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More Manchester Than Mongolia: An Unexpected Road Trip Through Back Road Britain
The Comic Memoir of a Grand Plan Gone Wrong“I haven’t laughed so much at the written word since Pam Ayres released Some of Me Poetry in 1976!” Drew Johnson, author of the Andalucian Adventures series
WINNER: Readers' Favorite 5* Seal
FINALIST: The Wishing Shelf Book Awards Adult Non Fiction
When Jackie and Mark bought The Beast, a vintage, six-wheel army lorry sight unseen off the internet, they planned the ultimate overland adventure to Mongolia with their four dogs. But when COVID-19 slammed shut international borders – it abruptly rerouted their dream.
Stranded in the U.K., they tackle life on the road in a home-built truck camper laughably over-engineered for the quaint English countryside. What follows is a laugh-out-loud British road trip, filled with mishaps, mechanical mayhem – and the hidden marvels of their homeland.
Blending travel tales with dogs, wit, and heart, More Manchester than Mongolia is a celebration of embracing life when it doesn’t go to plan. Perfect for fans of Bill Bryson, Tony Hawks, and Mark Wallington, this is a funny, feel-good memoir of resilience, rediscovery, and finding that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones we never intended to take.
WINNER: Readers' Favorite 5* Seal
FINALIST: The Wishing Shelf Book Awards Adult Non Fiction
When Jackie and Mark bought The Beast, a vintage, six-wheel army lorry sight unseen off the internet, they planned the ultimate overland adventure to Mongolia with their four dogs. But when COVID-19 slammed shut international borders – it abruptly rerouted their dream.
Stranded in the U.K., they tackle life on the road in a home-built truck camper laughably over-engineered for the quaint English countryside. What follows is a laugh-out-loud British road trip, filled with mishaps, mechanical mayhem – and the hidden marvels of their homeland.
Blending travel tales with dogs, wit, and heart, More Manchester than Mongolia is a celebration of embracing life when it doesn’t go to plan. Perfect for fans of Bill Bryson, Tony Hawks, and Mark Wallington, this is a funny, feel-good memoir of resilience, rediscovery, and finding that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones we never intended to take.
- GenresTravelNonfictionMemoir
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2025
42 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Lambert
10 books77 followersJacqueline Lambert is a multi-award-winning travel writer, who has authored a series of light-hearted travelogues.
These follow her journey A.D. (After Dog) when she quit work to embark on a permanent road trip around Europe with her husband and four Cavapoo pups.
A dedicated adventurer, B.C. (Before Canines) she rafted, rock climbed, and backpacked around six of the seven continents.
A passionate windsurfer and skier, she can fly a plane, has been bitten by a lion, and appeared as a fire eater on Japanese TV.
These follow her journey A.D. (After Dog) when she quit work to embark on a permanent road trip around Europe with her husband and four Cavapoo pups.
A dedicated adventurer, B.C. (Before Canines) she rafted, rock climbed, and backpacked around six of the seven continents.
A passionate windsurfer and skier, she can fly a plane, has been bitten by a lion, and appeared as a fire eater on Japanese TV.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 5, 2025
The title of this witty ‘travel memoir’ really is the essence of the book,a great title and 100% true
Jaqueline,Mark and their 4 doggies sell up and set off from Bournemouth with ‘The Beast’ their ex army lorry ( and now new home ) with hopes of visiting and exploring Mongolia but due to 2 big resons,Covid and Brexit end up in places like Corby and Mappleton which have to say were fascinating to read about especially Corby with its Irn Bru UK title,we also visited places I know well in Derbyshire ( Ashbourne amongst others ) and learn about The Hacienda ( 2nd book to mention ‘Blue Monday’ in recent weeks )
It really is a trip to places I would have imagined had no or little interest to me but turned out to be fascinating and informative in equal measure
As said the book is very witty,the trials and tribulations they face on their journey are always met with dry humour and ‘lets get on with it’attitude,I think to undertake this kind of experience you need to posses these attributes and they really do
Now there is,due to the time setting,a bit of Covid and even more Brexit talk ( the author makes her views known on both things ) but as say the timing of the adventure meant both things were relevant although maybe I tuned out just a bit occasionally at these times
A really good travel book,different,bright,breezy but honest and true and you cannot but admire the resilience of this remarkable couple and their exciting even though not as planned journeys
Jaqueline,Mark and their 4 doggies sell up and set off from Bournemouth with ‘The Beast’ their ex army lorry ( and now new home ) with hopes of visiting and exploring Mongolia but due to 2 big resons,Covid and Brexit end up in places like Corby and Mappleton which have to say were fascinating to read about especially Corby with its Irn Bru UK title,we also visited places I know well in Derbyshire ( Ashbourne amongst others ) and learn about The Hacienda ( 2nd book to mention ‘Blue Monday’ in recent weeks )
It really is a trip to places I would have imagined had no or little interest to me but turned out to be fascinating and informative in equal measure
As said the book is very witty,the trials and tribulations they face on their journey are always met with dry humour and ‘lets get on with it’attitude,I think to undertake this kind of experience you need to posses these attributes and they really do
Now there is,due to the time setting,a bit of Covid and even more Brexit talk ( the author makes her views known on both things ) but as say the timing of the adventure meant both things were relevant although maybe I tuned out just a bit occasionally at these times
A really good travel book,different,bright,breezy but honest and true and you cannot but admire the resilience of this remarkable couple and their exciting even though not as planned journeys
December 5, 2025
Having read and enjoyed all Jackie Lambert's previous books about her travels with husband Mark and their 'fab four' pooches, I was delighted to be sent an ARC copy of her excellent new memoir. This book is a must read for everyone dreaming of selling up and taking to the road. I absolutely loved it and everything this intrepid couple did in pursuit of the lifestyle they've chosen.
It’s both inspiring and realistic, showing that despite apparently insurmountable problems, it’s possible to overcome almost anything as long as you’re determined to follow your dream. It’s also a fascinating and funny travel memoir focusing on some of Britain’s lesser known places and their unique features.
Prompted by their efforts to solve the mechanical and technical problems arising from their ‘Beast of foreign build’ (an overland camper truck), Jackie and Mark explore more of England than they bargained for, resulting in visits to a number of virtually unknown heritage sites. More byways than highways, their travels encourage Jackie to delve into the history of some of the UK’s unusual, sometimes off-beat, but very special monuments.
The book is a marvellous blend of their efforts to ensure their 'beast' was legally roadworthy; the journeys they made to do so; the highs, lows, humour and drama attached to their successes and failures; and heaps of amazing history. Very highly recommended.
