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THE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN'S ULYSSEE: IN TWELVE DAYS ON FOOT FROM ZURICH TO GENEVA
SYNOPSIS.
A smarter, older Gentleman hikes from Zurich to Geneva. On hiking trails, whenever they exist. But the declared goal is to reach the destination, the Café de la Place in Meyrin, as soon as possible. The adventures and encounters are more unforeseen than expected. The experience brings smiles, laughter, and a sense of achievement. But also unpleasant, tooth grinding, and suffering. He has much time to explore his thoughts and follow the thought processes caused by the events. He inevitably ends up in complex, exuberant pipe dreams and bizarre, surreal spheres. Very often, he is sent into the virtual desert for his thoughts. Which he isn't concerned about. He wanders, ponders, and continues to provoke, undeterred.
He meets different types of men, friendly and also disgusting ones.
Not only that, but he encounters, many charming ladies and often risks falling in love.
«When someone goes on a trip, then he can tell something.» (Matthias Clausius[i])
[i] Matthias Clausius: was a German poet and journalist, otherwise known by the pen name of Asmus. (*)
A smarter, older Gentleman hikes from Zurich to Geneva. On hiking trails, whenever they exist. But the declared goal is to reach the destination, the Café de la Place in Meyrin, as soon as possible. The adventures and encounters are more unforeseen than expected. The experience brings smiles, laughter, and a sense of achievement. But also unpleasant, tooth grinding, and suffering. He has much time to explore his thoughts and follow the thought processes caused by the events. He inevitably ends up in complex, exuberant pipe dreams and bizarre, surreal spheres. Very often, he is sent into the virtual desert for his thoughts. Which he isn't concerned about. He wanders, ponders, and continues to provoke, undeterred.
He meets different types of men, friendly and also disgusting ones.
Not only that, but he encounters, many charming ladies and often risks falling in love.
«When someone goes on a trip, then he can tell something.» (Matthias Clausius[i])
[i] Matthias Clausius: was a German poet and journalist, otherwise known by the pen name of Asmus. (*)
150 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 11, 2024
The Elderly Gentleman’s Ulyssee by Hans Bodmer is a unique, reflective journey following an older gentleman as he hikes from Zurich to Geneva. The narrative is a blend of personal musings, social commentary, and surreal adventures experienced during the twelve-day trek. With an emphasis on exploration, both physical and mental, the book delves into the protagonist’s inner thoughts as much as it does his external encounters, ranging from charming to bizarre. The reader is invited to ponder alongside the author on various topics, from the mundane to the profound.
The writing style is distinctively personal and occasionally whimsical, which adds charm to the narrative. The text is punctuated by frequent shifts in tone, sometimes dipping into heavy reflections that can feel a bit jarring. The musings on life’s meaning in the early sections contrast sharply with the light-hearted descriptions of daily encounters, such as the playful interaction with the pastor in Grapingen. This oscillation between deep philosophical reflections and casual, almost trivial observations mirrors the randomness of thoughts during a long walk, though it might challenge readers who prefer a more consistent narrative flow.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is how Bodmer captures the protagonist’s fluctuating emotions and thoughts, making the journey feel genuine and relatable. The decision-making process about what to wear in the rain or whether to delay the hike by an hour showcases the human tendency to second-guess oneself, adding a layer of realism to the character. Yet, these relatable moments are often interspersed with more surreal or exaggerated scenarios, like the contemplation of a "Coke/h index," which, while imaginative, may seem out of place to some readers looking for a straightforward travel memoir. The book also tackles social and existential questions, often through the lens of the protagonist’s personal experiences and observations. The protagonist’s reflections on religion, particularly during his encounter with the pastor, provide a thought-provoking contrast to his more whimsical considerations, such as the imagined possibilities behind the walls and bushes along his route.
The Elderly Gentleman’s Ulyssee is a book that will appeal to readers who enjoy introspective, meandering narratives with a mix of humor and depth. It’s a reflective journey that invites readers to join the protagonist in pondering life’s big questions while also enjoying the lighter, more surreal moments of the hike. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate a blend of travelogue, personal reflection, and social commentary, all delivered with a unique, sometimes quirky voice.
The writing style is distinctively personal and occasionally whimsical, which adds charm to the narrative. The text is punctuated by frequent shifts in tone, sometimes dipping into heavy reflections that can feel a bit jarring. The musings on life’s meaning in the early sections contrast sharply with the light-hearted descriptions of daily encounters, such as the playful interaction with the pastor in Grapingen. This oscillation between deep philosophical reflections and casual, almost trivial observations mirrors the randomness of thoughts during a long walk, though it might challenge readers who prefer a more consistent narrative flow.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is how Bodmer captures the protagonist’s fluctuating emotions and thoughts, making the journey feel genuine and relatable. The decision-making process about what to wear in the rain or whether to delay the hike by an hour showcases the human tendency to second-guess oneself, adding a layer of realism to the character. Yet, these relatable moments are often interspersed with more surreal or exaggerated scenarios, like the contemplation of a "Coke/h index," which, while imaginative, may seem out of place to some readers looking for a straightforward travel memoir. The book also tackles social and existential questions, often through the lens of the protagonist’s personal experiences and observations. The protagonist’s reflections on religion, particularly during his encounter with the pastor, provide a thought-provoking contrast to his more whimsical considerations, such as the imagined possibilities behind the walls and bushes along his route.
The Elderly Gentleman’s Ulyssee is a book that will appeal to readers who enjoy introspective, meandering narratives with a mix of humor and depth. It’s a reflective journey that invites readers to join the protagonist in pondering life’s big questions while also enjoying the lighter, more surreal moments of the hike. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate a blend of travelogue, personal reflection, and social commentary, all delivered with a unique, sometimes quirky voice.
August 18, 2024
The Elderly Gentleman's Ulyssee by Hans Bodmer is an account of his hike from Zurich to Geneva. Elders often have a way of making things seem simple, or profound, depending on what's their take on things. This book is an example for the same where the author chronicles his journey by foot with commentaries and more. He also includes sayings or songs that suit the occasions!
Nowadays, not many of us resort to hiking or whatever - thanks to modern innovations, especially in transportation. Gadgets have made us all islands and almost no one talks to anyone physically these days. But throughout his journey, he talks to everyone he meets along the way, or just ponders about everything and gives his inputs.
It's nice to read these pages from his view and I love how his take on life and everything is. For someone in his eighties, he's an inspiration for those who restrict themselves to four cubicles as they age.
Nowadays, not many of us resort to hiking or whatever - thanks to modern innovations, especially in transportation. Gadgets have made us all islands and almost no one talks to anyone physically these days. But throughout his journey, he talks to everyone he meets along the way, or just ponders about everything and gives his inputs.
It's nice to read these pages from his view and I love how his take on life and everything is. For someone in his eighties, he's an inspiration for those who restrict themselves to four cubicles as they age.
August 28, 2024
Review form Onlinebookclub.
Have you ever thought of doing something unique and rare, like going on a hike that lasts days, weeks, or even months? If you haven't, then I have a surprise for you from a man called Hans Bodmer who decided to go on a hike for two weeks from Zurich to Café de la Place. He takes an account of all the things that happen during his hike, for example, the time he wakes up and sets off, the places he walks through, the places he rests, and finally the hotel he decides to spend the night in.
He also lets his mind wander during these hikes, and he gives us his views on different topics and things such as religion, Coca-Cola, trees, business, newspapers, zodiac signs, and stars, among others. He adds a pinch of masculinity to the book by commenting on most of the women he meets while on his hike and how they act towards him. To find out more, please grab yourself a copy of the book The Elderly Gentleman's Ulyssee by Hans Bodmer.
I commend the author for his courage to go on such a rare and dangerous mission that most people would nearly find impossible. He goes on a hike because he loves and enjoys it, and this makes him courageous and unique. Most people nowadays barely walk due to the introduction of different means of transport and are not willing to take on such a risky endeavour.
I also liked that he included different quotes, sayings, and songs in his book, and each quote he mentioned fit the situation he was in when he mentioned it. This means that he put in a lot of effort to find the different quotes, songs, and sayings.
Another thing that is worth mentioning is the author's diverse knowledge on different topics. He had something to say about almost everything he saw, touched, used, or thought about, which I found admirable. He talked about trees, stars, zodiac signs, drugs, and religion, which proved how knowledgeable he is.
Have you ever thought of doing something unique and rare, like going on a hike that lasts days, weeks, or even months? If you haven't, then I have a surprise for you from a man called Hans Bodmer who decided to go on a hike for two weeks from Zurich to Café de la Place. He takes an account of all the things that happen during his hike, for example, the time he wakes up and sets off, the places he walks through, the places he rests, and finally the hotel he decides to spend the night in.
He also lets his mind wander during these hikes, and he gives us his views on different topics and things such as religion, Coca-Cola, trees, business, newspapers, zodiac signs, and stars, among others. He adds a pinch of masculinity to the book by commenting on most of the women he meets while on his hike and how they act towards him. To find out more, please grab yourself a copy of the book The Elderly Gentleman's Ulyssee by Hans Bodmer.
I commend the author for his courage to go on such a rare and dangerous mission that most people would nearly find impossible. He goes on a hike because he loves and enjoys it, and this makes him courageous and unique. Most people nowadays barely walk due to the introduction of different means of transport and are not willing to take on such a risky endeavour.
I also liked that he included different quotes, sayings, and songs in his book, and each quote he mentioned fit the situation he was in when he mentioned it. This means that he put in a lot of effort to find the different quotes, songs, and sayings.
Another thing that is worth mentioning is the author's diverse knowledge on different topics. He had something to say about almost everything he saw, touched, used, or thought about, which I found admirable. He talked about trees, stars, zodiac signs, drugs, and religion, which proved how knowledgeable he is.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews