The Ribbons Are for Fearlessness: My Journey from Norway to Portugal beneath the Midnight Sun

by Catrina Davies

“Read this book if you have ever loved and lost. . . . It will inspire you.” —Monique Roffey, author of With the Kisses of His Mouth

Fuzzy-haired, neurotic, cello-playing Catrina is devastated when her lover, Jack, leaves her to go surfing on the other side of the world. Trapped in a dead-end job and torn by his departure, Catrina dreams of running away. But how do you run away when you’re flat broke?

Luckily, her friend Andrew comes up with a they’ll get an old van, turn it into a camper, and busk their way from Norway to Portugal, via the midnight sun. Andrew is one of her oldest friends and they share many of the same passions and interests, including music.

When Andrew is killed in a tragic accident, Catrina decides to go it alone, encountering one disaster after another. She sleeps in her van, gets lost, and struggles to find the confidence to play her cello in front of her growing audience, but meets complete strangers who offer her advice, encouragement, and support along the way. Her experiences on the road gradually teach her the real meaning of love, courage, and above all else, the importance of following her dreams.

This is an unforgettable story of a journey like no other—a deeply emotional and inspirational debut by a unique storyteller.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Memoir, Autobiography

272 pages, Paperback

First published February 27, 2014

Reviews

[J.L. Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Fearlessness has got nothing to do with being unafraid. It's about doing things anyway, getting on with it, living, whether you're afraid or not....Courage is about being who you are with your whole heart”



I enjoyed Catrina Davies' The Ribbons Are for Fearlessness: My Journey from Norway to Portugal beneath the Midnight Sun. After a breakup with her boyfriend, Davies takes to the road with little more than a beat up van and a cello, and ends up busking to earn enough for food and gas for her 11,000 mile trip. Besides my own love of travel, what got me in this story was the sense that Davies was in over her head, but was able to tap into a latent adventurous spirit that we all have. Not sure what else. It felt authentic.

[Thebooktrail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visit the locations of the book here Ribbons book trail

Now I have found a book about solo travel that tells it like it is. I so identified with Catrina (Not the busking I hasten to add that I really quite warmed to her early on despite her lack of awareness over many things. But you can’t fault the girl’s stamina to do what she did and I was amazed. It’s only when you travel on your own that you notice the little things, the shape of the money, the way you drift off when looking into the horizon, the need to make friends, the homesickness but that inner voice in your head telling you to carry on and gather memories.

Who would have known that busking was received so differently in Europe? And that there are rules for buskers iu various towns and cities. That it doesn’t seem to pay well in France and that the journey from Norway to Sweden can make you feel like a pauper.

There are many funny moments along the way but I really admire this girl for not just getting out of her comfort zone but for jumping out of it, smashing it in pieces and all the while, learning how to save herself from Norwegian wave and biting the bullet of playing live on a pier somewhere.

There’s something very moreish about this book – maybe I need to get in a camper van right now, take this book with me and seize the day?

[Raimonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catrina Davies’ book ‘The Ribbons Are For Fearlessness: A Journey‘ is a captivating story of adventure against all odds. Catrina lives her life clinging to safety and familiarity. After her cliff-climbing and sea-surfing boyfriend leaves her and her best friend unexpectedly dies, she is left drifting aimlessly with nothing to cling to.

Her solution? To buy an old van, put her cello in it, and go busking all across Europe.
What is so endearing about this book is that the heroine is the least likely candidate for the journey that she undertakes. She is not the brave adventurous person looking for excitement. She has no money, no plan, she has not thought out the details. However, by making this one step – buying the van and getting onto a ferry – she initiates a chain of events that change the route of her journey and her life itself.

In essence, this is a story of a journey from fear to fearlessness, from drifting aimlessly to being awake. It is a story of persevering against adversity, big or small, and growing as a person through this. And as such, it is a universal story of human heart. A story that makes you stop and audit your own life. A story that inspires. Check it out, you might like it.

http://heartkindling.wordpress.com/20...

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

As another reviewer said: ‘Don't try her journey unless you are an attractive blond with musical talent who is happy using a succession of men to get you out of troubles and along your way. The "solo" trip not so very "solo".’ I totally agree. Every time she had no money or a major problem, a man just happened to turn up to save her!

Anyway, what a stupid, stupid girl, to go to Norway with no money or a proper map and clothes. And fund it by busking, in public, when she doesn’t like to perform in front of people! And without any sheet music or knowledge of many songs! Unbelievable.

I read her next book first, so I know she had a hard upbringing and has mental health issues but still ..

[Sophy H · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a big fat packet of no!

I really enjoyed Catrina Davies's last book Homesick: Why I Live in a Shed and thought it well written.

