Strangers Like Angels

by Alec Forman

Strangers Like Angels chronicles the journeys of Alec and Jan Forman to far and distant lands as they embrace their pioneering spirit. Following adventures in Canada, Antarctica and the Sultanate of Oman they set off on the original gap year in the seventies. Travelling in their Land Rover, they use only a map and compass to navigate through the Sahara Desert and tropical rainforests in Africa, back to Europe and out to Asia via the Hindu Kush, and on to the Himalayas. They grapple with the realities of poverty and yet experience surprising hospitality and welcome from unlikely sources. In the confined space of their vehicle, Alec and Jan learn what it takes to support and sustain themselves and their relationship on an exciting and often harrowing journey. Exchange of news through airmail letters to and from England keeps them in touch with family matters. Beautiful photographs and illustrations with maps complement the text, taking the reader along on the journey with Alec and Jan. A light, entertaining read of a true story of adventures, travel and divine encounter, blended with winsome tales to delight the heart, Strangers Like Angels will appeal to fans of memoirs and travel books.

352 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2014

Reviews

[Lilia C. Oram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strangers Like Angels is a breathtaking journey back in time. Alec and Jan Forman capture the true "pioneering spirit" of the 1970s, taking us on a transcontinental adventure in a Land Rover using nothing but a map and a compass. From the heat of the Sahara to the heights of the Himalayas, this memoir is a testament to human resilience and the beauty of global hospitality.

What I loved most was the personal heart of the story. It’s not just about the travel; it’s about the relationship between Alec and Jan as they navigate both harrowing landscapes and the confined space of their vehicle. The inclusion of photographs and airmail letters makes the experience feel incredibly intimate and real. It is a winsome, light, yet deeply moving read that reminds us that "divine encounters" can happen anywhere if we are brave enough to seek them. A must-read for any armchair traveler or fan of true life-adventure memoirs!

[John Rimmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book because of the kindness of its authors, shown to one of my sons at overland travel expo. My son was fascinated by a picture of the Forman's blue Land Rover crossing a bridge in some remote corner of the world, and Mrs. Jan opened up a box of postcards and began telling him the stories behind the pictures. Their story is a wonderful one, and as I ventured further into it I began to recognize something familiar, something I remember experiencing myself...that Christ met them along the way. Their story is inspiring for its account of them spanning the globe by four wheel drive, but also so for how it changed them along the way. I'm very happy to have met them as part of my family's journey, and full of joy to know that we'll one day have an eternity to share stories about our travels in this world and the one that is to come. Godspeed Formans!

[Jeffrey Li · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warm and inspirational! Loved the pictures as well as packing/parts list.