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Overland
Overland is the true story of a journey from Australia to Switzerland without flying. From vast deserts to an Indonesian fishing boat, a slow train through Burma to an armed confrontation in Laos, lullabies from middle-aged Chinese businessmen to a cold night on the Great Wall, wolves and reindeer herders, thieves and nomads: this is a vivid illustration of Asia and the people who live there, and of one ancient, stubborn motorcycle travelling through the world's wild places.
- GenresNonfiction
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2019
98 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 4, 2019
I like this kind of thing! Like, "guy goes on long somewhat foolish adventure and writes an amateur self published book about it."
One pitfall this genre can run into is if the author is just a bad writer. But he held my attention and I read it pretty quick, so I dunno, his writing seems clear enough to me.
Another potential pitfall is thinking you're a more intrepid explorer than you are or talking shit about *anyone*. Levick runs into this a little bit in the first half of the book (ok yes we know you are Much Cooler than your fellow cruise guests or the dreaded dreadlocked backpackers). But the second half, he manages to steer clear. It also helps that his difficult motorcycle journey is way more interesting than his schlepping through southeast Asia. And what a trip! I'm impressed that he survived, and that he didn't have to bail because it just got too logistically hard. Hell, I rode a crummy scooter across Europe and even that was logistically taxing, so I can only imagine what Mongolia would have been like.
He references the Ewan MacGregor and Charlie Boorman miniseries "the long way around", and indeed this hits many of the same feelings. If you've seen that and thought "ok, a couple rich white guys drove a long way, shrug" then you won't like this book. But if that series interested you and you'd like a more grassroots version (no film crew here), then spend a dollar and a couple hours reading the second half of this book.
(And Ewen, if you're reading this review, thanks for sharing the story! Best of luck with future travels, or with integrating this journey into your life in a way that's meaningful to you. I'm still trying to figure this out myself :)
One pitfall this genre can run into is if the author is just a bad writer. But he held my attention and I read it pretty quick, so I dunno, his writing seems clear enough to me.
Another potential pitfall is thinking you're a more intrepid explorer than you are or talking shit about *anyone*. Levick runs into this a little bit in the first half of the book (ok yes we know you are Much Cooler than your fellow cruise guests or the dreaded dreadlocked backpackers). But the second half, he manages to steer clear. It also helps that his difficult motorcycle journey is way more interesting than his schlepping through southeast Asia. And what a trip! I'm impressed that he survived, and that he didn't have to bail because it just got too logistically hard. Hell, I rode a crummy scooter across Europe and even that was logistically taxing, so I can only imagine what Mongolia would have been like.
He references the Ewan MacGregor and Charlie Boorman miniseries "the long way around", and indeed this hits many of the same feelings. If you've seen that and thought "ok, a couple rich white guys drove a long way, shrug" then you won't like this book. But if that series interested you and you'd like a more grassroots version (no film crew here), then spend a dollar and a couple hours reading the second half of this book.
(And Ewen, if you're reading this review, thanks for sharing the story! Best of luck with future travels, or with integrating this journey into your life in a way that's meaningful to you. I'm still trying to figure this out myself :)
August 5, 2019
A very enjoyable read of an immense journey from Australia to Switzerland without flying. The Mongolia section is breathtaking. The author's interaction with helpful locals throughout his travels is heartwarming. I personally loved "Nobby" the cantankerous motorbike the author bought in Mongolia. I'm not sure I would say the same if I was the rider.
December 29, 2019
A wonderfully told journey
I'm a lover of travelogue books being a self published travel auther myself and having read scores over the years I was pleasantly surprised when I read Ewans story. The simplicity in his journey really does draw you in and the experiences he had and took on I'm sure will mould him in life's endless jounery.
It's a must read and the section with noddy really is epic, well done Ewan and maybe one day I will be lucky enough to ride a reindeer too
Martin
I'm a lover of travelogue books being a self published travel auther myself and having read scores over the years I was pleasantly surprised when I read Ewans story. The simplicity in his journey really does draw you in and the experiences he had and took on I'm sure will mould him in life's endless jounery.
It's a must read and the section with noddy really is epic, well done Ewan and maybe one day I will be lucky enough to ride a reindeer too
Martin
November 28, 2023
If you want an informative book about traveling overland from Southeast Asia, through Mongolia and Russia to Switzerland, this could be a good book for you. If you want background information on the areas visited, existential musings or an opinionated presentation, you will be disappointed. The writer is an earnest reporter of what he sees and does a work personlike job in doing so. I would have preferred a more insightful, less pedestrian presentation. You will not confuse this with a travelogue by Paul Theroux
March 10, 2020
A lovely travel journal, I especially enjoyed his time in Mongolia, and for me the story really started when he bought the bike. I'm a sucker for any documentation of someone's journey overland. I will say though that it felt very clinical, I don't feel like I got to experience whatever emotions of feelings he was experiencing because they were rarely mentioned. Overall still worth a read even if it does feel a little at arm's length.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2020
An endearing and well-written book of a man's multi-country journey. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found certain bits quite humorous. Highly recommended for those who love those off-the-beaten track sort of adventures!