This however is just a mess. There is a tenuous story of loss running through the book which serves only as an excuse to write about her travels. There is the stupidity of taking an unroadworthy vehicle on a drive covering thousands of kilometres, then constantly writing "oh no, the van had overheated", "I was out of petrol", "I was stranded in the middle of nowhere with no money"! This damsel in distress routine is frankly really annoying and it gets right on my tits!

The constant whining about a boyfriend who is clearly a self-centred, narcissistic twat again becomes annoying, as does the subsequent description of the author's sexual conquests on her journey! Who is interested, seriously?!

There is limited description of the beautiful landscapes Catrina travels through; she is more interested describing the men she met, the lots of pasta she ate and the drinking sessions she got into.

Eugh, no, this is just a waste of time. Very disappointing, I'm glad this was a library loan!

[Liralen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Davies set out to busk her way from Norway to Portugal, it was with a great deal of trepidation, and that's what resonated most strongly for me: that sometimes fearlessness is defined not by not having the fear in the first place and rather by having the fear and doing it anyway. For Davies, that meant setting off alone. It meant busking when she wanted to do anything other than play her cello in public, and navigating mold and ice in the van, and fear, and picking herself up again and again and again and again when the going got rough. Learning to surf, because the opportunity was there and she was afraid. And then doing it all over again.

Begging the question: what are you afraid of? And what would it take for you to do it anyway?

[Carol Wakefield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not uninteresting story of an unusual journey. Ms Davies in her introduction suggests that the stories within her trip may be story and/or may be fact. Don't try her journey unless you are an attractive blond with musical talent who is happy using a succession of men to get you out of troubles and along your way. The "solo" trip not so very "solo". Got a bit tired of her agonizing over a lost love. Still mostly fun read.

[Lisa Fernández · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so giddy i can't even write a review that isn't: "I love love love it"
The fact that it's a real story (with very little fiction in it) is just ah!
I've always wanted to see the midnight sun, and although my idea was somewhere near Helsinki, Norway doesn't sound bad
It inspires me to learn, and be brave, and have courage.. And tip street musicians everywhere
I love love love it.

[Isabella McLoughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this book from a friend after the Camino. A very fitting read and just the sweetest story. It was a battered old book that we’ve passed around the group which just makes it seem much more special

[Holly Paterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great timing to read this book… passed throughout a group of us girls who are travelling at the moment! Very easy to read!

[Lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me ha gustado mucho porque es un libro que habla de la vida misma, de experiencias y sensaciones

[Hannah Oakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and full of hope, for anyone who has ever thought ‘I can’t’.

[Kathryn de Carvalho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this true story of a woman who busked her way to the Midnight Sun in Norway. So many improbable happenings. Loved the explorations of grief and what it might look like to live a life more free

[Stephanie Buick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most engaging travel narratives I've ever read.

The central theme, as the title suggests, is bravery. Well, relationships, bravery and grief, to be more precise. Travel is often the best cure for a broken heart and Catrina Davies prescribed herself an industrial strength dose of this particular remedy in what appears to be a crazy journey, taking off in her rust-bucket van, busking her way to the Norwegian midnight sun, then down through Europe to Southern Spain and Portugal.

I found myself rooting for her as she struggled with her self confidence to busk with her cello on the streets; grieved for the loss of her close friend and came to terms with the demise of her relationship with the dude on a surf board (dude on a surfboard - never a good idea). I rooted for her some more as she faced her fears and frustrations and learnt to surf in the freezing sea off the coast of Norway. Then I did a bit more rooting (from my safe place, huddled by the radiator) for her as she took her tinny van up a French mountain under several feet of snow.

The narrative is well constructed, with flashbacks and back story handled very effectively. She also cleverly interweaves her personal story with her physical journey, creating a well balanced blend of introspection and description of her surroundings and the characters she meets.

I really enjoyed this book and romped through it, cover to cover, in just over a day. Catrina Davies is a naturally talented writer and I'm looking forward to reading some more of her work.

[Jessica Medved · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good!
I will admit that in the beginning it is hard to get into and that there are parts that I struggled to read through because it had moment of monotony. But as a whole the Book was VERY good!

I loved hearing her story and reading about her growth. I wanted to write Watching because a lot of times the description in the book really does feel like you are watching it.
It is was so well done! I really loved it.
It is not your far fetched taken by the wind kind of travel memoir full of lovely descriptions of bustling towns and beautifully done tourist spots but far more real. You hurt with her and get excited when she does. You feel the terror of the unknown and the near death and come out on top and it is beautiful! This is definitely a read I will pick up again in the future.