It’s both inspiring and realistic, showing that despite apparently insurmountable problems, it’s possible to overcome almost anything as long as you’re determined to follow your dream. It’s also a fascinating and funny travel memoir focusing on some of Britain’s lesser known places and their unique features.
Prompted by their efforts to solve the mechanical and technical problems arising from their ‘Beast of foreign build’ (an overland camper truck), Jackie and Mark explore more of England than they bargained for, resulting in visits to a number of virtually unknown heritage sites. More byways than highways, their travels encourage Jackie to delve into the history of some of the UK’s unusual, sometimes off-beat, but very special monuments.
The book is a marvellous blend of their efforts to ensure their 'beast' was legally roadworthy; the journeys they made to do so; the highs, lows, humour and drama attached to their successes and failures; and heaps of amazing history. Very highly recommended.
January 31, 2026
Following on from the previous book when the Lamberts invested in a Swedish built Army truck to convert, and after contending with broken promises, pandemic lockdowns and other unforeseen delays, they now have to move into an unfinished Beast or be homeless.
With the trip to Mongolia on hold due to the pandemic other plans are made. On a wing and a prayer the adventure begins on narrow country lanes with hedges and low lying tree branches, unfit for normal traffic let alone a beast 33feet long, 12.6 feet high and 8.4 feet wide!
However on arrival at a self-build get together, apart from the enormous size of the Beast, the interior which was kitted out in colourful tones of surfer paradise and exotic locations, is much admired by the queues wanting a showing. Another envied element was the Beast’s capacity to survive off grid due to its green conversion elements. During other meet ups in the book, we are introduced to others who have escaped to life on the road in large converted trucks, and it is understandable why it might be so appealing.
So the new adventure begins with trial run up to Scotland to travel the newly launched Coast 500. On the way we are introduced to some interesting stop over spots some historical, literary famous, and others providing excellent examples of local food favourites. Fortuitously when needed there was also some exceedingly kind assistance to deal with teething problems. Driving the Beast however, especially on muddy rural lanes and narrow village streets, is a mammoth task requiring strength of mind and body.
What follows is a wonderful guided tour of England via the rugged Yorkshire Moors and down to earth Northern England, with entertaining and informative stops along the route, meeting amazing people with their own fascinating, and often amusing stories to tell. Apart from the flowing narrative, it is also a great guide for anyone planning on doing this trip in a car let alone a caravan.
The history elements alone make compelling reading, and illustrate how amazing Great Britain is when you leave the cities behind and head out into the country with its villages and market towns teeming with interesting stories. There is also some myth dispelling about certain revered figures which are revelations. This is social history at its best. The innovators of the industrial revolution, literary and musical legends are given the royal treatment.
Despite the glorious scenery and wonderful descriptions, as with any maiden voyage there is bound to be snags and some of these are more urgent than others requiring detours, and many hours of research seeking advice and spare parts and resulting in a major change in plans and some backtracking. The beast and its passengers are tested to the limit on some occasions and it says a great deal for their grit and determination that they maintained their passion for their chosen new path in life.
And of course there are the lovely canines that add another delightful element to this already entertaining book.
I enjoyed from the first to last page, and have no hesitation in recommending the book. I look forward to the next adventure.
With the trip to Mongolia on hold due to the pandemic other plans are made. On a wing and a prayer the adventure begins on narrow country lanes with hedges and low lying tree branches, unfit for normal traffic let alone a beast 33feet long, 12.6 feet high and 8.4 feet wide!
However on arrival at a self-build get together, apart from the enormous size of the Beast, the interior which was kitted out in colourful tones of surfer paradise and exotic locations, is much admired by the queues wanting a showing. Another envied element was the Beast’s capacity to survive off grid due to its green conversion elements. During other meet ups in the book, we are introduced to others who have escaped to life on the road in large converted trucks, and it is understandable why it might be so appealing.
So the new adventure begins with trial run up to Scotland to travel the newly launched Coast 500. On the way we are introduced to some interesting stop over spots some historical, literary famous, and others providing excellent examples of local food favourites. Fortuitously when needed there was also some exceedingly kind assistance to deal with teething problems. Driving the Beast however, especially on muddy rural lanes and narrow village streets, is a mammoth task requiring strength of mind and body.
What follows is a wonderful guided tour of England via the rugged Yorkshire Moors and down to earth Northern England, with entertaining and informative stops along the route, meeting amazing people with their own fascinating, and often amusing stories to tell. Apart from the flowing narrative, it is also a great guide for anyone planning on doing this trip in a car let alone a caravan.
The history elements alone make compelling reading, and illustrate how amazing Great Britain is when you leave the cities behind and head out into the country with its villages and market towns teeming with interesting stories. There is also some myth dispelling about certain revered figures which are revelations. This is social history at its best. The innovators of the industrial revolution, literary and musical legends are given the royal treatment.
Despite the glorious scenery and wonderful descriptions, as with any maiden voyage there is bound to be snags and some of these are more urgent than others requiring detours, and many hours of research seeking advice and spare parts and resulting in a major change in plans and some backtracking. The beast and its passengers are tested to the limit on some occasions and it says a great deal for their grit and determination that they maintained their passion for their chosen new path in life.
And of course there are the lovely canines that add another delightful element to this already entertaining book.
I enjoyed from the first to last page, and have no hesitation in recommending the book. I look forward to the next adventure.
November 26, 2025
“…as we’d discovered through five years of Adventure Caravanning, a plan is merely a comedy script, sketched in pencil.”
This quote from More Manchester than Mongolia aptly describes the outcome of Jackie and her husband Mark’s desire to go to Mongolia in their enormous converted truck, ‘The Beast’. Thwarted at every turn by COVID, Brexit and multiple other issues to do with converting a Swedish army truck into a mobile home, the intrepid pair decides that since they no longer have a bricks and mortar home, they will tour Britain instead and make the most of the hand they have been dealt.
In the end it makes perfect sense for them to test the water living and traveling in The Beast in a country where they speak the language, know the geography and are able to access help from multiple willing truck enthusiasts. It turns out they need quite a lot of help.
Jackie is a history buff and her descriptions of the places they travel to are filled with educational details and a little politics here and there for good measure, presented with plenty of quips and witticisms.
As usual the doggy companions are cute, but one of them, Lani, manages to bring her own drama into their chaotic touring life. Luckily all is well after a few vet visits.
Another health scare rears its ugly head for Jackie’s father this time, and she dutifully puts touring on hold to go and look after him.
After ‘practicing’ in the narrow country lanes of England I am sure The Beast and its owners will be back with a much more far flung trip - Albania was hinted at. Nowhere will be too much to handle now for these tried and tested Beast wranglers extraordinaire!
This quote from More Manchester than Mongolia aptly describes the outcome of Jackie and her husband Mark’s desire to go to Mongolia in their enormous converted truck, ‘The Beast’. Thwarted at every turn by COVID, Brexit and multiple other issues to do with converting a Swedish army truck into a mobile home, the intrepid pair decides that since they no longer have a bricks and mortar home, they will tour Britain instead and make the most of the hand they have been dealt.
In the end it makes perfect sense for them to test the water living and traveling in The Beast in a country where they speak the language, know the geography and are able to access help from multiple willing truck enthusiasts. It turns out they need quite a lot of help.
Jackie is a history buff and her descriptions of the places they travel to are filled with educational details and a little politics here and there for good measure, presented with plenty of quips and witticisms.
As usual the doggy companions are cute, but one of them, Lani, manages to bring her own drama into their chaotic touring life. Luckily all is well after a few vet visits.
Another health scare rears its ugly head for Jackie’s father this time, and she dutifully puts touring on hold to go and look after him.
After ‘practicing’ in the narrow country lanes of England I am sure The Beast and its owners will be back with a much more far flung trip - Albania was hinted at. Nowhere will be too much to handle now for these tried and tested Beast wranglers extraordinaire!
November 9, 2025
More Manchester Than Mongolia is a travel memoir. This is the second book in the Wayward Truck series. I haven’t read the first book—Building The Beast—but it is easy enough to pick up the adventure in this book.
Mark and Jackie bought a thirty-year-old Swedish army truck which they converted into a ‘home on the road’. Initially they planned to use it to drive across Europe to Mongolia. However, BREXIT and Covid put paid to their initial ideas.
Instead they set off around Britain, with their four dogs, finding it a useful learning curve for the tweaks and teething troubles needed to keep the truck going. Along the way they made many new friends and found like minded people who were generous with their help and advice.
As the truck pootled along at its maximum 45mph on roads from Bournemouth to Lancashire, Jackie added details about some of the places that they visited. I particularly enjoyed learning all about the truck and how they adapted to life on the road.
Mark and Jackie bought a thirty-year-old Swedish army truck which they converted into a ‘home on the road’. Initially they planned to use it to drive across Europe to Mongolia. However, BREXIT and Covid put paid to their initial ideas.
Instead they set off around Britain, with their four dogs, finding it a useful learning curve for the tweaks and teething troubles needed to keep the truck going. Along the way they made many new friends and found like minded people who were generous with their help and advice.
As the truck pootled along at its maximum 45mph on roads from Bournemouth to Lancashire, Jackie added details about some of the places that they visited. I particularly enjoyed learning all about the truck and how they adapted to life on the road.
November 12, 2025
People frequently say ‘You couldn't make it up' Well, after reading Chapter 1 of 'More Manchester than Mongolia' I know it's a fact, you just couldn't! I was astounded at the events leading up to Departure Day in The Beast. Jackie and Mark and their four pups head off, ready or not, into a road trip round England and new adventures.
I absolutely loved this book. Jackie is such a wonderfully warm and witty writer whose sharp observations had me almost crying with laughter at times. I also love her interest in and appreciation of the history of the places they visit. I now have several of them, like the Ribblehead Viaduct and Malmesbury, that I would love to see myself having read Jackie's beautiful, and well researched descriptions.
However, despite all their trials and tribulations and search for replacement Trilex tyres and other trucky issues, mostly all had eventually been resolved. I'm impressed by their cheerful outlook and sheer adaptability. Their wanderings took them to fascinating places and more laybys than they had maybe anticipated. The bonus was that they had found contentment with their chosen lifestyle. Happy trucking. I was delighted to be given an ARC copy of the book, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion. Many thanks Jackie.
I absolutely loved this book. Jackie is such a wonderfully warm and witty writer whose sharp observations had me almost crying with laughter at times. I also love her interest in and appreciation of the history of the places they visit. I now have several of them, like the Ribblehead Viaduct and Malmesbury, that I would love to see myself having read Jackie's beautiful, and well researched descriptions.
However, despite all their trials and tribulations and search for replacement Trilex tyres and other trucky issues, mostly all had eventually been resolved. I'm impressed by their cheerful outlook and sheer adaptability. Their wanderings took them to fascinating places and more laybys than they had maybe anticipated. The bonus was that they had found contentment with their chosen lifestyle. Happy trucking. I was delighted to be given an ARC copy of the book, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion. Many thanks Jackie.
October 25, 2025
More Manchester than Mongolia: Not so much a road trip round Britain, more a How DID we do that? Why did we go up there? Well - we know not to do THAT again! trip around Britain. Every chapter another adventure or near disaster, told in Jackie's endearing and humorous fashion. I like the mix of travel, history and humor. It's something I've enjoyed in Jackie's previous books, and it's well-balanced it so it doesn't feel like you're reading a history book. Being a Yorkshire lass, my absolute favorite part of the book was set there. I cried with laughter, all the way through the chapter. Brilliant writing. Whether Jackie, Mark, and the Fab Four Cavappoos get to Mongolia or not, I.hope she keeps writing about their adventures. I love them.
I was asked by Jackie to be a Beta reader, but this is my honest and unsolicited opinion.
I was asked by Jackie to be a Beta reader, but this is my honest and unsolicited opinion.
December 4, 2025
I have read a few travel memoir books this year and this one was as fun, warm and witty as any of them. Jackie, Mark and their four loyal dogs are stopped (literally) in their tracks with the Covid pandemic but make alternative plans to travel the UK in The Beast, their ex-army brick of a home. From Hebden Bridge to Ironbridge, Bridestones to Bournemouth there are lay-bys, Lorry Life Bingo, mechanical challenges and family health decisions along the way. Amidst the serious moments there are some wonderfully funny parts - A Moon with a View had me in tears of laughter. I loved the concepts that home is a feeling when you stop searching, that family is everything, that our beautiful country has much to offer and that as long as there is wine there is no need for a plan B. Just brilliant.
December 4, 2025
Jacqueline Lambert has a most delightful sense of humour! I thoroughly enjoyed ‘More Manchester than Mongolia’ with its perfect balance of wit and history; adventures and dramas. Embarking on an unknown journey with The Beast and Pawsome Foursome, I found much inspiration in this memoir, most particularly the author’s observation about ‘ovaries’ causing consternation behind the wheel of The Beast! I’m determined to try new adventures now.
Favourite quote: “…there’s no reason why you can’t do it – it's not a feat of physical prowess.”
Favourite quote: “…there’s no reason why you can’t do it – it's not a feat of physical prowess.”
