A Narrowboat at Large

by Jo May

Revised January 2021. Jo and Jan May take the crazy, wonderful, potty, life-changing decision to live on a narrowboat. This first volume of the ‘At Large’ series spans four years as they begin a new life on the canals and rivers of the UK. The First question is why in the world would anyone want to do that? Well, here’s Jo ‘‘Back in 1995, Jan was told by her oncologist that she probably wouldn’t see the new millennium. Ever since those brutal words, time has been the most precious factor in her life. So together we set out to create a new normal. But why choose a life on the water? Jan can't swim, the dog hates it and I prefer beer. Financially we were afloat and we lived in a perfectly decent house until Jan came up with the zany idea of living on a boat. I'd just got home from work, via the pub, when she asked me to watch a video while she prepared our frugal meal. I watched a pair of old fogies trundling along a canal in the rain on a narrowboat. You can imagine my reply when she asked if I fancied emulating the sodden wrinklies and taking to the water. Jan is a lady of vision and determination (she married me after all), but this was elevating madness to a whole new level. Despite lots of huffing and head-shaking, twelve months later we had sold our house, given up a job that kept us in cornflakes and moved onto a metal hole less than a tenth the size of our land-based abode – excluding garden. It was the fourth of July 2003 - Independence Day. We knew nothing about how narrowboats work or waterways lore, nor how we would cope being cooped up together – particularly when it's minus five and the nearest shop is miles away. We had a mountain to climb. You can only do that by using locks, and we'd never done a lock. A more accurate analogy is shooting the rapids, because our venture took on a life of it's own and we were washed down stream on a tide of enthusiasm and ignorance. We had to make it work or the people who had laughed and scoffed would be proved right – that we really were loopy. Well, make it work we did; we boated for twelve years. It was exciting, scary and marvellous and it quite possibly saved Jan's life." The following two volumes are A Barge at Large and A Barge at Large 2 which recount their subsequent adventures in Holland, France and Belgium on a small, ramshackle, scruffy hundred-year-old Dutch barge.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 17, 2015

Reviews

[Christine Hicks]

I found the writing style slightly irritating, the spelling and grammar more so.

[Chris Payne]

I don't do book reviews


I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way.

[Arden Zephyr]

A beautifully written and deeply human account of life on the waterways. Jo May captures not only the physical journey along the canals but the emotional landscape that unfolds alongside it. The reflections on resilience, companionship, and the quiet rhythm of life afloat make this book both moving and memorable. A thoughtful and authentic travel memoir that stays with you long after the final page.

[Mrs L E Sanderson]

Wickedly witty read

Thank you Jo for taking us through your adventures. Very amusing and enlightening, a book you don’t want to put down.

[Jacquie Jerrard]

funny

More mishaps than a carry on film. Telling of the trios misdeamors as they travel along the canals of Britain.

[Frances Knight]

A thoughtful and quietly inspiring book. It left me thinking about life, travel, and the choices we make.

[Lois Slipp]

The author paints such vivid pictures of canal life that it feels like you’re right there on the boat.

[S Patricia]

The mix of travel, reflection, and life experience makes this book stand out among other memoirs.

[Regina Linda]

I found the story surprisingly moving at times. It’s honest, thoughtful, and very human.

[Christy Lucas]

A charming and thoughtful memoir. Perfect for anyone who enjoys travel stories with a personal touch.

[Elijah Adewuyi]

The descriptions of canal life are fantastic. I could almost hear the water and feel the peaceful pace of travel.

[Esther Yetunde]

This book is more than a boating story it’s a journey through life, relationships, and unexpected challenges.

[O J]

If you enjoy real life journeys and stories about unconventional lifestyles, this is a great read.

[Frances Owen]

A fascinating look at a lifestyle many people only dream about. Very engaging from start to finish.

[Rossana Allyson]

Beautifully descriptive and quietly powerful. This book captures the spirit of slow travel perfectly.

[Alora Knight]

A wonderfully honest account of life on the water. The storytelling feels genuine and heartfelt.

[Ridge Alivia]

A peaceful yet compelling narrative. It’s the kind of book you read slowly and truly savor.

[Olivia Jaxton]

A refreshing change from fast paced travel books. This one embraces the beauty of slowing down.

[Tallulah Baker]

I enjoyed the balance between the travel experiences and the personal story behind them.

[Novalee Brecken]

A sincere and engaging memoir that offers both adventure and reflection.

[Navy Bexley]

I really appreciated the honesty in this book. It doesn’t try to glamorize everything it shows the real experience.

[J Alessandra]

I loved how calm and immersive this book felt. It really places you on the boat with the author, moving slowly through canals and small towns.

[Rosline Felix]

I picked this up out of curiosity about canal boating and ended up loving the story behind it.

[Annamie Bay]

Such an enjoyable read. The author’s voice is warm and conversational, which makes the journey feel very personal.

[Neil Bullen]

Butty Bob revisited

The travel log and the obsession with pubs did little to endear me to this dreary self indulgent drivel
Being born in a village on a canal I was keen to get another's take on canal life .This catalogue of endless nonsense did little to entertain or educate.