I recommend this one to anyone who loves the raw story of travel not the prettily painted picture that come out of so many travel memoirs.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is an easy read and I found it uninspiring for the most part. I should know better than to pick up a book that centres around travelling but a good friend of mine has a van they travel around in and I thought this book may give some insight into that life and be a bit of fun.
Having been to Norway and being so taken aback with it's beauty it was disappointing that the book didn't bring this landscape to life for the reader. It could be said that the psychological state of the protagonist prevented then from seeing the beauty of the world and so it did not feature in the book though the stark contrast of the stunning landscape and the protagonists inner struggles would have made a vivid contrast for the reader.
The relationships forged in the book though communicated as important didn't feel particularly deep to me. The whole book felt like it was skimming the surface of each situation. Maybe read this one on holiday if at all.

[Andreia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring and uninspiring. Her whole thing for Jack was just ridiculous - the guy is literally having sex with some rando in your house, woman. This book was a lot about men, for some reason. It's also not about the journey itself which really annoyed me. There were barely any descriptions of the beautiful places she saw. And there were little things that really made me roll my eyes from the very first pages. I loved how they were discussing a movie (Into the Wild, one of my favourites) in 2005 when it... Didn't exist. Come on.

[Clár · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was nothing utterly amazing about this book, but I still couldn't stop reading. Adventuring with the author as she made her way through Norway opened my eyes to a part of the world I had never really thought about!

[BB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book as part of a goodreads giveaway.

Brilliant, captivating book. Simple, honest story telling. I loved it!

I need to listen to all the tunes mentioned now

[Ben Twoonezero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book, I am looking forward to her next effort.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. I knew I would and planned on reading it slowly…. But devoured it over 3 sunny days in the garden. I now desperately want to buy a van and learn to surf ❤️

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. The protagonist/ author (it's largely autobiographical) is annoyingly dependent on everyone she meets to bail her out of her messes, but is probably very realistic. She had some interesting experiences but mostly a collection of poor decisions from which she is rescued by men. A lot of self-indulgent, self-reflective waffle about an ex-boyfriend who clearly never liked her, her drinking experiences and the men she meets along her "independent" journey. She somehow manages to go through half of Europe without soaking up one iota of culture and without a single experience outside of her own bubble. She could have been anywhere, frankly. Saving grace was that it was actually quite well written.

[loz✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

i enjoyed this book. it was a nice one to start the year. my friend picked this out for me because she knows i have a year full of changes ahead of me. the book is light, and easy to read. and following on someone else’s journey and their perceptions of things that happen in their life really helps to put into perspective the things that are happening in yours. it’s a book about a journey and takes the phrase it’s not about the destination it’s about the journey really seriously. because there isn’t a final destination by the end of the book. but i’ve been able to appreciate and learn from reading about the ways to navigate. great book and would recommend to anyone who isn’t sure in their next steps and maybe wants to feel a little inspired if they’re feeling lost in life.

[Dan Organ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the author’s other book about living in a shed and loved it. So glad I picked this book up too. It was superb. Loved the author’s courage, fire, grit and positive attitude to overcome adversity as she travels from Norway to Portugal, by herself, in a rusty yellow van, with little to no money, just busking with her cello and flying by the seat of her pants.

I love how she talks about being afraid and scared of almost everything but somehow finds the courage to do it anyway. That was inspiring😍🤩

I like how she tells you about books she read and music she listened to along the way. I immediately looked them up and added to my goodreads list. Lol

Well worth a read

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this one quite quickly after reading "Homesick"because I really got into her journey because she described it so well.. I think she was very brave doing what she did in busking in various places through Europe. I would love to know what happened to some of these characters (Pierre, Borge and Hanna) .. I feel inspired and would like to see the midnight sun now myself ! I shall also look forward to next book from Catrina

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fearless. But it's also honest and heartfelt. It tells a tale of being broken, of finding friendship and making the best of what you have. This is a book of love and kindness, opportunity and adventure, and fear and anxiety.
It is most definitely a book for old souls, and wandering spirits. And you should read it! Read it outside when the sun is shining, read it on the train, in a comfy chair on a rainy day, on the beach at sunrise.

[Andy Renals · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book. Life is edgy and poignant for Davies who writes brilliantly about life, lost love, travelling on a shoestring and busking. Busking with a cello mind you! There can be few people who have explored Norway and Portugal in such a fascinatingly precarious manner. Worth reading IMHO.

[Jo Jenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wonderful thing about this book is not that she took on a seemly impossible journey and got further than she ever thought possible, it is the story of the people she met on her way and the altruistic nature of the world.
If only everyone was as kind as the people Catrina met on her journey the world would be a safer, happier place.

[Margob99 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initially I found the writer disappointingly wimpish, but gradually I warmed to her. My admiration grew as she covered the miles so resourcefully, so resolutely. I am sure a lot was left out, but what remains is truly worthy. Thank you for a good read!

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It was easy to get dragged into and taken on an adventure. The book has encouraged me to seek out new things. I am really looking forward to reading whatever Catrina Davies writes next.