October 27, 2025
This intrepid adventure led by Jackie, Mark and their four spirited canines will have you laughing out loud and wondering whether your own tentative foray into the unknown might just have merit. Are there really answers to all the innumerable ordeals they are facing? Read on to find out. Hilarious and uplifting, this author has written another winner. I was given an Advance Review Copy of this book but this is my honest and unbiased review.
February 24, 2026
I must say, Jackie and Mark (plus 4 dogs) were very brave to have taken such a large mobile home out along the sometimes narrow and winding UK roads. Jackie writes of the trials and tribulations of travelling in The Beast with a dry wit that is very amusing. She has a positive outlook on life, and this shines through the pages. I felt as though I travelled along with them as they set off from Bournemouth in the south and drove north, with Jackie sometimes having to jump outside to guide driver Mark along treacherous country roads towards pubs/restaurants or overnight camping sites. Jackie also researched the towns they visited, and she adds some history and interesting nuggets of information for an armchair traveller like myself.
Jackie and Mark sold their home to buy The Beast, and they live an altogether freer and alternative lifestyle that would not suit everybody. However, it suits them, and all I can say is that their escapades and mishaps make for good, light reading. The Beast causes much interest wherever they go, especially when they need to get one of their unusual tyres replaced!
I give this book 5 stars. I'm happy to reside in my sturdy 1940s house, but kudos to Jackie and her husband for living their dream and enjoying a new adventure every day.
Jackie and Mark sold their home to buy The Beast, and they live an altogether freer and alternative lifestyle that would not suit everybody. However, it suits them, and all I can say is that their escapades and mishaps make for good, light reading. The Beast causes much interest wherever they go, especially when they need to get one of their unusual tyres replaced!
I give this book 5 stars. I'm happy to reside in my sturdy 1940s house, but kudos to Jackie and her husband for living their dream and enjoying a new adventure every day.
December 4, 2025
There is nothing more self-evident in the life of the pilgrim and the wanderer, than the kindness of strangers....even in one's own back garden. More Manchester than Mongolia is a hart warming memoire of the author's unsinkable optimism in humanity.
The world is as small, or as large as we choose to view it. Jackie Lambert in More Manchester than Mongolia, chooses to see the whole world. Putting fear and convention to one side, she shows no reservation nor hesitation about driving a veritable nuclear fallout shelter-on-wheels (named simply: Beast) up and down the English countryside to soak up the best the British Isles has to offer to those willing to actually look! Jackie chooses to look and see the goodness of the land, and the people, finding beauty in uncertainty, speaking with strangers in her own "back garden", trusting a new neighbour's word, and giving and receiving kindness.
More Manchester than Mongolia is a gem of a guidebook not only for the back roads and back country of Great Britain but also about how to get the most out of the experience, of being...being alive, being here, being a human being.
True to the experience of vehicular vagabonding, Jackie, hiding nothing, captures and pulls the reader with her into the acute dread in those pivotal moments on a journey when the improbable slips into the gaps between meticulous planning and flawless navigation, jamming up the gears. In these times, Jackie and her travel companion must surrender to the goodness of others, open to receiving kindness without being able to reciprocate like for like, but offering connection over topics that are not mission critical...but oh, so needed as neighbours on this shrinking planet.
These, yes these(!) moments are the golden memories that linger in the afterglow of an adventure and journey, that Jackie has so beautifully captured without pretense.
With the world seemingly pulling apart at the seams, I highly recommend a dose of Jackie's perspective to help remedy any hopelessness you may currently be experiencing. And then...go get lost in your own back garden!
The world is as small, or as large as we choose to view it. Jackie Lambert in More Manchester than Mongolia, chooses to see the whole world. Putting fear and convention to one side, she shows no reservation nor hesitation about driving a veritable nuclear fallout shelter-on-wheels (named simply: Beast) up and down the English countryside to soak up the best the British Isles has to offer to those willing to actually look! Jackie chooses to look and see the goodness of the land, and the people, finding beauty in uncertainty, speaking with strangers in her own "back garden", trusting a new neighbour's word, and giving and receiving kindness.
More Manchester than Mongolia is a gem of a guidebook not only for the back roads and back country of Great Britain but also about how to get the most out of the experience, of being...being alive, being here, being a human being.
True to the experience of vehicular vagabonding, Jackie, hiding nothing, captures and pulls the reader with her into the acute dread in those pivotal moments on a journey when the improbable slips into the gaps between meticulous planning and flawless navigation, jamming up the gears. In these times, Jackie and her travel companion must surrender to the goodness of others, open to receiving kindness without being able to reciprocate like for like, but offering connection over topics that are not mission critical...but oh, so needed as neighbours on this shrinking planet.
These, yes these(!) moments are the golden memories that linger in the afterglow of an adventure and journey, that Jackie has so beautifully captured without pretense.
With the world seemingly pulling apart at the seams, I highly recommend a dose of Jackie's perspective to help remedy any hopelessness you may currently be experiencing. And then...go get lost in your own back garden!
December 11, 2025
Jacqueline Lambert is a hero.
So is her partner, Mark
Their sheer grit and determination saw a dream birthed into a nightmare that left them homeless before they could start road life again.
Her memoir of travel around the UK in The Beast – complete with four dogs - is highly entertaining and her comedic timing with punchlines is finely practiced.
From the first page, I smiled. Laughed too, and even groaned, as I journeyed with her across a landscape of uncertainty, frustration and unmet expectations – authentic road life in full technicolour humour!
Like a hero, the author constantly sees the upside and pokes fun at their predicaments.
Lambert’s finely honed narrative orchestrates perpetual visuals of chaos, and opportunities for readers to breathe again — eventually — after laughing at the unintended chaos they live through hour by hour.
I’ve read Lambert’s earlier work, and it’s clear her mastery of the written word continues to grow with each book she publishes.
So, read, enjoy, smile, laugh but do not emulate them and choose road life in a BEAST.
So is her partner, Mark
Their sheer grit and determination saw a dream birthed into a nightmare that left them homeless before they could start road life again.
Her memoir of travel around the UK in The Beast – complete with four dogs - is highly entertaining and her comedic timing with punchlines is finely practiced.
From the first page, I smiled. Laughed too, and even groaned, as I journeyed with her across a landscape of uncertainty, frustration and unmet expectations – authentic road life in full technicolour humour!
Like a hero, the author constantly sees the upside and pokes fun at their predicaments.
Lambert’s finely honed narrative orchestrates perpetual visuals of chaos, and opportunities for readers to breathe again — eventually — after laughing at the unintended chaos they live through hour by hour.
I’ve read Lambert’s earlier work, and it’s clear her mastery of the written word continues to grow with each book she publishes.
So, read, enjoy, smile, laugh but do not emulate them and choose road life in a BEAST.
November 15, 2025
I have always loved following the escapades of Jackie, Mark and the awesome pawsome. This one is the best yet. brought home a lot of memories of places I've lived. Written with humour and love. Awesome book.
December 3, 2025
Jackie continues to delight with her ongoing adventures. Her books are a wonderful anthology of travelogue, history, local knowledge and humour, along with the occasional seemingly insurmountable. She inspires you to take up travelling and with this book makes it so easy for those UK based.
I’d encourage anyone and everyone to read this, but prepare for some light nights. It’s not easy to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’d encourage anyone and everyone to read this, but prepare for some light nights. It’s not easy to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 9, 2025
More Manchester than Mongolia is a fun, heartwarming, funny tale of a road trip around Britain that came about following COVID-19 and international borders being shut.
After buying an old military lorry, Jackie and Mark planned an adventure to Mongolia, but Covid put a stop to that, so they embarked on a British expedition instead. Along the way, encountering breakdowns, calamities and lots of laughs while discovering the wonders of their homeland, the Great British Isles.
So all in all, I throughly enjoyed this read. It's down to earth, it's genuine, authentic and honest-to-goodness.
I read this over one blustery winter weekend in December.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
After buying an old military lorry, Jackie and Mark planned an adventure to Mongolia, but Covid put a stop to that, so they embarked on a British expedition instead. Along the way, encountering breakdowns, calamities and lots of laughs while discovering the wonders of their homeland, the Great British Isles.
So all in all, I throughly enjoyed this read. It's down to earth, it's genuine, authentic and honest-to-goodness.
I read this over one blustery winter weekend in December.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
December 11, 2025
More Manchester than Mongolia is a witty and brutally honest true story of the trials and tribulations of being a nomad - especially during Covid and with the consequences of Brexit.
I found Jacqueline Lambert’s writing to be easy to read and educational. I loved reading about their discoveries in our nation, I definitely haven’t explored it enough.
I particularly liked the cover and who doesn’t love a book with dogs in!
I found Jacqueline Lambert’s writing to be easy to read and educational. I loved reading about their discoveries in our nation, I definitely haven’t explored it enough.
I particularly liked the cover and who doesn’t love a book with dogs in!
December 8, 2025
If you wait until everything is perfect, you will never leave home. That was my main takeaway from the book, and it is so true when it comes to travel. Like Jacqueline, I live (and love) to travel, so I thoroughly enjoyed her and Mark’s adventures in their massive vintage truck. Even during COVID, they found amazing things to see and do with their four dogs. Sometimes it’s much more enjoyable to armchair travel than to pack, drive, and fly to get somewhere beautiful. This book did just that for me, so I highly recommend the entertaining “More Manchester Than Mongolia”.
December 4, 2025
You won’t have read many ‘words’ before you are grinning, chuckling, then laughing out loud! You’ll know you have a book in front of you that’s going to keep you amused and entertained for hours. Enjoy a leisurely journey around the back roads of Britain with The Fab Four Plus Two! Though the speed limit is six-zero, the obstacle course means that it is never achieved. Life is always so very eventful for The Beast and those who travel onboard, around nearly every corner. Jackie was getting used to their increasingly aleatory existence. Wonderfully detailed descriptions…of everything. It’s also very educational and informative. The story is told with such wit and humour, and an optimistic approach to life that is so refreshing, and a delight to read! Highly recommend this enjoyable book!!
December 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, I myself come from Manchester and some of the places the beast visited like Hebden Bridge brought back childhood memories for me. There were lots of ups and downs on the journey especially where the beast needed it's tyres changed.
I can't wait to learn about the next adventures.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I can't wait to learn about the next adventures.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 17, 2025
Originally planning to travel across Europe and to Mongolia, Brexit and Covid forced Jackie and Mark Lambert to change their plans.
Having sold their house to buy a motorised home, a huge expedition truck sold by the Belgian army, they set off for Scotland.
Lambert has an infectious enthusiasm for local history and brings the various UK locations to life as she describes landmarks, significant former residents, regional dialects and culinary highlights.
The Beast occasionally had mechanical issues and the kindness of strangers often helped resolve them. Jacqueline recalled a comment on a social media post saying "I used to hate changing those tyres" and when disaster struck she contacted the person who then called the tyre shop to explain the process of dismantling the wheel.
I won't recount all the adventures because they're in the book for you to discover.
If you're looking for a warm hearted and amusing memoir which will tell you more about the quirks of the UK than you ever knew, this is the book for you.
Having sold their house to buy a motorised home, a huge expedition truck sold by the Belgian army, they set off for Scotland.
Lambert has an infectious enthusiasm for local history and brings the various UK locations to life as she describes landmarks, significant former residents, regional dialects and culinary highlights.
The Beast occasionally had mechanical issues and the kindness of strangers often helped resolve them. Jacqueline recalled a comment on a social media post saying "I used to hate changing those tyres" and when disaster struck she contacted the person who then called the tyre shop to explain the process of dismantling the wheel.
I won't recount all the adventures because they're in the book for you to discover.
If you're looking for a warm hearted and amusing memoir which will tell you more about the quirks of the UK than you ever knew, this is the book for you.
November 12, 2025
‘I received an advance review copy of this book free of charge, but am voluntarily leaving my own unbiased review.’ I don’t know how some people manage some of the things they do. Buying an army truck from Europe and making it into a camper wasn’t an easy job. Electricity, propane, plumbing, etc and that is just getting started. Covid cancels their trip to Mongolia (thank heavens) as there was a lot they didn’t know about their new vehicle. The best thing that happened was they spent years touring their country—something so many of us don’t do. I wish this book was available before I lived in England as there are so many places I would like to visit and some of the history is very interesting. I really love the sayings and some of the chapters are hilarious. The good thing about the internet is the ability to find somebody that can help and they needed quite a bit of help with their new camper. Now that they have spent so much time in it and learned the ends and outs maybe they will be able to take the trip thru Europe and we will have another wonderful book to read!!
December 25, 2025
Brexit. Boris Johnson. Covid-19. U.S. politics. What next, God? (The answer is: a crisis involving a blind, ageing relative, but let's not get ahead of the story.)
This author and her husband are life-long, dedicated world travelers. Childless and with some assets (in the form of rental property) they reach middle age and are made redundant (laid off to us) or quit their jobs voluntarily. The story changes, but it doesn't matter.
They acquire "The Beast"- a massive military vehicle and prepare for an overland trip to Mongolia. Then Brexit (she's opposed) ended the ease of travel in other Common Market countries for Brits. Now they would have to acquire visas and abide by the 90-day tourist limitations the English faced before they joined the group.
Still, they forged on. They continued with the coversion of The Beast into an RV, an undertaking as big as the vehicle itself. Pep Boys does NOT carry parts for military monsters. They sold their house and were temporarily homeless while their on-again-off-again renovator jogged on his merry way. Eventually, they figured, they WOULD get overseas.
Then a world-wide pandemic hit. Suddenly, leaving the country at all was almost impossible. Switching gears, they decided to enjoy a "staycation" - not staying home (since they no longer HAD a home) but traveling around England. They headed north, planning to explore Scotland. They were wowwed by the beauty of England. We travel all over the world to see exotic spots, but forget the breath-taking places close to home. Isn't that the way?
With four dogs, they faced the difficulties of travel in an over-sized vehicle, combined with the erratic width of English roads and lanes. Everyone was charmed by The Beast, but getting her around in the the countryside was fraught.
There were the usual breakdowns, such as all motorized vehicles experience. In this case, getting parts and finding workmen who would dare to tackle the job was an added headache. Some of the initial work had not been done correctly. It was a shake-down period, but once they got the bugs out, they'd be ready to head for Mongolia.
Not quite. Before they got to Scotland, another crisis loomed. Middle-aged people have elderly parents and (no matter how independent) those parents sometimes need help. So The Beast became a stationary home while they dealt with her father's blindness and other health problems.
I learned a LOT Of English history reading this book, in a very entertaining way. The author has an inquiring mind and retells the things she learns in a way you want to know them, too. It's not just a travel book, but the story of what the author experienced on her unexpected, but happy vacation.
Anyone who likes to read off-beat, well-written books about unusual travel will enjoy this one.
This author and her husband are life-long, dedicated world travelers. Childless and with some assets (in the form of rental property) they reach middle age and are made redundant (laid off to us) or quit their jobs voluntarily. The story changes, but it doesn't matter.
They acquire "The Beast"- a massive military vehicle and prepare for an overland trip to Mongolia. Then Brexit (she's opposed) ended the ease of travel in other Common Market countries for Brits. Now they would have to acquire visas and abide by the 90-day tourist limitations the English faced before they joined the group.
Still, they forged on. They continued with the coversion of The Beast into an RV, an undertaking as big as the vehicle itself. Pep Boys does NOT carry parts for military monsters. They sold their house and were temporarily homeless while their on-again-off-again renovator jogged on his merry way. Eventually, they figured, they WOULD get overseas.
Then a world-wide pandemic hit. Suddenly, leaving the country at all was almost impossible. Switching gears, they decided to enjoy a "staycation" - not staying home (since they no longer HAD a home) but traveling around England. They headed north, planning to explore Scotland. They were wowwed by the beauty of England. We travel all over the world to see exotic spots, but forget the breath-taking places close to home. Isn't that the way?
With four dogs, they faced the difficulties of travel in an over-sized vehicle, combined with the erratic width of English roads and lanes. Everyone was charmed by The Beast, but getting her around in the the countryside was fraught.
There were the usual breakdowns, such as all motorized vehicles experience. In this case, getting parts and finding workmen who would dare to tackle the job was an added headache. Some of the initial work had not been done correctly. It was a shake-down period, but once they got the bugs out, they'd be ready to head for Mongolia.
Not quite. Before they got to Scotland, another crisis loomed. Middle-aged people have elderly parents and (no matter how independent) those parents sometimes need help. So The Beast became a stationary home while they dealt with her father's blindness and other health problems.
I learned a LOT Of English history reading this book, in a very entertaining way. The author has an inquiring mind and retells the things she learns in a way you want to know them, too. It's not just a travel book, but the story of what the author experienced on her unexpected, but happy vacation.
Anyone who likes to read off-beat, well-written books about unusual travel will enjoy this one.
February 8, 2026
After reading the first book in this series, it was a given I had to read this one. Lambert has an interesting way of sharing her storied journeys, including lots of nuggets of wisdom shared along the journey, written as though she’s speaking directly to us in her stories and descriptions.
In this book, the author shares the story about their journey through the UK in their converted, newly re-fitted (Swedish army tank) – perhaps, not yet finished, as the author, her hubby Mark, and their dog family attempt to drive to Scotland as a test drive with their new monster vehicle/home. Narrow ancient roads and all, this beast is moving! Maybe just not to Mongolia. And maybe they don’t even make it to Scotland!
Time constraints with the length it took to convert this vehicle – and Covid and Brexit, got them to a late finish, and ultimately, leaving them no choice but to move into the vehicle before, let’s say, all was perfected. Brexit added to making travel that much harder for Brits going to the EU. Praying for luck, the Beast sets out, first facing some very narrow country roads, which the author describes perfectly with added hilarity. And not to mention the many passerbyers who are marveled at such a creation. Trials and tribulations abound from sticky crossings, to broken windshield(s), to new tires required, let’s not forget about visa issues, add some electrical issues and getting stuck in soggy grounds, and just about any obstacle to put a pause on things, will happen. But then there are always – the people we meet along the way that just helps to make life better – especially at times you really need them.
On the maiden jaunt north to Scotland, the Lamberts encounter some interesting twists and turns, and some interesting people along the way, as well as the author sharing of some interesting literary sights in her detailed journey and guided tours of people, places, and events of some of the UK’s rich history. And some very helpful information for fellow RVers along the way.
A few poignant quotes from the author and what inspired the journey sums up the adventure perfectly:
“The path Mark and I have chosen is not just a way of living. It’s a means to reclaim freedom in a society that tells you to anchor yourself with a house, mortgage, and possessions. Preferably ones you need to get in debt to afford.”
“Our lifestyle offers something different. It offers time. Time to explore, to think, to breathe. And time to be present in an existence that rushes by too quickly.”
“From our obsession with travel, we had already learned that happiness doesn’t come from things; it comes from experience. And we’d observed that variety, and breaking out of everyday patterns, had the side effect of making time appear to slow down.”
In this book, the author shares the story about their journey through the UK in their converted, newly re-fitted (Swedish army tank) – perhaps, not yet finished, as the author, her hubby Mark, and their dog family attempt to drive to Scotland as a test drive with their new monster vehicle/home. Narrow ancient roads and all, this beast is moving! Maybe just not to Mongolia. And maybe they don’t even make it to Scotland!
Time constraints with the length it took to convert this vehicle – and Covid and Brexit, got them to a late finish, and ultimately, leaving them no choice but to move into the vehicle before, let’s say, all was perfected. Brexit added to making travel that much harder for Brits going to the EU. Praying for luck, the Beast sets out, first facing some very narrow country roads, which the author describes perfectly with added hilarity. And not to mention the many passerbyers who are marveled at such a creation. Trials and tribulations abound from sticky crossings, to broken windshield(s), to new tires required, let’s not forget about visa issues, add some electrical issues and getting stuck in soggy grounds, and just about any obstacle to put a pause on things, will happen. But then there are always – the people we meet along the way that just helps to make life better – especially at times you really need them.
On the maiden jaunt north to Scotland, the Lamberts encounter some interesting twists and turns, and some interesting people along the way, as well as the author sharing of some interesting literary sights in her detailed journey and guided tours of people, places, and events of some of the UK’s rich history. And some very helpful information for fellow RVers along the way.
A few poignant quotes from the author and what inspired the journey sums up the adventure perfectly:
“The path Mark and I have chosen is not just a way of living. It’s a means to reclaim freedom in a society that tells you to anchor yourself with a house, mortgage, and possessions. Preferably ones you need to get in debt to afford.”
“Our lifestyle offers something different. It offers time. Time to explore, to think, to breathe. And time to be present in an existence that rushes by too quickly.”
“From our obsession with travel, we had already learned that happiness doesn’t come from things; it comes from experience. And we’d observed that variety, and breaking out of everyday patterns, had the side effect of making time appear to slow down.”
December 16, 2025
Lambert, her partner Mark and four delightfully independent pooches have been traveling for a number of years, mostly towing a caravan around Europe. At the beginning of 2020 they decided to up their game by purchasing and modifying a large military transport – a Volvo N10 they dubbed 'The Beast'. Their intention was to travel to and around Mongolia. They needed something that would be capable of handling rough terrain and enable all six of them to live off-grid for weeks on end.
By the time the conversion was complete circumstances, including COVID and Brexit, had conspired to make that dream impossible, at least for now. Instead they decided to remain in the UK and travel around Scotland.
That plan, too, came awry and they found themselves confined mainly to the Midlands and North West of England. Which proved to be a blessing in disguise for they soon found that they were de-bugging the many complexities embodied in both the vehicle and their DIY conversion.
This snag finding and fixing process forms the core of the book, alongside some very interesting historical facts centered on the different English destinations they were able to visit.
Lambert is an accomplished travel writer with several other books about the sextet's many past journeys already published. She is brilliant at highlighting the comedic aspects of their many trials and tribulations. Her exposition of historical events is delivered with a similarly light touch. Her honesty in fearlessly exposing mistakes and the impact of their life style on family members is admirable.
This is a book for lovers of travel – the real stuff, not comfortable tourism. It's a book for dog lovers: the 'pawesome foursome' are an important element of the book which includes an episode in which one of the canines became seriously ill.
Above all, it is a book for anyone who dreams big and lacks the courage to pursue those dreams. Jackie, Mark and their canine entourage not only have done it but they show you how and at what cost.
As a member of Rosie Amber's review team I received a free copy of More Manchester than Mongolia in December 2025.
By the time the conversion was complete circumstances, including COVID and Brexit, had conspired to make that dream impossible, at least for now. Instead they decided to remain in the UK and travel around Scotland.
That plan, too, came awry and they found themselves confined mainly to the Midlands and North West of England. Which proved to be a blessing in disguise for they soon found that they were de-bugging the many complexities embodied in both the vehicle and their DIY conversion.
This snag finding and fixing process forms the core of the book, alongside some very interesting historical facts centered on the different English destinations they were able to visit.
Lambert is an accomplished travel writer with several other books about the sextet's many past journeys already published. She is brilliant at highlighting the comedic aspects of their many trials and tribulations. Her exposition of historical events is delivered with a similarly light touch. Her honesty in fearlessly exposing mistakes and the impact of their life style on family members is admirable.
This is a book for lovers of travel – the real stuff, not comfortable tourism. It's a book for dog lovers: the 'pawesome foursome' are an important element of the book which includes an episode in which one of the canines became seriously ill.
Above all, it is a book for anyone who dreams big and lacks the courage to pursue those dreams. Jackie, Mark and their canine entourage not only have done it but they show you how and at what cost.
As a member of Rosie Amber's review team I received a free copy of More Manchester than Mongolia in December 2025.
November 3, 2025
Having had a (foreign) military vehicle, The Beast, overhauled to become a camper for an on-the-road trip to Mongolia, Jackie, Mark, and their canine companions (the 4 cavapoos that go everywhere with them) find themselves stranded instead in England, their home country. This is a having lemons and making lemonade type of story.
When the vehicle renovation is complete everything possible intervenes to keep them on home territory: global pandemics, invasions, inspections to make The Beast roadworthy, you name it, it happens. They make the best of the situation and begin touring locally after all isn’t Manchester just as exotic as Mongolia? Well maybe, but when they find that quaint British lanes are not as forgiving as vast swaths of Asian grasslands for maneuvering, maybe not. The lingering presence of their truck renovators will leave readers wanting to peruse the first book in the series “Building the Beast” to find out just how things could go so wrong ! (but you don’t need to read it to find these happenings laugh out loud funny).
If you love reading about travel, history (Jackie ties their travels to landmark moments in English history), dogs, trucks, or you just like to chuckle you will love this book.
When the vehicle renovation is complete everything possible intervenes to keep them on home territory: global pandemics, invasions, inspections to make The Beast roadworthy, you name it, it happens. They make the best of the situation and begin touring locally after all isn’t Manchester just as exotic as Mongolia? Well maybe, but when they find that quaint British lanes are not as forgiving as vast swaths of Asian grasslands for maneuvering, maybe not. The lingering presence of their truck renovators will leave readers wanting to peruse the first book in the series “Building the Beast” to find out just how things could go so wrong ! (but you don’t need to read it to find these happenings laugh out loud funny).
If you love reading about travel, history (Jackie ties their travels to landmark moments in English history), dogs, trucks, or you just like to chuckle you will love this book.
November 12, 2025
When the Romans in 43 AD laid the foundations of Britain’s network of backroads they weren’t really thinking about the vehicles of the future, were they? As even today some of these ancient routes remain scarcely wider than the chariot of Maximus Decimus Meridius. Things didn’t much improve in the 19th century either, when the Victorians built the railway bridges with just enough clearance for a horse and cart.
Fast forward to today, and low-slung bridges throughout Britain display clearance signs intended to warn drivers. You’d assume, then, that an intrepid couple adventuring in an ex-army truck so enormous they christened it the Beast would avoid these hazards and head off toward the Continent, where the roads are more generously proportioned. But Covid 19 put paid to that dream. When these two plus four dogs weren’t dodging hipsters in the Pennines they were coping with logistics and mechanical problems.
Jacqueline Lambert’s More Manchester Than Mongolia is a delightfully witty account of a road trip through the byways of rural Britain. I thoroughly enjoyed the combination of culture and history. Thanks for letting me come along for the ride.
I was an advanced reader and received a free copy of this book.
Fast forward to today, and low-slung bridges throughout Britain display clearance signs intended to warn drivers. You’d assume, then, that an intrepid couple adventuring in an ex-army truck so enormous they christened it the Beast would avoid these hazards and head off toward the Continent, where the roads are more generously proportioned. But Covid 19 put paid to that dream. When these two plus four dogs weren’t dodging hipsters in the Pennines they were coping with logistics and mechanical problems.
Jacqueline Lambert’s More Manchester Than Mongolia is a delightfully witty account of a road trip through the byways of rural Britain. I thoroughly enjoyed the combination of culture and history. Thanks for letting me come along for the ride.
I was an advanced reader and received a free copy of this book.
March 1, 2026
A glance at the cover of this book misled me into thinking it was going to be a light, frothy romp, but I bought a copy –based partly on the concept of giving up your home for a life on the road in a massive, elderly, Volvo army truck, and partly on the number of favourable reviews.
It’s a wonderful book!
It’s nothing like I imagined it to be. It’s a beautifully written account of a couple who have sold their house, moved into The Beast, and are free to travel wherever they want. Well, the original destination was Mongolia, but Brexit and Covid prevented that.
It’s a book dotted with geographical, historical and biographical information about the places they visit, and these accounts are superb. There’s a real feel for the past that is related in a way that brings it fully to life in the present. It’s fascinating and just detailed enough to maintain that fascination.
It’s also a book that tells of the friendships made en-route and the trials, tribulations, and delights of coping with such an old and massive vehicle. Above all, it’s a story brimming with heart, humanity and a delicious dry humour that did have me chuckling and reading parts out to people.
I’m now off to buy the first book!
It’s a wonderful book!
It’s nothing like I imagined it to be. It’s a beautifully written account of a couple who have sold their house, moved into The Beast, and are free to travel wherever they want. Well, the original destination was Mongolia, but Brexit and Covid prevented that.
It’s a book dotted with geographical, historical and biographical information about the places they visit, and these accounts are superb. There’s a real feel for the past that is related in a way that brings it fully to life in the present. It’s fascinating and just detailed enough to maintain that fascination.
It’s also a book that tells of the friendships made en-route and the trials, tribulations, and delights of coping with such an old and massive vehicle. Above all, it’s a story brimming with heart, humanity and a delicious dry humour that did have me chuckling and reading parts out to people.
I’m now off to buy the first book!
November 8, 2025
The expression “there’s nowt as queer as folk” is a popular northern saying that roughly translates in the King’s English as “there is nothing (NOWT) quite as strange (QUEER) as some people (FOLK)”. For me, it conjures up an image of that heartwarming trait us northerners have that “we speak as we find” and “we don’t stand on ceremony”.
Now that you understand that, you’ll understand that Jackie writes using “say what you see”, “tell it like it is”, “it does what it says on the tin” plain-speaking northern language that is highly entertaining – in fact, I haven’t laughed so much at the written word since Pam Ayres released Some of Me Poetry in 1976!
When she describes arty-farty products created and sold in a post-industrial, bohemian Hebden Bridge using terms like “ethical ear muffs crafted from locally foraged lichen, squirrel poo, and repurposed barbed wire”, then you know that Jackie has a wit and intelligence beyond most writers, and you’ll soon be wishing she could write every book that you chose to read from now on. For some weird reason, I’ve only just become acquainted with Jackie’s writing, having recently read the first in her Adventure Caravanning With Dogs series. I’m amazed I haven't discovered her sooner, or as we’d say up north when we’re dumbfounded, “well, I'll go t’t foot of our stairs”!
The good news for me is, she has another six tales I haven’t read yet, so I’ve a lot to look forward to.
If, like me, you like a good laugh, then look no further than Jacqueline Lambert, who has developed a style of writing comedic prose that is better than most comedy travel authors.
(I was given an Advance Review Copy of this book, but am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased review)
Now that you understand that, you’ll understand that Jackie writes using “say what you see”, “tell it like it is”, “it does what it says on the tin” plain-speaking northern language that is highly entertaining – in fact, I haven’t laughed so much at the written word since Pam Ayres released Some of Me Poetry in 1976!
When she describes arty-farty products created and sold in a post-industrial, bohemian Hebden Bridge using terms like “ethical ear muffs crafted from locally foraged lichen, squirrel poo, and repurposed barbed wire”, then you know that Jackie has a wit and intelligence beyond most writers, and you’ll soon be wishing she could write every book that you chose to read from now on. For some weird reason, I’ve only just become acquainted with Jackie’s writing, having recently read the first in her Adventure Caravanning With Dogs series. I’m amazed I haven't discovered her sooner, or as we’d say up north when we’re dumbfounded, “well, I'll go t’t foot of our stairs”!
The good news for me is, she has another six tales I haven’t read yet, so I’ve a lot to look forward to.
If, like me, you like a good laugh, then look no further than Jacqueline Lambert, who has developed a style of writing comedic prose that is better than most comedy travel authors.
(I was given an Advance Review Copy of this book, but am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased review)
December 28, 2025
This was my first book by Jacqueline Lambert but it doesn’t take long to get to know her roaming lifestyle and her quirky observations about life on the road. It is clear that living in a 30 year old former Swedish army truck feels like home for Jacqueline and her husband Mark, mainly because they are accompanied by their four endearing dogs. At first the writing style, using familiar catchphrases and jokes, can seem rather exhausting but it’s good to read such positivity even when things go wrong.
Some of the places the couple travelled to, were familiar to me, but others were totally new and I enjoyed discovering the history and unusual aspects of towns such as Corby, Mappleton and Ashbourne. When there were misadventures, it was mainly caused by their incredible vehicle, “The Beast”. Luckily, they frequently encountered friendly strangers and online appeals often resulted in a solution to a mechanical problem.
This lively, eventful travelogue prompted me to explore Jacqueline’s Blog, and I will certainly be seeking out her earlier books about their travels in Europe.
Some of the places the couple travelled to, were familiar to me, but others were totally new and I enjoyed discovering the history and unusual aspects of towns such as Corby, Mappleton and Ashbourne. When there were misadventures, it was mainly caused by their incredible vehicle, “The Beast”. Luckily, they frequently encountered friendly strangers and online appeals often resulted in a solution to a mechanical problem.
This lively, eventful travelogue prompted me to explore Jacqueline’s Blog, and I will certainly be seeking out her earlier books about their travels in Europe.
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