An Unreasonable Woman, in Search of Meaning Around the Globe

by Shirley Deane

In 1956, Shirley Deane, a young professional musician, turned her back on a recording contract and TV appearances to work her way around the world. She traveled to 67 countries, became the first woman to drive a Land Rover from England to Kathmandu, was kidnapped and questioned by Turkish police, offered a job by the CIA, was cured of asthma by an indigenous doctor in Kashmir, managed a clinic in a Tibetan refugee camp in Nepal, and stood against death threats to write and publish the first ever Who's Who of Black South Africans. And that's only part of her amazing story. Without the 24 pages of photographs, newspaper clippings, and other memorabilia, you might forget you are reading a memoir.

378 pages, Paperback

First published November 24, 2010

Reviews

[Beth Bentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book rates in my top 10 of all time. In the vein of Eat, Pray, Love, with a much more humanitarian and adventursome bend, given this story begins in the 50's. I cannot say it better than what Shirely herself posts on her blog: "When I was 27 years old, I boarded the MS Oslofjord and set sail for the Land of the Midnight Sun: Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. My plan was to work my way around the world playing jazz accordion, and that is exactly what I did. I ended up visiting and living in 67 countries, became the first woman to drive a Land Rover from England to Kathmandu, was kidnapped and questioned by Turkish police, was offered a job by the CIA, was cured of asthma by an indigenous doctor in Kashmir, managed a clinic in a Tibetan refugee camp in Nepal, and stood against death threats to write and publish the first ever Who’s Who of Black South Africans.". This is a must read and a very good Book Club pick -her incredible experiences and the risks she took for not only herself, but for the South Africans and refugees she helped along the way, show us all that one person can truly make a difference.

[Elizabeth Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I didn't read this for a while because of the cover, which looks so '50s and upbeat. Then I flipped through and realized it's part travelogue for a woman who drove half-way around the world in a Land Rover, by herself. It's really more of an autobiography than a memoir, covering decades, countries and cultures. She tells her story in simple, quick-moving prose. It's rare to find nonfiction like this that I just can't put down.

I was appalled by the apartheid culture of South Africa in the 1970s (not so different from the U.S., maybe, but the danger and hatred more recent). I love languages and adventure and so enjoyed the travels, personalities, food. I can identify with Shirley's desire to break out of ordinary, life-draining routines. The eastern wisdom that sounded more like Christianity than some Christians was intriguing.

I recommend this book for anybody who loves travel (or armchair traveling) or who wants inspiration to break out of their routine.

[Susannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating woman! Ahead of her time.

[Ellen Trantina · Rating 5 out of 5]

How Shirley Deane is not a household name is beyond me after reading her incredible memoir. I was lucky enough to have a friend recommend this little-known book to me after she picked it up from a small bookstore in North Carolina, and I mean LUCKY, as this has easily risen to the top of my list of favorite non-fiction books.
The stories Shirley shares from her life are so wild, intimate, and varied that each chapter could easily be expanded into its own book. I feel both connected to and in awe of the way Deane chose to live her life and truly take the fabled ‘road less traveled’.
I’ve already bought copies of this to share and will continue to rave about this book to anyone who has an inkling that there is more to this life, anyone who loves travel and adventure, anyone looking for inspiration, and anyone who loves a page-turner, as this memoir is all of these things and more. Shirley you are a real hero for staying true to oneself and breaking all of the right rules!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book in the "Unbelievable" category because Ms Deane's Memoir is so filled with adventures, dreams, love stories, tales of her life as an entertainer who made history that you just keep reading as to where she was going next, and with whom.

The style of writing from not chapter to chapter, but skipping in certain years was a bit distracting.

I would highly recommend this one.