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In SatNav We Trust: A search for meaning through the Historic Counties of England
A philosophical travelogue exploring belief, rationalism, science and religion. A personal journey, autobiographical account, philosophical musings & characters along the way – a unique interpretation of life’s big questions using historic architecture, humour, heritage, history & engineering, to explore & reflect on concepts of science & belief.
308 pages, Paperback
Published August 14, 2020
2 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Jack Barrow
6 books9 followersI live in Colchester, England, where I write about popular philosophy in modern life. I have a particular interest in the way people are creating their own philosophies from the bottom up.
I try to bring an intellectual rigour to this field instead of merely accepting any old idea. Take, for example, the incredibly fluffy statement I once heard someone say with all seriousness, ‘everything has an opposite.’ No it doesn’t. What’s the opposite of a football? So not everything philosophical sounding is valid and we might all benefit from a bit more thought.
However, despite all this, I feel that modern life is lacking in meaning. Stealing some of the dressing from religion, while understanding how these perspectives work, might just give us value and understanding of ourselves, each other and our place in the universe. The important thing to remember is to always keep your bullshit detectors running.
My first novel, The Hidden Masters and the Unspeakable Evil is available worldwide following excellent UK reviews.
"It's all riotously funny and improbably probable" - Pentacle Magazine
I try to bring an intellectual rigour to this field instead of merely accepting any old idea. Take, for example, the incredibly fluffy statement I once heard someone say with all seriousness, ‘everything has an opposite.’ No it doesn’t. What’s the opposite of a football? So not everything philosophical sounding is valid and we might all benefit from a bit more thought.
However, despite all this, I feel that modern life is lacking in meaning. Stealing some of the dressing from religion, while understanding how these perspectives work, might just give us value and understanding of ourselves, each other and our place in the universe. The important thing to remember is to always keep your bullshit detectors running.
My first novel, The Hidden Masters and the Unspeakable Evil is available worldwide following excellent UK reviews.
"It's all riotously funny and improbably probable" - Pentacle Magazine
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 24, 2020
An interesting read . The musings of a traveller visiting all the historic counties in England, allowing one day in each. His quest for a camp site each night, keeping connected to WiFi and his arguments with Kathy Clugston - his SatNav voice, made fascinating reading. However, there were lots of interesting facts about places he visited and the journey to find them - not using any motorways!
September 17, 2020
This is a travelogue through the historic counties of England, with an engaging often humorous narrator. The book takes the form of a diary as he journeys through England with his truck (Mileage given at the start of each chapter), his tent and his thoughts on life and its mysteries.
Whilst travelling, the author shares his thoughts on aspects of life and his beliefs. Not all of these will be relevant to the reader, but if you like to understand others, there's intrinsic value in this. Full of historical interest, authentic characters and vivid imagery this is a lovely book to read.
The only thing that's missing is illustrations of the journey or photographs which would have added to the shared experiences.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
Whilst travelling, the author shares his thoughts on aspects of life and his beliefs. Not all of these will be relevant to the reader, but if you like to understand others, there's intrinsic value in this. Full of historical interest, authentic characters and vivid imagery this is a lovely book to read.
The only thing that's missing is illustrations of the journey or photographs which would have added to the shared experiences.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
August 24, 2020
This is a book about one man's journey around England with his truck and a Khyam igloo. At first I thought that was a non de plume for Omar Khyyam, but it turns out to be type of tent! His quest is to visit the 39 historic counties of England such as Westmorland and Cumberland (yes, it's not just a type of sausage).
In the tradition of Three Men in a Boat and more recently Bill Bryson books, Jack digresses throughout the journey he tells in the book. There will always be a side story, which probably has a tenuous link with where he is and I felt an excuse for him to regale us with the amusing tales he's amassed over the years.
To begin with there was too much "well I cheated" for my liking. I am a bit black and white when it comes to tasks and so started off on the wrong foot so to speak with this tale. However, as I read on I began to get this author. A bit like meeting a new acquaintance who you need time to get to know their ways and little nuances. So, after a while when he rocked up at a new campsite and compared it to others he'd already visited, I sat there either nodding in agreement with him or dissent whichever was the road he had led me down.
It turned out that the book is not just a tale of his drive around England as the author began to talk about rational and non-rational behaviour and Maslow's heirachy of needs, and a few other soul searching ideas. Don't worry if that isn't your thing though. In the main it is his thoughts and findings of his journey, and sometimes a rant about something which may or may not have happened and just be included for comedic effect.
