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Long Way Back
On February 16, 2016, Charley Boorman suffered a major traffic accident in Portugal. His world crashed down after he smashed his right ankle and causing severe damage to his left fibia and tibia. It was unclear if he would ever walk properly again, let alone ride a motorbike. Charley recounts the ambulance ride, the numerous operations in a Portugese hospital, the medivac flight back to London, and his journey of recovery. As his inability to walk for several months provokes introspection, Boorman recounts his childhood, where his passion for motorbikes began, and the formative influences in his life—from his father, a famed director, to his longtime friend Ewan McGregor, and Sean Connery’s son Jason, who introduced him to bikes. These touchstones give him strength on the long way back to health.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2018
45 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Charley Boorman
22 books91 followersCharley Boorman grew up in Ireland, spending much of his childhood riding motorcross bikes. From 1998 to 2002, he ran a British motorcycle team with Ewan McGregor, winning the Superstock Series with David Jeffries.
His first film role was as Ed's Boy, Jon Voight's son in Deliverance, directed by his father John Boorman. Since then, he has appeared in Excalibur, The Emerald Forest, Hope and Glory, Karaoke, The Serpent's Kiss and The Bunker.
Married with two daughters, Charley rides a Ducati 748, lives in London and takes part in rallies, if his wife lets him.
His first film role was as Ed's Boy, Jon Voight's son in Deliverance, directed by his father John Boorman. Since then, he has appeared in Excalibur, The Emerald Forest, Hope and Glory, Karaoke, The Serpent's Kiss and The Bunker.
Married with two daughters, Charley rides a Ducati 748, lives in London and takes part in rallies, if his wife lets him.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 7, 2017
I first came across Charley Boorman when he appeared on our screens with Euan MacGregor in their epic travel adventure Long Way Round where they rode motorbikes from London to New York via Russia. Since then I have watched and read about all his travels and adventures all around the planet all through Africa and racing from Paris to Dakar. All of these have involved motorbikes to a greater or lesser degree. He was employed by Triumph to be an ambassador for them and involved in promoting their bikes. He was whisked off to Portugal to ride and be involved in the launch of the new Tiger Explorer when he was involved in an accident between a Mercedes and a wall. The impact broke his right ankle and smashed his fibia and tibia in his left leg. The damage was so severe that no one knew if he would lose his leg, let alone know if he would be able to walk or ride his beloved motorbikes once again.
From this dramatic and frankly traumatic start, Charley tells us the story of his long road to recovery. He does not hold much back telling you about his injuries, the number of operations and dealing with all the medical professionals for each of his injuries. He uses his time while recovering to look back on his childhood memories; his earliest moments spent on two wheels, to those significant moments that his father arranged which helped kickstart his career on the screen. After the accident, he had to cancel numerous events and he relives the time he has spent on motorbikes heading around the world on various escapades with the wonder if will ever be able to do it again.
I have been a fan of Boorman for a number of years now, he comes across as a genuinely good guy with as much as a sense of adventure as fun. He writes in a chatty style and is always honest about how he is feeling from the lowest moments and fears to the high points. He is eager to get better, and even while in a cast manages to get himself into scrapes still. Definitely a book for his fans, but there is enough in here to keep most people interested. There was a tantalising hint of a new adventure too; I hope that they do it.
From this dramatic and frankly traumatic start, Charley tells us the story of his long road to recovery. He does not hold much back telling you about his injuries, the number of operations and dealing with all the medical professionals for each of his injuries. He uses his time while recovering to look back on his childhood memories; his earliest moments spent on two wheels, to those significant moments that his father arranged which helped kickstart his career on the screen. After the accident, he had to cancel numerous events and he relives the time he has spent on motorbikes heading around the world on various escapades with the wonder if will ever be able to do it again.
I have been a fan of Boorman for a number of years now, he comes across as a genuinely good guy with as much as a sense of adventure as fun. He writes in a chatty style and is always honest about how he is feeling from the lowest moments and fears to the high points. He is eager to get better, and even while in a cast manages to get himself into scrapes still. Definitely a book for his fans, but there is enough in here to keep most people interested. There was a tantalising hint of a new adventure too; I hope that they do it.
June 23, 2017
I have been reading Charley's books and watching his television series for years. This was my favorite of all of his books, simply because it talked so much about his life. It was an interesting mix of his story of working through his catastrophic injury and an autobiography. I found it entertaining, informative, and it felt like I was just sitting and chatting with him about his life. It also answered a very important question in my household; why is it that Charley has never been on Top Gear as the star in the reasonably priced car? I enjoyed finally hearing the answer to that. It's a great read and I really loved it. Good job Charley!
March 5, 2022
Intimate and moving read about Charley's life and setbacks with motorcycling, especially for fans of the Long Way series.
October 12, 2020
This is a very personal account of a life changing event. He had just been given the job of being a spokeman for Triumph and was riding the new model when he had a very bad wreck. This resulted in multiple serious fractures. At first glance it would seem to be a form of a not very exciting book. However there is a disarming degree of honesty of his future that he can't plan such as travel events billed as Riding with Charley Boorman. The other area of honesty was his relation with his wife Olly and her critical role in his recovery. His relationship to his children and his siblings and parents was thoughtfully portrayed. There was obviously a special place in his life for his deceased sister Telsche and mother Christel.
There are many interesting details in this book.
There are many interesting details in this book.
January 10, 2020
Nice read
I love watching and re-watching Charley and Ewan on “Long Way Round” and “Long Way Down” (and cant wait to see them in “Long Way Up” next year! 🤞🏻). This was a great supplement and refresher on some of those moments from the show, it an interesting take from Charley’s perspective. Ewan certainly has the more notorious name, so it was nice to hear from just Charley in his own right for once without being overshadowed by Ewan’s notoriety. And what a harrowing medical journey. God bless his wife and all spouses that care for their injured or ill partners....”in sickness and in health.” Thoroughly enjoyed this.
I love watching and re-watching Charley and Ewan on “Long Way Round” and “Long Way Down” (and cant wait to see them in “Long Way Up” next year! 🤞🏻). This was a great supplement and refresher on some of those moments from the show, it an interesting take from Charley’s perspective. Ewan certainly has the more notorious name, so it was nice to hear from just Charley in his own right for once without being overshadowed by Ewan’s notoriety. And what a harrowing medical journey. God bless his wife and all spouses that care for their injured or ill partners....”in sickness and in health.” Thoroughly enjoyed this.
July 26, 2025
Just finished this book and really enjoyed it. Charley goes into how his 2016 accident and resulting broken leg, ankle and hand happened and the road to recovery which was anything but smooth with numerous doctor appointment and setbacks, some from his spontaneous brilliant ideas (not). I have to say his wife is a saint to manage to nurse him on top of keeping house, managing a sick dog and an accident to one of his children.
He had much time to reflect upon different stages of his life and shared those experiences, some early home life, different motorcycle races and journeys he went on and different bikes he either owned or raced. That part wasn't too interesting for me but it is part of Charley's personality.
All in all I enjoyed the time I spent with Charley and would recommend this book. But just one negative point - he never mentioned what happened to the person who caused this accident in the first place. Did the person stop and apologize, did Charley find out who it was, was there any compensation to him? I guess being British he is too polite to say.
He had much time to reflect upon different stages of his life and shared those experiences, some early home life, different motorcycle races and journeys he went on and different bikes he either owned or raced. That part wasn't too interesting for me but it is part of Charley's personality.
All in all I enjoyed the time I spent with Charley and would recommend this book. But just one negative point - he never mentioned what happened to the person who caused this accident in the first place. Did the person stop and apologize, did Charley find out who it was, was there any compensation to him? I guess being British he is too polite to say.
October 12, 2018
i really enjoyed this book.Ive been a fan of charleys since his Long way round adventure with Euwan . After having a life changing motor bike accident back in my younger days i could certainly relate to Charleys approach to the way he wrote this book.A sort of Autobiographal style, but thats just what happenes when your only able to lye in bed reflecting on your life!, and he certainly has a lot to reflect on as we discover!. I have a new found admiration for Charley he sure has a strong will for survival and this has held him in good sted for his recouperation and of course well done to Olly his good wife and his family for putting up with his many antics !! . A great read indeed and good luck Charley for your future and please be careful mate !!
