Dawdling By the Danube, 5 Cds [Unabridged Library Edition]

by Edward Enfield

Having only been to Germany once before to do National Service, Edward Enfield sets off on his latest cycling trip, carrying few preconceptions but plenty of wit. Determining the route he should take from recommendations scrawled on a napkin, he starts by following the 'Romantic Street' along the banks of the Danube from Passau to Vienna, taking in castles, churches and good food along the way. And, as Edward amply reveals in this charming book, there is no place from which to see a country that is nearly as good, as the saddle of a bicycle.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Adventure, Poland, Audiobook

Audio CD

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book which is read by the author and documents his travels following the Danube through Germany, Austria and Poland by bike.

It was enjoyable to listen to, Edward Enfield seems like a nice gentleman and I thought his company pleasant. It was a bit reminiscent of picking up one of my parents from the airport and listening to the story of the holiday all the way home!

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

c2008. Humour is a funny thing (excuse the pun) but sometimes if it is essentially cruel in nature it can be quite grating. This is a gentle excuse of a book with other bits of useful (-less) information thrown in. Good beach reading, I would have thought. Recommended to the inquisitive members of the crew. "Not only do they not explain them, they do not even mention them as if they had never noticed they were there."

[Jan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly the author could have provided more to the reader.

Of course British charm helps the story along and it is inspiring to read about a 77 year old undertaking a major trip on a bike, but unfortunately, this is a classic example of the saying that most of us have a book inside us... and that is where it should stay.

[John Laidler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Another Enfield Bike Ride - Perfect!

My only criticism of this book is it is a bit short and feels like an extract from a longer book yet to be written. But if you know Enfield Major's other writings you will wrap this slender volume around you like an old coat. A very enjoyable read even if the river is a tad longer than the bike ride.

[Christine Parkinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to this in the car. I have been on a few cycling holidays so thought that I would find it interesting. I found it really old fashioned and did not feel that I learned anything worthwhile about his trip. Think I would have struggled reading it as I would have found it boring.

[Deborah-Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be honest, wasn't a total fan of this book. I had listened to one of his other books "Freewheeling Through Ireland", but I found this book to be a bit all over the place. Some of it was interesting, but in general I found it hard to follow. I much prefer his Irish book to this one. However, it does follow the same format of the Irish book (as in, it is more of a travelogue looking at some of the places he has traveled, people he met, food he ate, etc).

[Linda Amos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a very long read about a cycle ride along the Danube. Edward Enfield is a character, and I found him funny. An interesting read about a part of the world I haven't visited. A bit of history on places he visited, as well a recommendations on where to stay and routes to take. I'm sure it could be followed if you are interested in following the same route.

[Rose Stanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gentle, pleasant read, much like the cycle rides described in its pages. Some slightly...not exactly offensive, but certainly...let's say old-fashioned comments at times however. Probably would still consult and/or pack this if I were ever planning a cycling holiday (lol) in the areas mentioned here.

[Felicity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having pedalled the Danube bike path from Passau to Vienna, this book just had to be read! Lovely writing style, relaxed and easy. This is like your Dad, telling you about his trip and it brought back many happy memories for me. These bike paths are truely magnificent!

[Pauline M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable. The author rode his bike along the Danube, visiting towns along the way, when he was well over 70.

[Liam Proven · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolute charm from beginning to end.

I feel I've leapt from early in Enfield's short authorial career straight to more or less the end. This is a shame and I shall rectify it, for I remain beguiled by his modest charm. This tome includes the account of several paid rides or trips he made in the course of making TV programmes - as the septuagenarian semi-celebrity (and father of famous person, as he wryly notes) clearly made enough of a splash with his earlier travelogues to be approached to do more of them, for the papers and for TV.

Many of the other reviews seem dismissive; I can only construe these as impatient youths who wish to rush pell-mell through exciting journeys and cannot wait for the gentler pace of an old man on a bicycle. If dry wit, humorous but acute observation, and simple, restrained, very British joyous observation of other lands are your thing, rather than adventures, I heartily recommend these books.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having been a fan of his other travel books, perhaps my expectations were too high, but I came away disappointed. This one features reminiscences of earlier trips, interspersed with the more recent Danube bicycle touring. Perhaps it wasn't as highlighted in print, but his tone for the audiobook made it fairly clear that he was done with traveling, and writing, upon fulfilling this contract.

Those who are new to him as an author, do not start here!

[cloudyskye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find this very enjoyable. The author is like a (much) mellower, very kindly disposed, quite English version of Bill Bryson. Edward Enfield clearly enjoys himself cycling along bike paths in Central Europe. I'm planning on "dawdling/cycling by the Danube" myself with a friend next summer, so this was a lovely introduction. My personal highlight: his thoughts on the inscription on his (future) tombstone --- a laugh-out-loud moment. Won't spoil it here. :)

[Caren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the author read this book. He has a lovely British accent and a quiet, charming wit. I was quite impressed that much of this bicycle tour was undertaken when he was 77 years old. Nothing earth-shattering here, just a modestly entertaining little book.

[Emma]

This is the worst drivel I have had the misfortune to read. Don't bother unless your eligible for saga holidays, insurance etc. He prattles on about a daydream he has about the Prince of Wales brewing his own real ale. This is the best it gets and I'd rather have watched paint dry.

[Bill Lively · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting observations of places to visit.