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Travel: The Long Hitch Home
Tasmania to London. One end of the globe to the other. 800 hitchhiking rides. 18 thousand miles. Four seasons. Three continents. 19 countries.
How many rides does it take to hitch from Tasmania to London? Rogue wanderer Jamie Maslin decides to find out, propelling him into a high stakes adventure of a lifetime that sees him tackle searing desert, freezing mountains, tropical jungle and barren steppes on little more than a thumb and a prayer. The Long Hitch Home is a dynamic mix of heart-thumping adventure and well-researched social, cultural, and historical commentary on the score of countries Maslin encountered during his arduous, and at times life threatening, journey home. Whether writing about exotic backstreets of cities few of us will get to see, or unique wonders far off the beaten track, Jamie Maslin gives a thrilling and often hilarious account of what it is like to hit the road and live with intensity and rapture. For photos from adventure see: http://bit.ly/1pGaLk4371 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
February 7, 2015
I had the good fortune to meet Maslin on the trip this book is about. Reading it brought back the great memories of when our paths crossed in central Asia, and it vividly painted scenes of his other experiences on the journey. Maslin is funny and very well-informed on the historical and political context of the places he passes through and offers lots of startling facts (with footnootes) which bolster his tale which is already interesting and adventurous enough.
Because hitchhiking was his main form of transport, Maslin meets all sorts of interesting characters along the way. Some are good, some are bad, some are in the middle. His encounters are all poignant and really convey both the thrill, spontaneity, and the grind of traveling by your thumb. He also passes through all sorts of interesting places, some of which were totally unknown to me before I read this, and some which I have also passed through, for which I now have new perspectives and a greater understanding. The Long Hitch Home is easy to read and fast-paced. Even when he gets into history and politics, the narrative doesn't bog down. I recommend this to anyone interested in travel and our world in general since he crosses about half of it.
I especially recommend it to anyone excited by the idea of hitchhiking through foreign lands but is nervous about doing it themselves - just let Maslin do the hard work for you!
Because hitchhiking was his main form of transport, Maslin meets all sorts of interesting characters along the way. Some are good, some are bad, some are in the middle. His encounters are all poignant and really convey both the thrill, spontaneity, and the grind of traveling by your thumb. He also passes through all sorts of interesting places, some of which were totally unknown to me before I read this, and some which I have also passed through, for which I now have new perspectives and a greater understanding. The Long Hitch Home is easy to read and fast-paced. Even when he gets into history and politics, the narrative doesn't bog down. I recommend this to anyone interested in travel and our world in general since he crosses about half of it.
I especially recommend it to anyone excited by the idea of hitchhiking through foreign lands but is nervous about doing it themselves - just let Maslin do the hard work for you!
November 30, 2014
Let me start by saying that the idea of hitch-hiking from Australia (Tasmania) to England is in itself a great effort in itself. But, when the trip is made by a socially inept, ego-centric pseudo socialist (think over empowered anti-westerner) mooch (or in socialist parlance: parasite), it tends to need a lot of forbearance.
Probably what made this ‘memoir’ the hardest to read was the downright “people should be happy to pick me up” attitude of the author. The idea that people might want money to take him somewhere is totally against his ethos. But he has no trouble at times making fun (and being condescending) of those who give him rides and take him into their homes. All of this is of course his due, because he is JAMIE MASLIN, extreme hitchhiker. (Give me a break).
He prides himself on getting along with people who don’t speak English, as if this should be expected of any person in any country, but doesn’t even try to learn a few words in the local language. If he does he never mentioned it. Travelling to me is asking the people you meet to share their customs with you, so the least you can do is learn to say please and thank you. But for Jamie I guess that would be too bourgeois.
His polemics are the hardest to take, mostly because his ideology is so anti-American and anti-Tony Blair (who he calls a war criminal).
He’s got a great memory for what America has done, but when he is in China says nothing about the millions that Mao killed or the cultural genocide that is ongoing in Tibet. In Georgia he talks about the ‘oppression’ of the Russians in South Ossetia (who were moved in after Stalin exiled the indigenous people to Siberia) but nothing about the treatment of the Chechens. It’s so biased that it’s laughable.
To me what speaks most of his conceit is a fellow traveler named Danilo. He travels with him on two occasions. During both of these travels he comments on why traveling with Danilo is so rewarding. What could that be? Danilo is a strict vegetarian, so when they eat somewhere, if he thinks the food has meat in it, he gives his portion to Jamie. Jamie thinks this is great. Never mentions that Danilo then has to go hungry. Yeah him.
Except for a few places, that are off the beaten path, and therefore deserving of his mention, we get very little ‘color’ of most countries. Throughout we hear mention of a girlfriend (Emily, who plays in a string quartet) there is no mention of family. I guess he was born from the froth of a wave that washed up on England’s shore. I wonder if he realizes (or cares) how self-indulgent this whole book sounds? The only good thing is that I didn’t have to pay for it, got it free from the publisher (yeah me).
Zeb Kantrowitz zworstblog.blogspot.com
Probably what made this ‘memoir’ the hardest to read was the downright “people should be happy to pick me up” attitude of the author. The idea that people might want money to take him somewhere is totally against his ethos. But he has no trouble at times making fun (and being condescending) of those who give him rides and take him into their homes. All of this is of course his due, because he is JAMIE MASLIN, extreme hitchhiker. (Give me a break).
He prides himself on getting along with people who don’t speak English, as if this should be expected of any person in any country, but doesn’t even try to learn a few words in the local language. If he does he never mentioned it. Travelling to me is asking the people you meet to share their customs with you, so the least you can do is learn to say please and thank you. But for Jamie I guess that would be too bourgeois.
His polemics are the hardest to take, mostly because his ideology is so anti-American and anti-Tony Blair (who he calls a war criminal).
He’s got a great memory for what America has done, but when he is in China says nothing about the millions that Mao killed or the cultural genocide that is ongoing in Tibet. In Georgia he talks about the ‘oppression’ of the Russians in South Ossetia (who were moved in after Stalin exiled the indigenous people to Siberia) but nothing about the treatment of the Chechens. It’s so biased that it’s laughable.
To me what speaks most of his conceit is a fellow traveler named Danilo. He travels with him on two occasions. During both of these travels he comments on why traveling with Danilo is so rewarding. What could that be? Danilo is a strict vegetarian, so when they eat somewhere, if he thinks the food has meat in it, he gives his portion to Jamie. Jamie thinks this is great. Never mentions that Danilo then has to go hungry. Yeah him.
Except for a few places, that are off the beaten path, and therefore deserving of his mention, we get very little ‘color’ of most countries. Throughout we hear mention of a girlfriend (Emily, who plays in a string quartet) there is no mention of family. I guess he was born from the froth of a wave that washed up on England’s shore. I wonder if he realizes (or cares) how self-indulgent this whole book sounds? The only good thing is that I didn’t have to pay for it, got it free from the publisher (yeah me).
Zeb Kantrowitz zworstblog.blogspot.com
February 13, 2016
Although I hate the term journey this is about the best I've read. Jamie (author) has descriptive impressions and impressive descriptions .I especially appreciate his expression of histories of countries that have rarely appeared on my radar; Laos and everywhere with too many K's. Entertaining and engaging , I'd gladly give him a lift but also happy to enjoy his adventure vicariously.
Spoiler ; he makes it to London in the end but it's the weird bits in between that make it interesting.
Spoiler ; he makes it to London in the end but it's the weird bits in between that make it interesting.
March 20, 2015
I highly recommend the book to everyone who loves traveling and travel literature. the author vividly describes what it's like to be on the road, taking you to exotic places halfway around the globe and you always feel like you are traveling with him. it's thoroughly researched, very educational, adventurous and funnily written. be warned though: reading the book makes you want to quit your job, pack your stuff and go on a road trip yourself.
July 9, 2023
Plot synopsis:
Entitled white male Westerner with disdainful attitude about differing cultures takes advantage of local residents using his privilege and status to get free rides and meals from those with fewer resources and greater need. Plus bonus odd homophobic comments scattered among the pages.
Entitled white male Westerner with disdainful attitude about differing cultures takes advantage of local residents using his privilege and status to get free rides and meals from those with fewer resources and greater need. Plus bonus odd homophobic comments scattered among the pages.
January 13, 2017
Bough this book from the author himself at the street fair in Hobart. As I was travelling to Australia and Bali after that I had a lot to attached to in this book.
It is impressive how much the author manages to squeeze in this 300+ read. Ranging from Genghis Khan's youth, poisonous species of Australia to Jeffrey Sachs' failures as an economic adviser of the former USSR states, it covers nature, politics and history.
By all means many episodes are portrayed in a completely different light from the mainstream picture. As the book has a rich bibliography at the end, I have learnt quite a few things that leave me wondering about the role of the United States in global affairs.
It is impressive how much the author manages to squeeze in this 300+ read. Ranging from Genghis Khan's youth, poisonous species of Australia to Jeffrey Sachs' failures as an economic adviser of the former USSR states, it covers nature, politics and history.
By all means many episodes are portrayed in a completely different light from the mainstream picture. As the book has a rich bibliography at the end, I have learnt quite a few things that leave me wondering about the role of the United States in global affairs.
October 5, 2018
It was a delight to meet the author and then get to read his account! Interesting to read through his experiences, but at times frustrating to think that most of the things he did I would be unable to carry out as a solo female traveler.
August 23, 2025
The overly aspirational backpackers hitching trip, proved possible. Yay.
A vicarious read.
Can’t help but wonder how this trip would have differed if Jamie were born female.
A vicarious read.
Can’t help but wonder how this trip would have differed if Jamie were born female.
January 18, 2018
I just finished reading The Long Hitch Home (2015) by Jamie Maslin. I bought a signed copy in Hobart a little while ago.
This is a great read. Jamie hitched with a backpack, sleeping bag, and tent from Hobart to London. I think it took about 6 months. The trip started with Jamie hitching a ride from Constitution Dock with a Sydney to Hobart boat doing the return trip. Jamie was forced to take one flight only from Darwin to Bali, because of cyclone season. And there were some ferry rides, a cargo ship across the Caspian, and three very short bus trips.
The sections of the trip in Indonesia and China were very interesting.
Over 800 amazing, kind and generous people stopped and gave Jamie a lift, and often accomodation and food as well.
It is an amazing adventure. Jamie spent an extraordinary total of only $2,100 Australian dollars for the whole trip.
This is a great read. Jamie hitched with a backpack, sleeping bag, and tent from Hobart to London. I think it took about 6 months. The trip started with Jamie hitching a ride from Constitution Dock with a Sydney to Hobart boat doing the return trip. Jamie was forced to take one flight only from Darwin to Bali, because of cyclone season. And there were some ferry rides, a cargo ship across the Caspian, and three very short bus trips.
The sections of the trip in Indonesia and China were very interesting.
Over 800 amazing, kind and generous people stopped and gave Jamie a lift, and often accomodation and food as well.
It is an amazing adventure. Jamie spent an extraordinary total of only $2,100 Australian dollars for the whole trip.
May 4, 2022
After meeting Jamie at the Salamanca Markets in Hobart on my birthday last month he thrust this book into my hand and told me I would thoroughly enjoy the book.
Well he wasn’t wrong.
A great read and as someone dabbling in my own travel writing albeit from the eyes of a backpacking lens, I must say it has inspired me to be more open to the kindness inherent in humanity. A tourist visits a city or place and doesn’t truly immerse themselves in a culture, a traveller however, aims to understand.
A great read for someone who yearns for a bold travel story.
Well he wasn’t wrong.
A great read and as someone dabbling in my own travel writing albeit from the eyes of a backpacking lens, I must say it has inspired me to be more open to the kindness inherent in humanity. A tourist visits a city or place and doesn’t truly immerse themselves in a culture, a traveller however, aims to understand.
A great read for someone who yearns for a bold travel story.
March 31, 2015
Jamie recounts an extraordinary journey crammed with rich imagery, extreme adventure and the sort of humour that makes you laugh out loud in quiet places. It is the characters Maslin meets who stand out the most, the people whose kindness and hospitality renew your faith in humanity. A must read!
March 12, 2018
I was lucky enough to have met him while I was in Hobart with a friend of mine. A fascinating guy and an even better book. Definitely made it difficult to sit still reading this one.
September 12, 2022
Couldn’t even finish this, very egocentric.
June 3, 2025
I met Jamie in Tasmania where he sold me his book 2 years ago. I finally got around to reading it and wow what a riveting and captivating read. This book is full of cultural insights, historical lessons and cracking stories.
March 18, 2025
Thoroughly entertaining. When an author is selling his book in a busy street market, who would ever have thought he would be such a talented writer with an inspiring and enchanting travel story to tell
July 5, 2025
An entertaining read, especially if you enjoy travelling and visiting countries off the beaten track.
April 19, 2020
I enjoyed reading about Maslin's incredible adventure, and about the wonderful, mostly off-the-beaten-track, places that he visited, some of which I'd love to visit (assuming that it's possible to visit them in a more comfortable manner). I also was interested to learn about the history of these places, though I have doubts about the accuracy and completeness of the history he presents, given his obvious socialist and anti-Western bent (he provides references but I have my doubts about the veracity of some of them, and even if everything he states as a fact is one I doubt his selection of facts is representative). I found the lefty stuff only mildly annoying (I'm used to it because quite a few people in my life are of the same bent) but some readers will hate it.
The book does, however, drag at times - I think that's because of the focus on the process of hitching, rather then on the destinations (many of which Maslin doesn't actually explore much) - I deducted 1 star for that.
Maslin is unfortunately a terrible photographer (though, thankfully, he is sometimes joined on his journey by good photographers) - I was constantly having to stop reading to use Google to find better photos of the places described, I think books should be self-contained so I've deducted half a star for the bad photos.
The way Maslin treated some of the people who gave him lifts, accepting their help then making fun of them, seemed really wrong to me, I've deducted another half star for that. I deducted another half star for the annoying lefty stuff, so my rating for this book is 2.5 starts.
The book does, however, drag at times - I think that's because of the focus on the process of hitching, rather then on the destinations (many of which Maslin doesn't actually explore much) - I deducted 1 star for that.
Maslin is unfortunately a terrible photographer (though, thankfully, he is sometimes joined on his journey by good photographers) - I was constantly having to stop reading to use Google to find better photos of the places described, I think books should be self-contained so I've deducted half a star for the bad photos.
The way Maslin treated some of the people who gave him lifts, accepting their help then making fun of them, seemed really wrong to me, I've deducted another half star for that. I deducted another half star for the annoying lefty stuff, so my rating for this book is 2.5 starts.
November 4, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyable, exciting read, and very impressed by his journey. Today I considered hitch-hiking but chickened out because I've been listening to too many Australia True Crime Podcasts, seriously gory. The book has, however, inspired me to do more road travel rather than flying everywhere - I'm now planning to travel from Tasmania where I'm currently staying, making my way back home to London (hometown) through Asia and on buses etc. I'm a copycat! Such a good overview of the history of each area, and how the Americans and/or Brits have smashed it to smithereens in some way or another. Hashtag imperial guilt.
A couple of minor issues. On a few occasions, he got quite offended when people didn't understand the idea of hitch-hiking and rejected him. Call me stuffy, but I think just expecting free food and lifts off people and then getting angry when they refuse you for it is a little hypocritical. Something doesn't sit quite well with me that a middle class Brit is asking for free food and hospitality from people who have next to nothing, then getting in a hump when they turn him down.
Secondly, something about the font was quite difficult to read! I'm always a fan of plainer fonts, but that's just personal preference. Loved the design of the cover though, five stars for that.
A couple of minor issues. On a few occasions, he got quite offended when people didn't understand the idea of hitch-hiking and rejected him. Call me stuffy, but I think just expecting free food and lifts off people and then getting angry when they refuse you for it is a little hypocritical. Something doesn't sit quite well with me that a middle class Brit is asking for free food and hospitality from people who have next to nothing, then getting in a hump when they turn him down.
Secondly, something about the font was quite difficult to read! I'm always a fan of plainer fonts, but that's just personal preference. Loved the design of the cover though, five stars for that.
February 27, 2018
This was hard. I did think about giving this book 2 stars but then the last chapter and the whole epicness of this trip saved it for me. There were some really great parts of this book - for instance I’d never thought that I might like to visit Georgia. I also didn’t mind the history provided about the countries which were visited. I am never one to stick up for America, but the anti-US sentiment was very strong, as were the remarks about racism in Australia. As an Australian I love Australia, and I work closely with many of the Aboriginal groups who live in South Australia, I know that racism is strong here, but there is little mention of the horrors inflicted on Australian Aboriginal people by England - I feel like England got off a bit easy compared to other Western nations. All in all it was a good read and I would venture into this author’s other works.
October 30, 2017
An unstoppable read which follows the author as he hitchhikes from Tasmania back home to London, a distance of over 17,000 kms through 19 countries.
What might otherwise be just another themed “a to b” travelogue is set apart by its inclusion of some extremely thought provoking historical and geopolitical insights of the countries he passes through. And while Maslin's expressed views may not be to everybody’s liking, he writes in an easy going, engaging and oftentimes humourous fashion which makes this book both an enjoyable and informative read.
What might otherwise be just another themed “a to b” travelogue is set apart by its inclusion of some extremely thought provoking historical and geopolitical insights of the countries he passes through. And while Maslin's expressed views may not be to everybody’s liking, he writes in an easy going, engaging and oftentimes humourous fashion which makes this book both an enjoyable and informative read.
February 7, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It's not the type of travelling I would ever choose to do, I prefer to know where I am going to sleep each night and how I am going to get there, but then I never meet the interesting array of people or have the varied experiences that Jamie Maslin does when hitch hiking halfway around the world. Having read his previous two books (about travelling around Iran and Venezuela), I was keen to see how he went on such a big journey.
August 4, 2015
A book that chronicles something as interesting as hitch-hiking from Australia to UK (17,000Km!)has to be interesting and it didn't let me down. Few pages into the book and you start imagining yourself in far flung cities in place of the author. Parts where the Jamie (author) goes into the history of wars and atrocities by the west may not be interesting to some but I found them absorbing. 4 starts from me.
March 3, 2015
Enjoyable. I like the mix of travel and political writing.
January 20, 2018
Brilliant - Jamie is a real person, nothing fake. Well informed and can certainly write. Brilliant work and I can’t wait to read more of his writing.
February 20, 2021
Oh my.. hard to know how to start..first by saying it deserves no stars whatsoever and I am left to wonder if those that gave the book a positive rating, aren't a few associates that Jamie would manipulate into doing so.
This "author" fancies himself a high adventure hero, free loading rides, food, accommodation from an Australia overland hitchhike back to England. His greatest achievement is pulled off through manipulation, pleading and everything apart from taking responsibility, even if that means provoking locals, complaining about them (when they were concerned for his safety), chastising when they did not always fall into line and yes.. stealing a towel when he was required to pay for a hotel room.
Oh my.
His "cut and paste" wikipedia-feel history sections were long, ill-fitting and did not fold back into his current experience/relevance for his story in that particular locale. He simply used these long dessertations, cherry-picked certain segments of history, as a springboard to his heavy moralizing (towards his reader? wow). They also served as filler, since his own interactions were culturally shallow, mostly limited to the ribbon of road and the poor fellow behind the wheel.
Could he salvage something from this experience? was it limited to numerical bragging, # of countries, # of miles and such? The last few paragraphs summarized his appreciation for being born privileged, English and thus having the opportunity to hitchhike. He recognized that most of those who escorted him across continents, would never have the same opportunity .. yes Jamie....the opportunity to roam around sponging off those less fortunate. Can you be any more obtuse?
I gagged my way completely through the book.
This "author" fancies himself a high adventure hero, free loading rides, food, accommodation from an Australia overland hitchhike back to England. His greatest achievement is pulled off through manipulation, pleading and everything apart from taking responsibility, even if that means provoking locals, complaining about them (when they were concerned for his safety), chastising when they did not always fall into line and yes.. stealing a towel when he was required to pay for a hotel room.
Oh my.
His "cut and paste" wikipedia-feel history sections were long, ill-fitting and did not fold back into his current experience/relevance for his story in that particular locale. He simply used these long dessertations, cherry-picked certain segments of history, as a springboard to his heavy moralizing (towards his reader? wow). They also served as filler, since his own interactions were culturally shallow, mostly limited to the ribbon of road and the poor fellow behind the wheel.
Could he salvage something from this experience? was it limited to numerical bragging, # of countries, # of miles and such? The last few paragraphs summarized his appreciation for being born privileged, English and thus having the opportunity to hitchhike. He recognized that most of those who escorted him across continents, would never have the same opportunity .. yes Jamie....the opportunity to roam around sponging off those less fortunate. Can you be any more obtuse?
I gagged my way completely through the book.
November 10, 2023
Seeking shelter from a downpour in Hobart's Salamanca market, I stumbled into Jaime Maslin's tent. Despite only modest curiosity in this book, I empathized with an author selling their own work and bought a signed-copy.
Perhaps it was because I had just begun my own ambitious international trip - three and a half weeks in Australia and New Zealand, although not hitchhiking - but this book resonated with me. Each chapter is easily digestible on its own and many were read that way, in a new hotel room. The author does a good job of recalling his struggles to find free rides and modest accommodations in over a dozen different countries, while mixing in evocative descriptions of the people and cultures he met and experienced. I also enjoyed his blunt and uncompromising portrayal of each area's history, not all of it very flattering from a Western or other establishment viewpoint. I agree that travel should open our eyes not just to the places we visit and their current inhabitants, but to how they got that way. This is how we understand and empathize, how we truly broaden the mind. I think the author gets it.
Other reviewers have observed that a journey such as the author's is only possible as a white male of means, and perhaps this is true. Maslin doesn't claim to be a paragon of virtue, but in general his heart appears to be in the right place, and he is grateful for the generosity of those who made this book possible. If I'm ever back in Salamanca Market, I'll shake his hand.
Perhaps it was because I had just begun my own ambitious international trip - three and a half weeks in Australia and New Zealand, although not hitchhiking - but this book resonated with me. Each chapter is easily digestible on its own and many were read that way, in a new hotel room. The author does a good job of recalling his struggles to find free rides and modest accommodations in over a dozen different countries, while mixing in evocative descriptions of the people and cultures he met and experienced. I also enjoyed his blunt and uncompromising portrayal of each area's history, not all of it very flattering from a Western or other establishment viewpoint. I agree that travel should open our eyes not just to the places we visit and their current inhabitants, but to how they got that way. This is how we understand and empathize, how we truly broaden the mind. I think the author gets it.
Other reviewers have observed that a journey such as the author's is only possible as a white male of means, and perhaps this is true. Maslin doesn't claim to be a paragon of virtue, but in general his heart appears to be in the right place, and he is grateful for the generosity of those who made this book possible. If I'm ever back in Salamanca Market, I'll shake his hand.
February 5, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I bought it off the author at the Salamanca market when I was on holiday, partly because he seemed a nice chap and partly because I felt a bit of pity for him. My thought was that this poor guy had self-published a book and was now flogging it on the streets of Hobart to make a living.
When I finally got to reading it on my way home on the full day ferry from Tasmania to Melbourne, I was instantly hooked and my day on the boat passed by in a flash.
At that time, I was just reading about the Australian leg of the journey. But as I worked through this book, it became very clear that this was a highly professional writer, with lovely prose and great story telling ability.
More than that, though, I learned so much in this book! The asides on local history were fascinating and highly informative. Yes, there was an anti-US theme there, but I think in a lot of these places that is justified. Maybe we should be questioning the whole pax Americana line we've been fed. If nothing else, maybe we should understand how these poor nations might see America, Australia and the UK. Not as benevolent liberators, but as exploitative manipulators.
Anyway, all that aside, this was a great read and a fantastic adventure.
Bravo Jamie!
From your ol buddy at the market.
When I finally got to reading it on my way home on the full day ferry from Tasmania to Melbourne, I was instantly hooked and my day on the boat passed by in a flash.
At that time, I was just reading about the Australian leg of the journey. But as I worked through this book, it became very clear that this was a highly professional writer, with lovely prose and great story telling ability.
More than that, though, I learned so much in this book! The asides on local history were fascinating and highly informative. Yes, there was an anti-US theme there, but I think in a lot of these places that is justified. Maybe we should be questioning the whole pax Americana line we've been fed. If nothing else, maybe we should understand how these poor nations might see America, Australia and the UK. Not as benevolent liberators, but as exploitative manipulators.
Anyway, all that aside, this was a great read and a fantastic adventure.
Bravo Jamie!
From your ol buddy at the market.
June 7, 2022
Interesting concept, but was a bit disappointing somehow. He set out with little money, didn’t really prepare for where he was going and rushed through every place he went. The author really hated the US too and took every opportunity to express that hatred. He wasn’t a big fan of the UK govt either and took the time to have a swipe at Australia as well, where I believe he’s now living, interestingly. I know that none of these govts are perfect and all have done the wrong thing, but Jamie glosses over the problems caused by successive Chinese and soviet govts. It kinda soured the books for me.
Tbh the highlight came at the end when he put in his contact details for a former soldier that was in the war in Kosovo/Serbia/Bosnia that had looked after some children in case the children saw the book and wanted to contact the soldier. Also when the author acknowledged how lucky he was to be born and raised in the UK.
He could’ve taken a leaf out of Bill Brysons books as far as travel writing goes IMO.
Tbh the highlight came at the end when he put in his contact details for a former soldier that was in the war in Kosovo/Serbia/Bosnia that had looked after some children in case the children saw the book and wanted to contact the soldier. Also when the author acknowledged how lucky he was to be born and raised in the UK.
He could’ve taken a leaf out of Bill Brysons books as far as travel writing goes IMO.
September 24, 2022
Maslin hitchhikes from Tasmania to London. In this book come with him on this grueling, enlightening, and sometimes funny journey.
The book is a travelogue along with his thoughts on the culture, societies, and history of the countries he goes through.
His first-hand account gives you insight into Central Asian countries, such as Georgia and Kazakhstan, or Southeast Asian countries including Laos and Thailand along with Indonesia.
He explores deserts, mountains, and jungles and sees temples, palaces, and religious shrines. From big cities to far-off villages in the middle of nowhere he sees it all.
It is fun to explore with him, but I must add the author does dive into politics with a somewhat anti-Western bent.
If you want to see the world by hitchhiking then this is the book to check out.
The book is a travelogue along with his thoughts on the culture, societies, and history of the countries he goes through.
His first-hand account gives you insight into Central Asian countries, such as Georgia and Kazakhstan, or Southeast Asian countries including Laos and Thailand along with Indonesia.
He explores deserts, mountains, and jungles and sees temples, palaces, and religious shrines. From big cities to far-off villages in the middle of nowhere he sees it all.
It is fun to explore with him, but I must add the author does dive into politics with a somewhat anti-Western bent.
If you want to see the world by hitchhiking then this is the book to check out.
January 31, 2022
This was a great book club pick. Jamie Maslin balances personal stories from his travels as well as insights into the histories of countries. It created such a juxtaposition between the wide sweeps of history with it's brutality and foreign meddling (ahem, America!) and the individual stories of people that he met along the way with their incredible generosity and kindness, often despite their poverty. It certainly made me want to welcome strangers more intentionally.
(My only negative twinge at times was to wonder if Jamie ever did anything generous in return. I know he was on a limited budget, but there is a slight caution that one can become accustomed to being a receiver and forget to be a giver. But, perhaps he didn't want to "blow his own horn".)
(My only negative twinge at times was to wonder if Jamie ever did anything generous in return. I know he was on a limited budget, but there is a slight caution that one can become accustomed to being a receiver and forget to be a giver. But, perhaps he didn't want to "blow his own horn".)
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