The Opening Country: A Walk Through France

by John Micklewright

In this journey of discovery, John Micklewright travels the slow way, on foot, on paths, tracks and byways from the Channel to the Alps – from the coast of Normandy to the flanks of Mont Blanc. The Opening Country is a beautifully written account of his progress through the French countryside, an evocative patchwork of landscape, nature, history, literature, film, and – drawing on his father’s diaries that stretch back to the 1930s – of memoir. Always curious, absorbing all around him, ready on a whim to divert from his chosen route as he heads unhurriedly southwards. The natural world unfolds as spring turns to summer with surprises of bird song and butterflies, against a constant background of reminders of the economic and social story of rural France and of wars past. The result is an engrossing record of a classic long-distance walk through Britain’s nearest continental neighbour. The Opening Country is a book to fire the imagination – a call to travel slowly, to open eyes and ears, to discover and explore.

Genres: Travel

188 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Isobel Butters]

The Opening Country is a thoroughly enjoyable and informative travel diary that carries you along, with the convenience that you don't need your walking boots. Perhaps unexpectedly for a book of this kind, it is full of fascinating, read-aloud details. The knowledgeability and charm of the author make it a pleasure to read and by the end I was yearning to see France again, through new eyes. Looking forward to the next journey.

[Franco · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good leisurely read, which matches the pace of the walk. Micklewright walks from the Northern coast of France to the Italian border. It is not a race, so no frenetic passages of " I must get to...by ...".
Along the way he explores the places he passes through or stops at and describes them and the geopolitical development of the local area and of France generally. Some very insightful pieces, even for someone like me who has spent much time travelling through the country.

[Elainedav · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Opening Country is a book which is exactly the type of non fiction, travelogue/memoir that I love to read. The premise is simple, the author has walked from the north coast of France, right down through the country, across the Alps and into Italy. I have nothing negative to say about the book. These are the things I most liked:

It is very well written. John Micklewright is an academic and has written throughout his career and I think it is obvious in the book that he is an experienced writer. There is a sentimental aspect - he reflects on childhood holidays in France and refers to his father's diaries and memories of his father's love of France. The journey is aspirational in several ways. The time taken to make the journey, the distance covered and the non obvious route taken. Observations of nature along the way are quite frequent. I particularly enjoyed the mention of the birds and butterflies seen along the route. Literary references appear throughout and are wide ranging. War and Peace seems unlikely to be mentioned in a book such as this and yet it sits in the narrative in a very natural, appropriate and amusing way! History is not a particular interest of mine, but I do admire the extent of research undertaken for the author to write knowledgably about war memorials, buildings passed and even lavoirs in rural villages. The bibliography for the book is extraordinary.

If you like to read about walking alone or with a friend, through countryside, alongside rivers and canals, through woodlands, farmyards, up hills and across mountains, then I highly recommend this book. It is perfect for anyone who enjoys reading Bill Bryson, Robert McFarlane, Patrick Barkham or similar. Prior to the book, there was a blog, which can still be found on the internet. The blog is worth a look too, to see the author's photographs.

Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charmingly understated book describing the journey on foot by John Micklewright as he crosses France from The Channel to Italy. Following to some extent a route made by his father some years before, the author takes us on his travels. The beauty of the book is the balance between personal anecdotes interwoven with historical and geographical facts - not in a lecturing manner but gently interspersed within the descriptions of sights and sounds. By the end of the book, you feel as though as you’ve been on the journey and feel the desire to grab a rucksack and walking boots and get moving. In the time of COVID-19 this is a book that lifts the spirits and brings a glimmer of future travel inspiration

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this and it is brilliant. It is a wonderful mix of local histories (I am very curious to know more about the child who escaped the Nazis by jumping out the window in Izieu), meditations on walking and being alone, the author's relationship with his father and (of course) butterflies. Told with wit and humour. I am not much of a walker myself but this is enough to get my off the sofa and out the door!

The perfect salve for those missing travel and adventure. Read it and experience the “vertiginous freedom” of a walker at a crossroads.

[Randal White · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a lucky man! So lucky to have had the chance to take such a wonderful journey. After being stuck at home for over a year due to the pandemic, it really buoyed my spirits to have the chance to live vicariously through the author. Pleasant, nicely told, good descriptions. Just what I needed!