November 5, 2021
A friend sent me this book after I was in a motorcycle accident. I think Charley Boorman is a fascinating person who's laser focused on all things motorcycle riding. I really enjoyed reading about his formative years and how he developed his love for riding. A life so different from most everyone I've ever encountered, yet, somehow, it still strongly resonated with me.
The details of his accident and recovery highlighted how much courage it takes to keep the fight up for so long. It was difficult to read, but also encouraging for my own recovery, although mine was nothing compared to his.
All in all, a good read for motorcyclists, people recovering from injury, or just fans of Charley and his works.
Cheers Charley, thanks for all you do!
The details of his accident and recovery highlighted how much courage it takes to keep the fight up for so long. It was difficult to read, but also encouraging for my own recovery, although mine was nothing compared to his.
All in all, a good read for motorcyclists, people recovering from injury, or just fans of Charley and his works.
Cheers Charley, thanks for all you do!
January 23, 2021
I have watched a lot of Ewan and Charlie’s adventures and I’ve got a soft spot for both of them as they seem very down to earth and kind.
I got this book for my hubby but I read it too as it sounded interesting and it turned out to be better than I expected. Not only does it deal with the accident and his road to recovery, but it’s also enriched by his own personal experiences in life, his family, his childhood and many motorbike adventures.
His life has so many adventures and anecdotes that he and the readers realise his road has been very fulfilling indeed and he still has more adventures to ride.
I got this book for my hubby but I read it too as it sounded interesting and it turned out to be better than I expected. Not only does it deal with the accident and his road to recovery, but it’s also enriched by his own personal experiences in life, his family, his childhood and many motorbike adventures.
His life has so many adventures and anecdotes that he and the readers realise his road has been very fulfilling indeed and he still has more adventures to ride.
April 11, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Charlie Boorman. He went through so much and I am so relieved he is now back on his bikes and doing what he loves. This sounded like a really horrific accident.
I really enjoyed learning more about his wife and children and Ziggy. He really loves his family which I find very endearing.
My husband and I followed Charlie and Ewan on their adventures in Long Way Round, Long Way Down and recently Long Way Up.
My husband is now reading the book after I told him how much I enjoyed it. Charlie is also a very good writer and I plan to read some of his others.
I really enjoyed learning more about his wife and children and Ziggy. He really loves his family which I find very endearing.
My husband and I followed Charlie and Ewan on their adventures in Long Way Round, Long Way Down and recently Long Way Up.
My husband is now reading the book after I told him how much I enjoyed it. Charlie is also a very good writer and I plan to read some of his others.
December 29, 2017
I enjoy riding motorcycles and I love a good motorcycle related story so I was expecting a lot from this book. I was very disappointed. The book is ostensibly about Charlie's recovery from an accident but it jumps erratically to autobiographical items, many of which are irrelevant. I think their existence in the book is to pad it enough to make it saleable. The author also continuously drops names. Some are appropriate but many are again, just fillers. If I had not paid money for this book, I doubt if I would have finished it.
November 9, 2020
Laid up after a motorbike accident that nearly cost him his leg this is Charley's retrospective account of his childhood, his love of bikes, how he finally fell into a career he loves and how he recovered from that accident. The description of the accident and its aftermath along with details of pins and plates and frames and bones poking through skin is pretty good at depicting how serious Charley's injuries were. Thankfully it's a relatively happy ending after a long recovery Charley makes the long way back to biking and adventuring.
January 6, 2019
I followed Charley's adventures since the Long Way Round and have always found them both motivational and inspiring. This book is no exception. You are taken on a journey through his pains and successes with the added bonus of having a glimpse into his upbringing and family. With many anecdotes this is a great read. Thank you Charley for sharing what must have been one of the most challenging moments of your life.
July 30, 2017
Most of the content is in his other books
I like Charlie Boorman OBE (Only Because of Ewan), and always found him to be the inept buffoon but more talented on the tours that the pair of them made. This was a bit of a bike ride, a crash and the nervous "will he lose his leg or won't he"
Spoiler : No he doesn't.
End of story.
I like Charlie Boorman OBE (Only Because of Ewan), and always found him to be the inept buffoon but more talented on the tours that the pair of them made. This was a bit of a bike ride, a crash and the nervous "will he lose his leg or won't he"
Spoiler : No he doesn't.
End of story.
July 8, 2018
Although I loved the Long Way Round TV series, and do love the history/biography that Charley recounts in his book, I think that this would have been of most interest to a fan of Charley's who has watched all of his shows and is a motorcycle-head. Still, it got me through a flight delay at Heathrow, and I am glad that I read it.
November 1, 2019
Be it in front of a camera, or through the pages of a book, Charley Boorman is a natural storyteller.
Easygoing, self-deprecating, and eager to share his experiences, Long Way Back is the kind of book that truly takes you “along for the ride.”
If you are a fan of Long Way... series, or you're a bike nut who appreciates a good tale, you’ll have a great time with this book.
Easygoing, self-deprecating, and eager to share his experiences, Long Way Back is the kind of book that truly takes you “along for the ride.”
If you are a fan of Long Way... series, or you're a bike nut who appreciates a good tale, you’ll have a great time with this book.
July 4, 2020
Good old Charley Boorman, motorcycle maniac, has a sever crash, and this is the story of his recovery, with musings of his moto-bio-history.
Ever since I used Long Way Round & Long Way Down as informative travel series adjuncts for my 8th Grade World Geography class, I've been a fan of both he and Ewan McGregor.
Good luck , Charley, looking forward to Long Way Up.
Ever since I used Long Way Round & Long Way Down as informative travel series adjuncts for my 8th Grade World Geography class, I've been a fan of both he and Ewan McGregor.
Good luck , Charley, looking forward to Long Way Up.
November 22, 2020
If you’re a fan of Charley and the Long Way series, this is a nice read. If you’re not familiar with him or his career, it probably won’t be a hugely compelling story. He certainly likes to drop names of his famous friends. There’s also a lot of jumping around in timelines from childhood stories to career and present day which perhaps could have been more streamlined.
July 14, 2022
I have always been a fan of the long way serieses and of charley and ewans friendship. I bought my hubby this book for Xmas.....2 years ago! Anyway he sat and read it finally on holiday in 3 days and at last it was my turn.
It tells the tale of the accident charley has and his battle to not only save his leg but be able to walk again.
A real tale of courage and determination.
It tells the tale of the accident charley has and his battle to not only save his leg but be able to walk again.
A real tale of courage and determination.
August 27, 2020
Being a motorcyclist myself and having suffered a serious injury myself (but not on a motorcycle) I was certainly able to empathise with Charlie. The book was a present and I was glad to receive it. A good read.
August 31, 2020
Great bookmaker
Painful for any biker to read then go out on the road riding. At this time I was recovering from a foot broken in three places due to a car pulling out on me so understand some of Charlie's frustration
Painful for any biker to read then go out on the road riding. At this time I was recovering from a foot broken in three places due to a car pulling out on me so understand some of Charlie's frustration
September 13, 2020
Decent autobiography (from a person that does not typically enjoy autobiographies). Probably best read by mild-obsessive bike fans but not necessarily the ADV tribe. Also, a good insight into the behind-the-scenes life of Charley Boorman. Would recommend.
February 16, 2021
I'm a big fan of Charley from the Long Way series and this was a really interesting look into his recovery from a bad crash. It's a tough read in places as he gets into a lot of detail of his injuries. If you're a fan it's worth a read.
December 29, 2021
Charley's year long recovery from a horrific accident in Portugal. It interweaves descriptions of the steps of recovery with stories from his life. Fairly light reading and very motorbike heavy but prompts deeper reflections at points. Enjoyable.
September 26, 2017
Brilliant.
October 25, 2020
Tough Customer
Well written and truly shows the dyslexic mind at work. Charley is the real deal. He is as tough as tough gets.
Well written and truly shows the dyslexic mind at work. Charley is the real deal. He is as tough as tough gets.
November 13, 2020
I've been following the adventures of Charley Boorman and Ewan MacGregor...fascinating reads and tv shows!!!
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December 31, 2020Last book of 2020! 35 books!
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February 9, 2021great book.
February 14, 2021
A nice mix of recovery story and autobiography. Charley writes in an easy, conversational style -- it's like he's there in the room with you, telling his story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews