The Hills are Stuffed with Swedish Girls

by Richard Happer

...you remember we used to joke how in the next glen we were going to come across some mythically hot European birds, all lost and sweaty and lovely? Well, pack your bags cos I ve just found out they really do exist. ...Coming from your best friend, this sounds wonderful. Now that the love of your life has left and you got fired, some boys-in-the-hills-action is just what you fancy. But there are problems. There s your upper-class flatmate who gets the shakes if he goes more than half a mile from a delicatessen. And you ll have to take the cat, but he will insist on murdering things. Then there s your best friend himself, a vodka-toting maniac whose last great idea was snorting gunpowder... What s going to happen when you re all up a rainy glen in a leaky tent? How much damage is it possible to do on a distillery tour? Will anyone apart from the cat actually get a shag? There s only one way to find out. Pack your rucksack, lace your boots and head for the hills with the boys...

256 pages, Paperback

First published June 14, 2009

Reviews

[Beth S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me. It's ridiculous and entertaining, but evolves into a thoughtful and introspective take on life, death, and everything in-between.

Sometimes you have to give the sad-boy Russian literature* a break and read about 3 boys in the highlands pissing on each other's boots.

*don't even need to say it.

[Aidan W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this read, it's like the Inbetweeners doing the West Highland way - with some added emotion and inner discovery.

I learnt you that you can have a light-hearted read, it's possible to laugh hard at a book, and reading doesn't have to be about knowledge, challenge, and enlightenment... Forget Nietzsche, Kafka, and Dostoevsky* and just have a good laugh at someone shoving a tent peg up their bum in Tiso's once in a while.
*you know who you are

My main complaint just being the parts that are logically impossible... Anyway - we hope you enjoy the view, Rowan

[Michael Stephen Denny · Rating 4 out of 5]

You have to take this book for what it is and give it a chance, ignore the crass “laddish” dialogue and stick with it. I stopped reading it disappointed three times but eventually got into it and found myself captivated after about half way when it evolves into a story of personal discovery and achievement. I read from just after half way through to the end in one hit as it just grabbed me. Recommended

[Meike Van Krimpen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not at all what I expected

Ridiculous and unrealistic - despite this really enjoyed the story, the misadventures, and the ending. It was both a lot worse and a lot better than I thought it would be.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Angharad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this! Loved the combination of diary style with facts, thought it was really funny and easy to read / follow but also heartfelt!

[Saad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light, entertaining read. Exactly what the doctor ordered, given my last book read was Anna Karenina. A "road trip" story with plenty of "guy humor" and yet it eventually ties into a deeper story about death and how we deal with it to continue living our lives. The book was a gift, so I had no idea what to expect. I liked it!

[John Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the funniest books I've read. The author has a great knowledge of the West Highland Way and has created a tale of 3 guys walking the route for in the pursuit of Swedish girls. As when my friends and I walked the way, they all got something different out if it. The characters are strong and likeable; so good I read it twice.

[Grim-Anal King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story about some blokes attempting to get laid on the West Highland Way which is funnier than it sounds. A somewhat puerile perspective works quite well in an arena usually reserved for the overblown.

[Jackie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book, witty and amusing with like-able and believable characters and moments of sensitivity. As well as a Ginger Cat. Richard Happer has a real talent and flair for the sublime and the ridiculously funny!
Let us hope he decides to write a sequel :-)

[Richard Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny jaunt along the west highland way!

[Ian White · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely terrible.

[Robert MacIver Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cracking West Highland Way yarn.