In Search of the Forty Days Road

by Michael Asher

In Search of the Forty Days Adventures with the Nomads of the Desert

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Africa

196 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Michael Asher is an author, historian, deep ecologist, and notable desert explorer who has covered more than 30,000 miles on foot and camel. He spent three years living with a traditional nomadic tribe in Sudan.

Michael Asher was born in Stamford, Lincolnshire, in 1953, and attended Stamford School. At 18 he enlisted in the 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment, and saw active service in Northern Ireland during The Troubles there in the 1970s.

He studied English Language & Linguistics at the University of Leeds. at the same time serving in B Squadron, 23rd SAS Regiment. He also studied at Carnegie College, Leeds, where he qualified as a teacher of physical education and English.

In 1978-9, he worked for the RUC Special Patrol Group anti-terrorist patrols, but left after less than a year. He took a job as a volunteer English teacher in the Sudan in 1979.

The author of twenty-one published books, and presenter/director of six TV documentaries, Asher has lived in Africa for much of his life, and speaks Arabic and Swahili. He is married to Arabist and photographer Mariantonietta Peru, with whom he has a son and a daughter, Burton and Jade. He currently lives in Nairobi, Kenya.

Reviews

[Eve Levin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful look into the way of life of nomadic travellers in the harshest part of the Sahara desert and their ethics. These desert dwellers may have now disappeared, sadly. Michael Asher's way of writing sucks me right into the tales he has to tell (as he travels into these places). I could not put the book down.

[Cathy Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michael Asher’s account of his time spent in the Sudanese/Libyan desert in the early 1980s.
It’s very sad to think that this way of life doesn’t exist anymore. Asher’s love of the desert and its people is very clear in his writing.
It’s important to note this book is over 40 years old and that some of the language used is reflective of the time.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book by Michael Asher, although I think I prefer his fiction.

[Ryan Murdock · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extraordinary book that captures a time and a group of cultures that are rapidly changing - indeed, vanishing - with the encroachment of the modern world. And a book that captures what it feels like to travel through the desert, by a man who has a true feeling for the wonderful camel.

I crossed paths with the remains of the Forty Day Road on an expedition to Jebel Uweinat in the far northwest of Sudan, both at the oasis of Selima on the way out, and at the well of Laqiya Arba'in on the way back. It was in a different age, and we were traveling by Toyota Land Cruiser. But Asher has brought back so many memories of the Sudan, and of camel trips I took in the past. And he has me pulling out my atlas and planning another trip.

I highly recommend reading other books by this insightful, experienced author. Especially his "Impossible Journey", and incredible account of his west to east Sahara crossing.

This belongs on any desert lover's bookshelf.

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting read, although a little disappointing. The author clearly has a deep understanding of the peoples he encountered on his travels but I felt that he didn't share this knowledge enough with his readers. Instead I was left with somewhat of a stereotype of Arab tribes that were thieves that could not be trusted and were likely to steal your camel. Having said that there certainly were moments when you saw the humanity of the people he met and gained insight into their very different lives.

[Julian Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rich and evocative adventure in the Sudanese and Libyan deserts.

Driving a camel train amongst desert peoples on an ancient route navigated by the stars, facing robbery in the middle of nowhere, being chased by police, meeting some extraordinary peoples and discovering a way of life which is completely remote from western ideals - this is a rich vein of escapism.

Well written and edge of your saddle excitement.

[Michal · Rating 5 out of 5]

simply marvelous