from Ewan and Charlie as they hop on a pair of donated BMW motorbikes and travel across Europe, Asia and North America to reach New York, crossing 12 countries and 20,000 miles in 119 days. It's meandering, a little self indulgent at times with more than a little navel gazing, but it's also inspiring and uplifting. The guys bicker and argue, clash with their road crew and tv sponsors, but for every breakdown or day of riding on unpaved, dangerous roads completely alone, there's a Mongolian sunset or encounter with locals that makes it worthwhile. An encounter with Eastern European gangsters is simultaneously laugh out loud funny and genuinely a bit scary, while a surprise visit from Ewan's dad on the road enough to make me well up. I skim read the opening chapters which covered the set up and logistics, keen for the guys to get on the road, but the book gives great insight into the effort and physical and emotional toll that the trip took on everyone involved, especially Ewan and Charley. If you're hoping for a juicy read riddled with schadenfreude about a Hollywood A-lister forced to rough it in the wilderness, you'll be sorely disappointed. Both guys dive headfirst into their journey, embracing everything that comes with it, good and bad.
I've been reading this book on and off for nearly three months. It's certainly not unputdownable, more of a lazy Sunday afternoon read that you can dip in and out of. If you're a travel fanatic like me, you should definitely give it a go. Long Way Round is an absolute must read for anyone who dreams of leaving it all behind and chasing their shadow across the world.
December 23, 2012
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..........
To read the whole review, click the link below....
http://booksreviewwala.blogspot.in/20...
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..........
To read the whole review, click the link below....
http://booksreviewwala.blogspot.in/20...
July 28, 2015
I wasn't sure that I was going to like this book. Although I think bikes are nice to look at, as a car driver, anything on two wheels on the road annoys the hell out of me. So the idea of going around the world on a bike wasn't particularly appealing. I thought it would be dull. I was wrong and I flew through this in two days.
I love Ewan Mcgregor and this book allows you to see a different side of him to his movie star personality. I have no idea who Charley is but I enjoyed his point of view none the less. Both of them seemed like grumpy old men. They did moan and cry a lot. At one point I wasn't sure they were liking any of it. But they would keep reassuring the reader every time something amazing or beautiful happens that it was all worth it. I think the most amazing thing about this book is how complete strangers came to help them whenever they needed it and this wasn't just because they were film stars as lots of the people didn't know who they were but did it out of human kindness. Makes you feel better about the world.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys travel writing, bikes or any one who fancies Ewan, though he doesn't look great with that beard!
I love Ewan Mcgregor and this book allows you to see a different side of him to his movie star personality. I have no idea who Charley is but I enjoyed his point of view none the less. Both of them seemed like grumpy old men. They did moan and cry a lot. At one point I wasn't sure they were liking any of it. But they would keep reassuring the reader every time something amazing or beautiful happens that it was all worth it. I think the most amazing thing about this book is how complete strangers came to help them whenever they needed it and this wasn't just because they were film stars as lots of the people didn't know who they were but did it out of human kindness. Makes you feel better about the world.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys travel writing, bikes or any one who fancies Ewan, though he doesn't look great with that beard!
April 19, 2019
Tai viena tokių knygų, kurias skaitydamas užsimanai atsidurti ten, kur pabuvojo tie, kas rašė. Ir tai nėra pačių vietovių nuopelnas, čia nepasakojama apie kažkokias įspūdingas turistų lankomas vietas, priešingai, kalbama apie eilinius pravažiuojamus miestus laikantis trasos, kuri daugeliui pasirodytų net neįdomi. Autoriai paprasčiausiai moka įtraukti savo lengvai skaitomu pasakojimo būdu, viskas užrašyta taip kasdieniškai, kad nesunku įsivaizduoti, o nutikę nuotykiai ir sutikti žmonės vaizduojami tokie, kokie ir yra. Paprastumas žavi. Smulkmenos ir mažos detalės iš kurių kyla ta gera kelionės filosofija, kai reikia džiaugtis mažais dalykais, mane užburia labiausiai.