September 23, 2020
A interesting book but not a page turner, I went off the author early on as he was very dirisory about old people on a cruise ship. He is not engaging or funny so the feel of the book is not lite, I may read another book by him as is travels are interesting but him not so much.
November 10, 2020
Amazing Journey
A fantastic adventure, really well written. An interesting account of an epic treck from Australia to Switzerland by any means available except air. Thoroughly enjoyed every page and highly recommend.
A fantastic adventure, really well written. An interesting account of an epic treck from Australia to Switzerland by any means available except air. Thoroughly enjoyed every page and highly recommend.
March 21, 2020
Excellent Adventures
As excellent adventures go, this is almost so far fetched as not to be believed... Riveting it is and believable!
As excellent adventures go, this is almost so far fetched as not to be believed... Riveting it is and believable!
March 29, 2021
Overall very interesting
Took a while to get started but once it did, was quite captivating.
No - I do not want to do this trip.
Took a while to get started but once it did, was quite captivating.
No - I do not want to do this trip.
July 17, 2021
Life adventure
This is an adventure of a life time very few people would even dream of. This journey on a small bike was awesome and well written
This is an adventure of a life time very few people would even dream of. This journey on a small bike was awesome and well written
March 7, 2022
Good yarn, easy reading. Loved the vivid descriptions. Would recommend to anyone with a wanderlust.
May 9, 2022
A good read
Easy reading , well written , a great adventure book with highs and lows of his adventure from Australia to Switzerland
An easy 5 stars from me
Easy reading , well written , a great adventure book with highs and lows of his adventure from Australia to Switzerland
An easy 5 stars from me
January 9, 2023
Want to re-read! ADVENTURE PORN: Guy makes his way from Australia to Switzerland by ferry, motorcyle, walking, etc.
March 2, 2021
Not a thrills and chills adventure. Lots of descriptions of landscapes, some trials and tribulations with the motorcycle but nothing exciting. The author met lots of kind helpful though also met a couple shifty types that almost got away with rip offs. The book was pleasant and his trip was an accomplishment suffering nasty weather and long lonely stretches. Inodded outreading this book several times so it is good for bedtime.
December 8, 2019
Wow!
What an amazing story. Almost seems too crazy to be real, but what an exciting trip. I'm amazed at all Ewen did on this trip. And his writing puts you right in the midst of whatever crazy situation or beautiful vista he's in.
What an amazing story. Almost seems too crazy to be real, but what an exciting trip. I'm amazed at all Ewen did on this trip. And his writing puts you right in the midst of whatever crazy situation or beautiful vista he's in.
November 26, 2019
Quite the adventure.
Well described journey . Why not do this trip if possible , see different countries and people. The author was fortunate to get help when he needed it . He met people that even with language barriers helped him out. Hopefully he keeps on traveling and writing.
Well described journey . Why not do this trip if possible , see different countries and people. The author was fortunate to get help when he needed it . He met people that even with language barriers helped him out. Hopefully he keeps on traveling and writing.
November 14, 2019
Whilst I found the first half of this book slow going for the lack detail in the trip the second half and the authors general writing style really made up for it, an enjoyable adventure!
September 14, 2019
Really enjoyed this personal account of Ewen's trip.
There were just so many parts I related to - the Asian men with their bellies out, hosing down the road, wondering what other people do with all the selfies of you, and many more.
I especially liked the Mongolia part. I love that the author just decided to buy a bike and go for it, without really knowing what was in store for him. I call this The Arrogance of Ignorance (definitely meant in a good way!) and it's amazing how well it works out if you go for it, usually!
Thanks for sharing your story.
There were just so many parts I related to - the Asian men with their bellies out, hosing down the road, wondering what other people do with all the selfies of you, and many more.
I especially liked the Mongolia part. I love that the author just decided to buy a bike and go for it, without really knowing what was in store for him. I call this The Arrogance of Ignorance (definitely meant in a good way!) and it's amazing how well it works out if you go for it, usually!
Thanks for sharing your story.
November 10, 2019
A delightful description of a young man’s journey from Melbourne to Basel over land (and water). His experiences, particularly in Mongolia and Russia, restored my faith in the kindness of strangers.
July 29, 2021
Absorbing Read
One of the few travel books that I really got absorbed in. Ewan sounds like a really nice bloke complete with niaive travel experiences.
There's a number of questions left unanswered in the book which detract a little, but on the whole this is a great read
One of the few travel books that I really got absorbed in. Ewan sounds like a really nice bloke complete with niaive travel experiences.
There's a number of questions left unanswered in the book which detract a little, but on the whole this is a great read
October 8, 2019
Really enjoyed this fun adventure. It was hard to put down because I wanted to see where Ewen was going next. I recommend this! За здоровье!
October 19, 2019
Fascinating
Well written ‘travelogue’ of inspiring travels. Thoroughly enjoyable with great descriptions and humor. . I felt like I was on his journey with him
Well written ‘travelogue’ of inspiring travels. Thoroughly enjoyable with great descriptions and humor. . I felt like I was on his journey with him
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews