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Eastern Horizons: Shortlisted for the 2018 Edward Stanford Award
Award-winning TV adventurer and travel writer's enthralling account of his youthful expedition to Central Asia.
Levison Wood was only 22 when he decided to hitch-hike from England to India through Russia, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, but he wasn't the conventional follower of the hippy trail. A fascination with the deeds of the early explorers, a history degree in the bag, an army career already planned and a shoestring budget of £750 - including for the flight home - he was determined to find out more about the countries of the Caucasus and beyond - and meet the people who lived and worked there.
EASTERN HORIZONS is a true traveller's tale in the tradition of the best of the genre, populated by a cast of eccentric characters; from mujahideen fighters to the Russian mafia. Along the way he meets some people who showed great hospitality, while others would rather have murdered him...
This book confirms that Levison Wood, Winner of the 2016 Edward Stanford Adventure Travel Book Of The Year Award, has indeed 'breathed new life into adventure travel ' (Michael Palin)
(P)2017 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Levison Wood was only 22 when he decided to hitch-hike from England to India through Russia, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, but he wasn't the conventional follower of the hippy trail. A fascination with the deeds of the early explorers, a history degree in the bag, an army career already planned and a shoestring budget of £750 - including for the flight home - he was determined to find out more about the countries of the Caucasus and beyond - and meet the people who lived and worked there.
EASTERN HORIZONS is a true traveller's tale in the tradition of the best of the genre, populated by a cast of eccentric characters; from mujahideen fighters to the Russian mafia. Along the way he meets some people who showed great hospitality, while others would rather have murdered him...
This book confirms that Levison Wood, Winner of the 2016 Edward Stanford Adventure Travel Book Of The Year Award, has indeed 'breathed new life into adventure travel ' (Michael Palin)
(P)2017 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
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First published November 2, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
January 29, 2018
Sometimes it is the little things in life that make the biggest differences. Having snuck into Alton Towers to save some cash, Levison Wood then lost his wallet with all his money in… Dismayed and penniless, he was shocked, to say the least when it dropped on his doormat with a note from the army officer who had found it. Wood wrote back to say thank you and to ask about a career in the services; a reply was swiftly forthcoming with six pages of notes that detailed recommendations and suggestions to optimise his chances of getting in and the final sentence was the recommendation; above all, travel…
Which is why he found himself at the age of 22 setting off a journey to hitch-hike from Nottingham across Russia with a friend, before heading south alone to follow the route taken by people for millennia, the Silk Road. He was inspired to follow this route after finding a book called the Great Game in the library whilst he should have been researching something else. This book told the tale of Arthur Conolly who in 1839 tried to see if it was still possible to travel along this legendary road.
His budget of £750 was stretching the definition of shoestring fairly thin, especially as he was hoping to fly home rather than hitchhike back again. His companion in Russia was Jon Winfield, a friend who shared a love of the open road too. Wood's Russian leg would take him from Calais to Stavropol via St Petersburg and he would drink more vodka than was definitely healthy for him, but as they approached Georgia, the first of the Caucasus countries Jon decided to head home., with the ominous message that he didn't want to hear about Levison on Al Jazeera.
Having heard all the horror stories from the Russians about the Georgians, he finds them warm and welcoming and find that the loathing that they have for each other is mutual. Leaving the country to pick up the Silk Road from Turkey and would head into Iran. It is a country of contrasts, with the theocratic mullahs having the most influence and the population committing their own individual acts of defiance. Next was the most dangerous part of his journey, into Afghanistan; this was in 2004, and the country was still under American occupation with battles still happening between the mujahideen, the Americans and the Taliban. The people were resigned at the time to another war taking place in their country but still were as hospitable as they could be given the circumstances. Surviving Afghanistan, Woods crosses the Khyber Pass and into Pakistan the penultimate country on his trip, before reaching the beaches of Goa at journeys end.
It was a journey that had a significant impact on his life. He did join the army as an officer in the parachute regiment and served in various theatres before leaving and becoming a journalist and photographer, but adventure travel is what he has become best known for. This latest book, about his experiences hitchhiking across Russia and the middle east, is I think his best yet. It may not have the freshness of his walks across Africa, Central America and the Himalayas, as it was written from the notes and journals that he kept, but he has matured as a writer and it shows in this book. 4.5 stars
Which is why he found himself at the age of 22 setting off a journey to hitch-hike from Nottingham across Russia with a friend, before heading south alone to follow the route taken by people for millennia, the Silk Road. He was inspired to follow this route after finding a book called the Great Game in the library whilst he should have been researching something else. This book told the tale of Arthur Conolly who in 1839 tried to see if it was still possible to travel along this legendary road.
His budget of £750 was stretching the definition of shoestring fairly thin, especially as he was hoping to fly home rather than hitchhike back again. His companion in Russia was Jon Winfield, a friend who shared a love of the open road too. Wood's Russian leg would take him from Calais to Stavropol via St Petersburg and he would drink more vodka than was definitely healthy for him, but as they approached Georgia, the first of the Caucasus countries Jon decided to head home., with the ominous message that he didn't want to hear about Levison on Al Jazeera.
Having heard all the horror stories from the Russians about the Georgians, he finds them warm and welcoming and find that the loathing that they have for each other is mutual. Leaving the country to pick up the Silk Road from Turkey and would head into Iran. It is a country of contrasts, with the theocratic mullahs having the most influence and the population committing their own individual acts of defiance. Next was the most dangerous part of his journey, into Afghanistan; this was in 2004, and the country was still under American occupation with battles still happening between the mujahideen, the Americans and the Taliban. The people were resigned at the time to another war taking place in their country but still were as hospitable as they could be given the circumstances. Surviving Afghanistan, Woods crosses the Khyber Pass and into Pakistan the penultimate country on his trip, before reaching the beaches of Goa at journeys end.
It was a journey that had a significant impact on his life. He did join the army as an officer in the parachute regiment and served in various theatres before leaving and becoming a journalist and photographer, but adventure travel is what he has become best known for. This latest book, about his experiences hitchhiking across Russia and the middle east, is I think his best yet. It may not have the freshness of his walks across Africa, Central America and the Himalayas, as it was written from the notes and journals that he kept, but he has matured as a writer and it shows in this book. 4.5 stars
April 30, 2019
I enjoyed the author’s TV series, Walking the Nile, so chose this book. It is an account of a far earlier trip in 2004 when he travelled through Russia, Georgia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. If you enjoy reading about travels to less visited parts of the world, you should enjoy this. You have to admire his tenacity, particularly crossing Afghanistan with a war raging. Roads little wider than pathways along cliff edges, as well as a near fatal crash make for gripping reading at times, and I found the quality of his writing high.
December 31, 2017
This book was,I think, a challenge to write for Levison Wood,as this adventure of his, took place thirteen years before he wrote the book.Further this journey was not televised either.But Levison Wood,the writer,does a very good job.I could virtually see Afghanistan,Iran,Georgia etc in front of my eyes.Further the text and the narrative don't let you keep the book down.The only problem I found is that some parts had been brutally edited out.There was no mention of his overland journey from UK to Poland.Hence I rated the book four stars.
June 12, 2018
I was a bit hesitant to read this book, given the events that he wrote about happened quite some time ago, but I need not have fretted. Eastern Horizons is another superb read from Wood and cements his place, for me, as one of the best travel writers walking around right now (excuse the pun). Wood's writes in his normal extremely easy to read, genuine style and his story recaptures all of the youthful exuberance of someone setting out on one of their first major travel adventures. Well recommended for all.
August 8, 2019
This is my first Levison Wood book. I have seen the Himalayas and Nile TV travel documentaries and rather good they were too. With this book he has gone back to 2004 when he, and his friend Jon, hitch-hiked and took trains and buses and boats from Estonia into Russia, Georgia, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Although Jon had to cut his part of the journey short due to having to start a new job in London leaving Lev to travel on his own. Would going back after many years to go through journals and try to remember what happened to write a book work?
As is de rigueur he chooses an explorer from the past to concentrate on. It is an Irishman, Arthur Conolly. I had never heard of him. He would ‘chart the vast no-man’s-land between British India and the age-old foe – Russia’. Conolly was doing this in his early 20's just like Wood. Luckily, Wood did not end up in the same position as Conolly which ended his life way too early.
Levison is amazing. His character is to just go for it. You could end up in good situations or bad when travelling like this. I cannot do what he does. The adventure part sounds great but I would never put myself in possible danger so have never done anything like this. Part of a tour group tramping round south east Asia is fine for me but just doing it off my own back and seeing what happens. No chance. Which is why I am quite happy sitting at the kitchen table and reading about Levison’s travels. I’ll be sitting by a pool in Lanzarote by the time I am finishing this book. See what I mean? I am not one for dangerous adventures and forging documents to travel.
The writing is clear and it was the kind of travel writing I enjoy the most. Adventure mixed with history but set out in a way that makes the journey even more interesting. I learn so much from these types of books. I have Google Maps and Images as my companion piece. You should also do the same. Follow his journey on Maps.
So, it did work going back and writing a book. I think it did. He is nowhere near as literary as Paul Theroux but this is a different kind of travel writing.
As is de rigueur he chooses an explorer from the past to concentrate on. It is an Irishman, Arthur Conolly. I had never heard of him. He would ‘chart the vast no-man’s-land between British India and the age-old foe – Russia’. Conolly was doing this in his early 20's just like Wood. Luckily, Wood did not end up in the same position as Conolly which ended his life way too early.
Levison is amazing. His character is to just go for it. You could end up in good situations or bad when travelling like this. I cannot do what he does. The adventure part sounds great but I would never put myself in possible danger so have never done anything like this. Part of a tour group tramping round south east Asia is fine for me but just doing it off my own back and seeing what happens. No chance. Which is why I am quite happy sitting at the kitchen table and reading about Levison’s travels. I’ll be sitting by a pool in Lanzarote by the time I am finishing this book. See what I mean? I am not one for dangerous adventures and forging documents to travel.
The writing is clear and it was the kind of travel writing I enjoy the most. Adventure mixed with history but set out in a way that makes the journey even more interesting. I learn so much from these types of books. I have Google Maps and Images as my companion piece. You should also do the same. Follow his journey on Maps.
So, it did work going back and writing a book. I think it did. He is nowhere near as literary as Paul Theroux but this is a different kind of travel writing.
March 18, 2018
I loved this book so much, I felt like I was following Levison on his journey and meeting the many different people he met on the way.
March 15, 2024
The travel that the author did is such a remarkable and brave journey! Excellent read for those missing some adventure in their life, but don't want to move from the comfort of their sofas.
June 10, 2018
An early insight into his ability to travel, observe and get into situations which might best be avoided.
As usual with his books, a read which quickly transports you from your chair (or wherever you are reading), with a nice mix of people, culture, history and adventure.
All I can say is 'thank goodness he lost his wallet as a teenager' (the book will explain the significance of this).
A crackling read, up to his usual standard.
As usual with his books, a read which quickly transports you from your chair (or wherever you are reading), with a nice mix of people, culture, history and adventure.
All I can say is 'thank goodness he lost his wallet as a teenager' (the book will explain the significance of this).
A crackling read, up to his usual standard.
April 26, 2019
This travel book on the author's journey from Russia to India via the Middle East is a long way from Bill Bryson, involving hitchhiking, sleeping rough and getting into genuinely dangerous situations. It paints plenty of detailed pictures, and includes historical notes about the included areas, giving a good idea of the local cultures. While not much about the writing really stood out to me, I found it a good read.
January 9, 2026
⭐️ 4.1 stars. Eastern horizons is the first book I read by Levison Wood and I had to go back and read it again. It follows a 22-year-old Wood as he hitchhikes from his university city of Nottingham along the Silk Road to Goa on the west coast of India. Along the way he sails across the Black Sea, hitchhikes across Afghanistan and relies meets a plethora of interesting characters along the way.
I always love reading Levison Wood’s writing, he does a great job at telling the story of a place through the people that he meets and relies on for hospitality and kindness. It gives the book a personal feel and allowed me to learn a lot about each individual country that he crossed through.
Also, the sometimes frankly reckless escapades that he gets up to make for a great read. The author always goes a great job at finishing his writing. By the end I was feeling inspired, curious and warmed by the people that he met and stories that were told.
You can definitely tell that this is his first book and there is some immaturity in his writing, probably because it is based on notes taken at such a young age. Often he would complain about the typical western tourist and how this made him want to get away from an area. This came across as a bit aloof and I thought is he also not a western tourist too?
Regardless, was still a lovely read and I left with a curiosity to learn more, especially about the Caucasus area.
I always love reading Levison Wood’s writing, he does a great job at telling the story of a place through the people that he meets and relies on for hospitality and kindness. It gives the book a personal feel and allowed me to learn a lot about each individual country that he crossed through.
Also, the sometimes frankly reckless escapades that he gets up to make for a great read. The author always goes a great job at finishing his writing. By the end I was feeling inspired, curious and warmed by the people that he met and stories that were told.
You can definitely tell that this is his first book and there is some immaturity in his writing, probably because it is based on notes taken at such a young age. Often he would complain about the typical western tourist and how this made him want to get away from an area. This came across as a bit aloof and I thought is he also not a western tourist too?
Regardless, was still a lovely read and I left with a curiosity to learn more, especially about the Caucasus area.
July 4, 2020
Three months into lockdown imposed by COVID-19 and with no foreign holidays in sight, it was time to get stuck into a travelogue.
I also wanted to read this book while I was still 22, the very age that this author was when he undertook his journey on the Silk Road.
I wanted to read about an adventure while safely tucked in bed, and I got one - so much so, that there were both instances I felt like I was with Levison on his journey (the narrative is amazing) and times I wished I wasn’t (much rather him than me!).
Definitely one for the travellers. Solid 4 stars.
I also wanted to read this book while I was still 22, the very age that this author was when he undertook his journey on the Silk Road.
I wanted to read about an adventure while safely tucked in bed, and I got one - so much so, that there were both instances I felt like I was with Levison on his journey (the narrative is amazing) and times I wished I wasn’t (much rather him than me!).
Definitely one for the travellers. Solid 4 stars.
May 7, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book and following along with Levison Wood’s adventure of travelling from the U.K. to India via Russia, Georgia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and multiple other countries. Wood has a real talent for storytelling and could paint each scene vividly. There was a perfect mix of background information of each area with his own adventures. Will definitely be seeing if the library has any more books written by him next visit!
October 28, 2022
An excellent travel writer - none of his books disappoint. I love his descriptive style, making you feel like you're journeying with him for the experience. This book also goes to show that there is kindness all over the world, even in those places that the media would have you think otherwise. The strangers you meet can sometimes change your life for the better and they don't even realise it.
July 7, 2021
I wasn't crazy about the first half when the author was trudging through one broken down, gray country after another beginning with Russia. However, I gradually enjoyed it more and more as he traveled onward through the Middle East into his final destination of India and the Himalayas.
August 25, 2019
This is the 4th Levison Wood book I’ve read now and every single one has made me want to travel more...
This one is along a similar vein to the others: interesting travel and lots of little bits of history thrown in too. I think that’s the best part of these books. Wood doesn’t just talk about his own experiences but also discusses the history behind what he’s seeing.
Georgia definitely appeals after reading this book and was not somewhere I’d ever really considered but perhaps I should. As does Lahore and Norther India. Time to start saving up I think...
Can’t wait for the next book...
This one is along a similar vein to the others: interesting travel and lots of little bits of history thrown in too. I think that’s the best part of these books. Wood doesn’t just talk about his own experiences but also discusses the history behind what he’s seeing.
Georgia definitely appeals after reading this book and was not somewhere I’d ever really considered but perhaps I should. As does Lahore and Norther India. Time to start saving up I think...
Can’t wait for the next book...
April 4, 2020
After two years and having made it halfway through, I'm abandoning this book: it started off interesting but it's just not gripping enough.
December 22, 2017
I read this book in 3 days! It was absorbing to read and was written really well. A really good book to read would recommend this to anyone.
January 25, 2018
Visit the locations with Levison
I only have this book on kindle for now but will definitely be buying a hardback as this is one of the books you have to keep. This seemed like the most personal of Levison’s treks since it was his first and the one which he admits sewed the seeds for the ones after.
This man’s fearlessness knows no bounds. He’s no gung-ho kind of guy either but isn’t afraid to get stuck in, climb mountains, rough it for ages in the jungle. He becomes part of the environment and country he’s in and manages to enjoy himself and take his readers along with him along the way.
He apologises at the start of the book as he wrote it so long ago that some of it might sound naive he says, but he decided to leave it as it is as it captures his mindset and outlook at the time. I’m so pleased he did as this breathes authenticity and a certain charm and interest to the book that an older Levison would have seen in a different way. The journey seems so long and unwise at times but he weathers the problems as well as he seizes the opportunities. This is the guy you want on any trek you might go on. He knows, respects and explores like it’s his first time – and that level of involvement is fascinating to watch. Being there however is better and he takes you along the way with him every step of the way – inner thoughts, sights and smells, observations – they are all there. The idea for his first trek – to follow in the footsteps of the Silk Road was ambitious and unique – and he manages to portray it in a fresh and unique way.
A really good travelogue with added energy. Levison Wood is like the modern day Phileas Fogg. Michael Palin has given him the seal of approval and I’m sure Phileas would too – so if those who have gone round the world in 80 Days applaud you – you know you’re doing something right.
April 12, 2021
This was one of those books that grab your brain in a chokehold and wont let go. I love travel writing, love it. I picked this up because I knew it contained chapters about Iran, a place in which I recently gained family. I wanted to read more about Iran and the idea of this book interested me as well as promising me something in the way of Iranian travel literature. I have very mixed feelings on how it delivered on that. I gave it 3,5 stars, mostly because it has stayed with me for so long. I still think about this book actively several times a week. The thing is I cannot explain why, there is really nothing absolutely fantastic or different about it. It is good for sure, but nothing about it explains why this book refuses to leave my brain alone.
The author, at least as he presented himself in this book, is a person I had very mixed feelings about as well. On the one hand he seems reasonable and appreciative of the generosity of the people he meets, he seems genuinely interested in experiencing the cultures and people he meets (unlike the worst of the tourists) on the other he is also so incredibly dismissive of other travellers. In fact it got ridiculous, it had a sort of childish atmosphere to it. I get that people travel, not to meet other people from their country, but to meet new people and new cultures but he seemed to ridicule the others while elevating himself (to be fair he did call himself out on this in the book). It got very unpleasant to read, gave me the same impression as when children get jealous of their friends getting the same toys for christmas as them. Other than that I found his narrative of Iran to be... strange. Now I am no expert, and I also know that this book was not written all too recently and that writers sometimes tend to make things more exotic and dramatic than they are for the sake of the readers’ enjoyment. It did however leave me feeling like he felt superior of Persians and he did spin the tired old ”carpet salesman”, ”everyone has a cousin/friend” and ”eastern charm” thing that while it probably does happen is pretty worn out. Persians are in fact not people who try to sell you a carpet or a ride in their cousin’s taxi all the time. Most city dwelling Persians are indeed so alike Europeans and other Westeners that it is hard fully understand that they are from a country so vastly different from for example my home country. In many parts of this book I felt like the author was living in his own Silk Road universe, where things are still like they were during the times of his travel heroes. I sort of liked the nostalgic feel this produced, but it did nothing for accurately or fairly describing a whole country. As for how accurate and up to date his descriptions of the other countries he passed through are, I cannot say as I know absolutely nothing about them.
This seems like a lot of critisism for a book I gave 3,5 stars, and it is. That is the thing about this book for me, I did not like the author one bit, but the writing stayed with me. It made me wonder about whole new things, made me try to find out more. It served its purpose, it made me seek out more knowledge and that is to me one of the main purposes of non-fiction. The writing was also not horrible in any way, the descriptions beautiful and I enjoyed ”meeting” the people he met. This is a good book, not an excellent book in my opinion, but good, and I would probably recommend it to a certain type of reader. I do know that this was one of the author’s early and fairly unedited works, so I will give him the benefit of doubt and I will read ”Walking The Americas” as well.
The author, at least as he presented himself in this book, is a person I had very mixed feelings about as well. On the one hand he seems reasonable and appreciative of the generosity of the people he meets, he seems genuinely interested in experiencing the cultures and people he meets (unlike the worst of the tourists) on the other he is also so incredibly dismissive of other travellers. In fact it got ridiculous, it had a sort of childish atmosphere to it. I get that people travel, not to meet other people from their country, but to meet new people and new cultures but he seemed to ridicule the others while elevating himself (to be fair he did call himself out on this in the book). It got very unpleasant to read, gave me the same impression as when children get jealous of their friends getting the same toys for christmas as them. Other than that I found his narrative of Iran to be... strange. Now I am no expert, and I also know that this book was not written all too recently and that writers sometimes tend to make things more exotic and dramatic than they are for the sake of the readers’ enjoyment. It did however leave me feeling like he felt superior of Persians and he did spin the tired old ”carpet salesman”, ”everyone has a cousin/friend” and ”eastern charm” thing that while it probably does happen is pretty worn out. Persians are in fact not people who try to sell you a carpet or a ride in their cousin’s taxi all the time. Most city dwelling Persians are indeed so alike Europeans and other Westeners that it is hard fully understand that they are from a country so vastly different from for example my home country. In many parts of this book I felt like the author was living in his own Silk Road universe, where things are still like they were during the times of his travel heroes. I sort of liked the nostalgic feel this produced, but it did nothing for accurately or fairly describing a whole country. As for how accurate and up to date his descriptions of the other countries he passed through are, I cannot say as I know absolutely nothing about them.
This seems like a lot of critisism for a book I gave 3,5 stars, and it is. That is the thing about this book for me, I did not like the author one bit, but the writing stayed with me. It made me wonder about whole new things, made me try to find out more. It served its purpose, it made me seek out more knowledge and that is to me one of the main purposes of non-fiction. The writing was also not horrible in any way, the descriptions beautiful and I enjoyed ”meeting” the people he met. This is a good book, not an excellent book in my opinion, but good, and I would probably recommend it to a certain type of reader. I do know that this was one of the author’s early and fairly unedited works, so I will give him the benefit of doubt and I will read ”Walking The Americas” as well.
June 27, 2023
I have always enjoyed reading travelogues but it’s only recently that I’ve been seeking them out more actively. I spend a good amount of time now at the travel bookshelf in my library. That’s how I chanced upon Levison Wood’s “Eastern Horizons,” a memoir of the author’s attempt to hitchhike his way through the Silk Road. Audacious? Perhaps. Thrilling? Certainly.
Maybe it was the brazen confidence of youth or a real thirst for raw adventure that sent Wood down this road at the tender age of 22. He hitchhiked all the way from his native England on a journey that took him through Russia, Central Asia, Iran, Pakistan, and culminating in India. His degree in history enriches his travels with perspectives that regular tourists might not have. For the same reason, he also goes in search of detailed information about some of the places and their culture.
I enjoyed the honesty and simplicity of his writing, which, at the same time, never undermined the complexity of the sights and sounds he was privy to. Wood talks about not just the places he passes through in great detail and his travails but also his emotions. He is refreshingly open about the loneliness of solo travel, and the fear that courses through him when confronted with scary situations. And he does come across many of them. The one that stands out for me was his escape from a group of men who would drink the whole day and force Wood to join them. They weren’t dangerous. They were merely being at their hospitable best. But after three days of drinking Wood needed to escape. And he did by tiptoeing out over rooftops, and ending up on the road unseen.
This is how Wood tears down the immense romanticization of travel for a reality check. Solo travel is not straightforward. Wood alternates between seeking out people and wanting to avoid them and escape into the quiet of the mountains. He also ponders on his own hypocrisy too in wanting to get away from tourists while being one himself.
I truly enjoyed the layers of depth Wood brought to his experiences through historical tidbits, some philosophy, and his observations. Very enjoyable read!
Maybe it was the brazen confidence of youth or a real thirst for raw adventure that sent Wood down this road at the tender age of 22. He hitchhiked all the way from his native England on a journey that took him through Russia, Central Asia, Iran, Pakistan, and culminating in India. His degree in history enriches his travels with perspectives that regular tourists might not have. For the same reason, he also goes in search of detailed information about some of the places and their culture.
I enjoyed the honesty and simplicity of his writing, which, at the same time, never undermined the complexity of the sights and sounds he was privy to. Wood talks about not just the places he passes through in great detail and his travails but also his emotions. He is refreshingly open about the loneliness of solo travel, and the fear that courses through him when confronted with scary situations. And he does come across many of them. The one that stands out for me was his escape from a group of men who would drink the whole day and force Wood to join them. They weren’t dangerous. They were merely being at their hospitable best. But after three days of drinking Wood needed to escape. And he did by tiptoeing out over rooftops, and ending up on the road unseen.
This is how Wood tears down the immense romanticization of travel for a reality check. Solo travel is not straightforward. Wood alternates between seeking out people and wanting to avoid them and escape into the quiet of the mountains. He also ponders on his own hypocrisy too in wanting to get away from tourists while being one himself.
I truly enjoyed the layers of depth Wood brought to his experiences through historical tidbits, some philosophy, and his observations. Very enjoyable read!
April 2, 2020
The author, Mr. "Left" is an unconventional traveler who don't mind sleeping in a traffic roundabout, stranger's home, drugs den, or a cave during his dream journey to follow Arthur Connolly's path from Russia to India.
New stuffs I learnt of when reading the book:
1. There is a twin of Statue of Liberty in Russia's Volgograd, to commemorate the deadly Stalingrad battle that kills close to 2m people.
2. Georgia just ended its war with Russia when the author visited it. I have checked on wiki and is surprised to know that it happened in the very recent 2008. As a result, the Georgian friend of the author still live without running water, gas and electricity in his run down flat.
3. A business owner in Iran complaint to the author that he does not care about fasting during Ramadan. He feels that his religion has been twisted. It should be only something between him and the God instead of endless binding rules.
4. Mashhad in Iran is promoted by Iran as the Shia's version of Mekkah in Saudi Arabia (belongs to Sunni).
5. Afghanistan used to be a country with hot tourism spots, famous among hippies for its great mountaineous sceneries and surprisingly, cheap drugs . Unfortunately it never gained back top ranking after the war involving Soviet Union, US, Taliban, Kurdish and Mujahhid (weaponised local tribes).
6. There are Greek man's version of Buddha statutes in Taxila, Pakistan. Apparently Buddhism used to be the main religion here in the ancient time, after ancestors of Alexander the Great settled down here.
7. Every Thursday night, Pakistani Sufis gather to express their devotion to God by doing countless spin-around, watching drum performance and smoking marijuana.
8. You can easily buy a gun in Peshawar, Pakistan at USD 40. The factory "takes pride in the (pirated) weapons they produce".
9. There are villages that snow in the vast India, in the Northern area.
All in all, this is an entertaining and eye-opening read, certainly not-just-another-usual-travelogue.
New stuffs I learnt of when reading the book:
1. There is a twin of Statue of Liberty in Russia's Volgograd, to commemorate the deadly Stalingrad battle that kills close to 2m people.
2. Georgia just ended its war with Russia when the author visited it. I have checked on wiki and is surprised to know that it happened in the very recent 2008. As a result, the Georgian friend of the author still live without running water, gas and electricity in his run down flat.
3. A business owner in Iran complaint to the author that he does not care about fasting during Ramadan. He feels that his religion has been twisted. It should be only something between him and the God instead of endless binding rules.
4. Mashhad in Iran is promoted by Iran as the Shia's version of Mekkah in Saudi Arabia (belongs to Sunni).
5. Afghanistan used to be a country with hot tourism spots, famous among hippies for its great mountaineous sceneries and surprisingly, cheap drugs . Unfortunately it never gained back top ranking after the war involving Soviet Union, US, Taliban, Kurdish and Mujahhid (weaponised local tribes).
6. There are Greek man's version of Buddha statutes in Taxila, Pakistan. Apparently Buddhism used to be the main religion here in the ancient time, after ancestors of Alexander the Great settled down here.
7. Every Thursday night, Pakistani Sufis gather to express their devotion to God by doing countless spin-around, watching drum performance and smoking marijuana.
8. You can easily buy a gun in Peshawar, Pakistan at USD 40. The factory "takes pride in the (pirated) weapons they produce".
9. There are villages that snow in the vast India, in the Northern area.
All in all, this is an entertaining and eye-opening read, certainly not-just-another-usual-travelogue.
May 22, 2019
Having seen one of Wood’s talks a year ago I was interested to hear more of this journey that he mentioned frequently. I loved the inspiration behind his need and want to travel. Who knew losing your wallet in Alton Towers would have resulted in such a journey!
One of Levison‘s latest published books, but one of the first he’s written details his journey hitchhiking the Silk Road to India.
Wood notes to the reader at the start of the book that it was written when he was 22 and has largely been unedited by himself all these years on.
As with all of his previous works, I found his writing a good balance between his personal experience and journey, the history and cultural information as well as the personal lives of those he meets along the way.
One part that made me think a lot which wasn’t to do with the journey but the idea of ’travellers snobbery’ and how he didn’t want to associate with the American tourists.
Even though this book wasn’t televised the places he visited had been shown in Levison’s other documentaries- his imagery is amazing and the beauty of countries such as Afghanistan Georgia and etc is so well written. He is able to show beauty and create intrigue in to places that have certain stereotypes.
I am really looking forward to reading ‘Arabia’ and seeing the documentary on TV and also his book out later this year which is for children.
🌍👨🏻🕌🏔🗺
One of Levison‘s latest published books, but one of the first he’s written details his journey hitchhiking the Silk Road to India.
Wood notes to the reader at the start of the book that it was written when he was 22 and has largely been unedited by himself all these years on.
As with all of his previous works, I found his writing a good balance between his personal experience and journey, the history and cultural information as well as the personal lives of those he meets along the way.
One part that made me think a lot which wasn’t to do with the journey but the idea of ’travellers snobbery’ and how he didn’t want to associate with the American tourists.
Even though this book wasn’t televised the places he visited had been shown in Levison’s other documentaries- his imagery is amazing and the beauty of countries such as Afghanistan Georgia and etc is so well written. He is able to show beauty and create intrigue in to places that have certain stereotypes.
I am really looking forward to reading ‘Arabia’ and seeing the documentary on TV and also his book out later this year which is for children.
🌍👨🏻🕌🏔🗺
November 24, 2021
A surprisingly readable account of what is essentially a student's gap year travels. Lots of people (myself included) have a similar tale, mostly either self-published or sitting in a draft format in a Word file. And most of them (mine included) are really of limited interest or insight.
Eastern Horizons, by the now-famous Levison Wood who was then a 22-year-old travelling student keeping a few notes in a journal like the rest of us, ought to fall into the same category, and in patches early on it does - the clichéd description of the Moscow underground lines almost entirely matches my own observations at the time, for example, and nothing kills a travel book like seeing your own mundane observations in it.
But it picks up as Wood enters the road less travelled - the Caucasus, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan - and maybe also as his travelling companion returns home, allowing the locals to take his place in the story. Highlights are the impious Iranian, the exploration of Afghan politics in light of the recent coalition invasion, the near-fatal crash in the Afghan mountains, the surprising degradation of the Golden Temple of Amritsar, and the epilogue, the true test of Silk Road hospitality as he returns to visit one of those he met as part of the From Russia To Iran series.
Eastern Horizons, by the now-famous Levison Wood who was then a 22-year-old travelling student keeping a few notes in a journal like the rest of us, ought to fall into the same category, and in patches early on it does - the clichéd description of the Moscow underground lines almost entirely matches my own observations at the time, for example, and nothing kills a travel book like seeing your own mundane observations in it.
But it picks up as Wood enters the road less travelled - the Caucasus, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan - and maybe also as his travelling companion returns home, allowing the locals to take his place in the story. Highlights are the impious Iranian, the exploration of Afghan politics in light of the recent coalition invasion, the near-fatal crash in the Afghan mountains, the surprising degradation of the Golden Temple of Amritsar, and the epilogue, the true test of Silk Road hospitality as he returns to visit one of those he met as part of the From Russia To Iran series.
September 10, 2024
Levison Wood's Eastern Horizons: Hitchhiking the Silk Road is a gripping and immersive account of adventure, exploration, and self-discovery. Wood, who is well-known for his extensive travels, retraces the ancient Silk Road, blending historical insight with his own personal experiences. His vivid descriptions of the diverse landscapes and cultures he encounters—from the bustling streets of St. Petersburg to the remote, rugged terrains of Afghanistan and Iran—make you feel as though you’re traveling alongside him. His writing strikes a balance between poetic and practical, offering readers a genuine sense of what it’s like to traverse one of the world's most storied routes, all while hitchhiking his way through it.
What sets Eastern Horizons apart is Wood's curiosity and deep respect for the people he meets along the way. His encounters range from warm, hospitable locals to complex, challenging situations, and his reflections on these moments add layers of introspection and humility to the narrative. As he grapples with geopolitical tensions, the remnants of Soviet influence, and the intricacies of modern-day life along the Silk Road, the book becomes more than just a travelogue—it’s a thoughtful exploration of humanity and connection across borders. For anyone with a thirst for adventure or a deep appreciation for history, this book is a captivating read.
What sets Eastern Horizons apart is Wood's curiosity and deep respect for the people he meets along the way. His encounters range from warm, hospitable locals to complex, challenging situations, and his reflections on these moments add layers of introspection and humility to the narrative. As he grapples with geopolitical tensions, the remnants of Soviet influence, and the intricacies of modern-day life along the Silk Road, the book becomes more than just a travelogue—it’s a thoughtful exploration of humanity and connection across borders. For anyone with a thirst for adventure or a deep appreciation for history, this book is a captivating read.
March 30, 2025
“The Silk Road: it was the backbone of world trade for hundreds of years, and yet now there is barely a trace of it. This was the same path of the great Persian invasions, and later, those of the Mongol hordes. Its trail led to Central Asia and to Afghanistan and beyond that, India and China. Its followers, with their great caravans of camels laden with great treasures, traversed some of the highest mountains on earth to acquire the silk of the Far East and spices of the subcontinent.”
This book would send a shudder down FCDO officials spines as it contravenes all travel advice and could not be replicated today. As mentioned in the epilogue it’s a journey that took place before smartphones and relied mostly on the kindness of strangers.
It’s a journey a foolhardy youth would take, and it will bring back memories of you doing things in your youth that you would never replicate, but brings to life that sense of adventure and also your ability to drink hard and wake up early the next morning and do it all over again.
The story that appealed to me most was the one of Lev losing his wallet and the Army officer (2Lt James Whitehurst) sending him it back and proffering him advice on how to join the Army when asked. That advice: “… and above all, travel.” It’s a good life mantra and one the author took to heart in this novel.
This book would send a shudder down FCDO officials spines as it contravenes all travel advice and could not be replicated today. As mentioned in the epilogue it’s a journey that took place before smartphones and relied mostly on the kindness of strangers.
It’s a journey a foolhardy youth would take, and it will bring back memories of you doing things in your youth that you would never replicate, but brings to life that sense of adventure and also your ability to drink hard and wake up early the next morning and do it all over again.
The story that appealed to me most was the one of Lev losing his wallet and the Army officer (2Lt James Whitehurst) sending him it back and proffering him advice on how to join the Army when asked. That advice: “… and above all, travel.” It’s a good life mantra and one the author took to heart in this novel.
November 8, 2018
Thank goodness for Levison Wood for going on these journeys when so many of us-- for whatever reason: age, gender, sanity-- may not be able to do such an undertaking. Traveling overland 10, 000 miles from Estonia to India, Wood brings back adventure travel to its 18th and 19th century heyday when exploration for Europeans was so new. Wood revives the wonder in the world around us and gives us a glimpse into peoples who remain a mystery to much of the world. During his voyage, which he modeled after traveler Arthur Connelly, Wood straddles the boundary of being completely immersed in ancient cultures and chafing under the interference of the modern world and tourist. He captures the highs of travel and its lows of loneliness; anyone who has found themselves alone and vulnerable in a foreign land will relate.
What I appreciate about his observations about the people he meets is that recounts them as they are-- with all of their biases, angles, hospitality, and friendship. He doesn't editorialize or try to fix the worlds problems. He just explains what he sees and shows us what life is like elsewhere.
What I appreciate about his observations about the people he meets is that recounts them as they are-- with all of their biases, angles, hospitality, and friendship. He doesn't editorialize or try to fix the worlds problems. He just explains what he sees and shows us what life is like elsewhere.
October 13, 2018
Having been a bit of a global traveller myself, I was looking forward to this book a to, especially as I heard the author speak at a book festival. Travelling on a very tight budget is one thing but the early part of the book got a bit bogged down in off-your-face descriptions of nights and days on vodka. Perhaps that explains why he, occasionally, lost patience with places and just moved on. The experience, as written, isn't terribly well balanced. The last country, India, is rushed in at the end. I have the feeling it is the 'macho' element that sells the books rather than their contribution to good travel writing of the sort Palin provides. Unlike Charlie Boorman's books, it doesn't make me want to ht the road again.
January 12, 2019
I love Levison’s books and TV series’... he always makes me feel incredibly guilty for not having travelled more and for turning my nose up at the thought of slumming it in cheap hostels and the like! This was another fantastic read from Levison and a very interesting insight into how he travelled pre-TV crew and at such a young age. However, I felt there were important parts of the journey he skimmed over... he talks throughout the book of how much he is looking forward to reaching Goa and then gives you nothing at all when he gets there! The ending felt super rushed and for that, he loses a star. Otherwise, well worth a read and I can’t wait to get my hands on his next book!
December 21, 2021
This book shows how one episode can shape and change your world . I read this during lockdown and the story filled me with colour, light and hope In humanity.. I enjoyed the fact this story ran over a few years. The whole journey was both exhilarating and at times filled me with dread . We live in a world with so many barriers, prejudices, hatred and injustices. This book reminded me that there are wonderful people who see the beauty in taking the time to see the world and to get to know the people they meet . Of course there is alot of adventures and challenges but Levison deals with it in his unique way
February 26, 2019
I brought the book along for a long weekend trip to read on the underground, the plane and the train, and I got drawn into Wood's account immediately. I'm a fairly slow reader, and so it is something to finish it in four days. I loved the engaging tone, and the voice of the serious 22-year-old going overland through Russia, Georgia, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan and onto the Indian subcontinent. Others have said that the ending seemed a bit hurried, but this is completely understandable as India is rather tame compared to the other places!
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