Patiks ne tik tiems, kurie domisi motociklais, bet ir tiems, kurie mėgsta skaityti apie svetimus kraštus iš "tamsiosios" pusės, kai pasakojama ne apie tviskančius didmiesčius ir restoranus, kuriuose neva pažįstama šalies kultūra, o apie ilgus ir kartais tuščius kelius, draugystę, nesėkmes ir šypsenas. Namų ilgesį ir būsimų atradimų džiaugsmą, koks aplanko tik kelyje.
Trumpai tariant - labai patiko.
Patiks ne tik tiems, kurie domisi motociklais, bet ir tiems, kurie mėgsta skaityti apie svetimus kraštus iš "tamsiosios" pusės, kai pasakojama ne apie tviskančius didmiesčius ir restoranus, kuriuose neva pažįstama šalies kultūra, o apie ilgus ir kartais tuščius kelius, draugystę, nesėkmes ir šypsenas. Namų ilgesį ir būsimų atradimų džiaugsmą, koks aplanko tik kelyje.
Trumpai tariant - labai patiko.
April 26, 2017
Okay...two guys on bikes around the world. Sounds pretty awesome, right? Well...wrong! I expected no professional writing, but I've read loads of diaries from non-writers as well as travel literature and in my opinion that's not how things are done. Too much whining, too fast on changing countries and usually I never had the feeling they were even there. You know, t h e r e. When you travel, you stop, breathe in, soak in...whatever it is that makes traveling traveling. It's a journey. And I never got that feeling with them. One minute they were in "poor" Slovakia, the next somewhere in Kazahstan. If I wanted to know the tarmac conditions, I'd read a viamichelin report on road conditions. I wanted to know what they had to say. I am very disappointed and would find out more about the culture of any of those countries from a general Lonely Planet book guide. No feelings, no soak in events, no emotional moments, besides the whining.
PS: the photos and maps were not bad.
PS: the photos and maps were not bad.
November 30, 2023
Skaičiau tuo pat metu su "Pėsčiomis aplink pasaulį" - puiku palyginti skirtingų žmonių skirtingus keliavimus. Čia - užkietėjusių motociklininkų, žibančios Ewan McGregor sumanyta kelionė aplink pasaulį motociklais.
Kur kas šviesesnės spalvos (nei aiškia depresija paspalvinta "Pėsčiomis...") - bet ne be didaktikos. Herojai kniaujasi, baisisi, renkasi motociklus, vartosi (su motociklais) po Kazachstano, Mongolijos, Rusijos purvynus ir tik pagaliau iš jų ištrūkę, vos po dienos kitos, pasijunta kad tik ten tikrai ir gyveno - be naujienų, su skurdžiom degalinėm, nežinodami kur kitąnakt nakvos, kas padės įveikti upę ir t.t. Daug verkia, pyksta ir ilgisi namiškių.
Kiek nulaižyta redaktorių, kiek pernelyg glotni, bet atskleidžianti bene didžiausią pavojų į ilgą kelionę susiruošusiems draugams, artimiesiems ir t.t. - mirtinai susipykti. Ne be reikalo sakoma, kad po ilgų kelionių išyra poros, nutrūksta draugystės ir t.t.
Kur kas šviesesnės spalvos (nei aiškia depresija paspalvinta "Pėsčiomis...") - bet ne be didaktikos. Herojai kniaujasi, baisisi, renkasi motociklus, vartosi (su motociklais) po Kazachstano, Mongolijos, Rusijos purvynus ir tik pagaliau iš jų ištrūkę, vos po dienos kitos, pasijunta kad tik ten tikrai ir gyveno - be naujienų, su skurdžiom degalinėm, nežinodami kur kitąnakt nakvos, kas padės įveikti upę ir t.t. Daug verkia, pyksta ir ilgisi namiškių.
Kiek nulaižyta redaktorių, kiek pernelyg glotni, bet atskleidžianti bene didžiausią pavojų į ilgą kelionę susiruošusiems draugams, artimiesiems ir t.t. - mirtinai susipykti. Ne be reikalo sakoma, kad po ilgų kelionių išyra poros, nutrūksta draugystės ir t.t.
January 30, 2021
A very good companion piece to the show Long Way Round. It provided a deeper dive to the ride & the thoughts & emotions that Ewan & Charlie went through as they went around the world. At times though I found the boys a little whiney when going through some tough spots. That was balanced with the meditative insights they had when things picked up again. They definitely could not have done the ride without their large support team. Sure they had days without their support crew, but they were never far behind. An insurance blanket if you will. It’s interesting to note that to do this trip they needed to film it in order to sell it in order to pay for the trip (and don’t forget the sponsors with their bikes & trucks & other gear). Much different if the average non celebrity person was to do a trip on their own. Reading some of those stories of adventure without a camera crew with you or trucks of support people would be an interesting counter point. 3.5 stars
September 21, 2010
Great book. This book is not necessarily all about the bikes and blokes that ride them, but it is more about the places, the people, and the moments. Ewan and Charlie travel through some of the most remote and poorest regions of the world, but wherever they go, the people are gracious and kind, offering what little they have, including food, liquor, and shelter.
Ewan rarely plays his "Obi-Wan" card - only when it's a must. For most of the journey people have no idea who he is. He is just a guy riding through occasionally in need of help and often needing a place to stay and a meal.
As the guys travel through Kazakhstan, Serbia, Russia, and Mongolia, they realize it's not about getting from one point to the next, but about all those moments in between.
Really well written in alternating voices of Ewan and Charlie. Just a great book!
Ewan rarely plays his "Obi-Wan" card - only when it's a must. For most of the journey people have no idea who he is. He is just a guy riding through occasionally in need of help and often needing a place to stay and a meal.
As the guys travel through Kazakhstan, Serbia, Russia, and Mongolia, they realize it's not about getting from one point to the next, but about all those moments in between.
Really well written in alternating voices of Ewan and Charlie. Just a great book!
May 26, 2020
Let's do a drinking game. Every time either Ewan or Charley say they miss their family you drink a shot.
Seriously, don't do it, you'll die.
It was a fantastic idea, to go from London to New York the long way round on motorbike, however most of the time they were unable to enjoy it because they were too homesick. Or tired of the journey. Or complaining about camping/not camping. Or complaining about something else.
Then at the last chapter they keep saying how much they will miss being on the road, and we don't understand why, as they seemed to not like being on the road that much.
Anyway, it had some good parts, especially about Mongolia, but it was a boring book to read.
Seriously, don't do it, you'll die.
It was a fantastic idea, to go from London to New York the long way round on motorbike, however most of the time they were unable to enjoy it because they were too homesick. Or tired of the journey. Or complaining about camping/not camping. Or complaining about something else.
Then at the last chapter they keep saying how much they will miss being on the road, and we don't understand why, as they seemed to not like being on the road that much.
Anyway, it had some good parts, especially about Mongolia, but it was a boring book to read.
May 6, 2015
Granted, this is right up my alley, but it's a solid book regardless of your love of motorcycles and adventures.
The series is good, and the book is a nice companion to it. I actually rewatched the show simultaneously with the book, not a bad way to do it. Gaps in the book are filled in by the show and vice versa. At the end of the day, I just found myself wishing I could have gone along with them on their trip. I looked like an amazing time.
The series is good, and the book is a nice companion to it. I actually rewatched the show simultaneously with the book, not a bad way to do it. Gaps in the book are filled in by the show and vice versa. At the end of the day, I just found myself wishing I could have gone along with them on their trip. I looked like an amazing time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 563 reviews