The more I read I began to sense familiar scenarios unfolding. Like when he went to the library and couldn't have encountered a more unhelpful person (I had a similar experience in a Local Tourist Office). It's just not what you expect, and you find yourself thinking "is it me?" - or maybe it's an age thing which again I began to realise was something else I had in common with the author. Although the SatNav does obviously make an appearance I was expecting more tales of wrong turnings, roads that don't exist and annoyance with the SatNav.
In the present times of being more restricted with travel than usual, this book was a welcome journey to visit through someone else's eyes places I have also been to, and see what they made of it. A bit like reading Pevsner, as a lot of the places I visited many years ago. Although when he got to Rutland and bemoaned the bypass, I knew exactly where he was! One thing I learnt is that Middlesex isn't a county! I thought maybe it disappeared in the 90s as I have definitely written in on an envelope, but on consulting Google it was apparently in 1965!!!
In the tradition of Three Men in a Boat and more recently Bill Bryson books, Jack digresses throughout the journey he tells in the book. There will always be a side story, which probably has a tenuous link with where he is and I felt an excuse for him to regale us with the amusing tales he's amassed over the years.
To begin with there was too much "well I cheated" for my liking. I am a bit black and white when it comes to tasks and so started off on the wrong foot so to speak with this tale. However, as I read on I began to get this author. A bit like meeting a new acquaintance who you need time to get to know their ways and little nuances. So, after a while when he rocked up at a new campsite and compared it to others he'd already visited, I sat there either nodding in agreement with him or dissent whichever was the road he had led me down.
It turned out that the book is not just a tale of his drive around England as the author began to talk about rational and non-rational behaviour and Maslow's heirachy of needs, and a few other soul searching ideas. Don't worry if that isn't your thing though. In the main it is his thoughts and findings of his journey, and sometimes a rant about something which may or may not have happened and just be included for comedic effect.
The more I read I began to sense familiar scenarios unfolding. Like when he went to the library and couldn't have encountered a more unhelpful person (I had a similar experience in a Local Tourist Office). It's just not what you expect, and you find yourself thinking "is it me?" - or maybe it's an age thing which again I began to realise was something else I had in common with the author. Although the SatNav does obviously make an appearance I was expecting more tales of wrong turnings, roads that don't exist and annoyance with the SatNav.
In the present times of being more restricted with travel than usual, this book was a welcome journey to visit through someone else's eyes places I have also been to, and see what they made of it. A bit like reading Pevsner, as a lot of the places I visited many years ago. Although when he got to Rutland and bemoaned the bypass, I knew exactly where he was! One thing I learnt is that Middlesex isn't a county! I thought maybe it disappeared in the 90s as I have definitely written in on an envelope, but on consulting Google it was apparently in 1965!!!
September 18, 2020
The Satellite Navigation device is called Kathy, the vehicle is called the Truck and the accommodation is the Khyam in this unusual and very detailed account of “A search for meaning through the Historic Counties of England”. Jack Barrow made a largely spontaneous journey around England in thirty- nine days, visiting a county a day in search of the meaning of contemporary life from observation and more. It is a small amount of time to spend in each county, but this fascinating and addictive account tries to draw out something of the nature of each area. Barrow journeyed alone, meeting a few friends and lots of strangers, even if they were the managers of campsites. Travelling from the well established Oxfordshire through the less well known Rutland and Middlesex, minimal use of the internet and some actual books, Barrow’s journey is a bit haphazard but always fascinating, especially as he tried to avoid major roads, including motorways. As he aims to find something interesting to look at or experience, he knows that he must also find somewhere suitable to camp each day, which can sometimes bring its own stresses. This is an unusually honest travelogue, meticulous in its detail and fascinating in its speculations and observations. I was really pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this interesting book.
The journey begins on 1st May in Oxford, partly to witness the singing on Magdalen College Tower. Interestingly he thinks that arriving in Oxfordshire the night before was sort of “cheating”, and it indicates that although his rules for the journey, though self imposed, are quite strict. That does give a structure to what otherwise could be a list of counties and campsites. The first section does include a reminiscence of a May Ball (usually in June in Cambridge I thought) which had a particular place in Barrow’s memory. Much of this book is a free flow of consciousness based on the journey; observations on the limitations of campsites, small towns with limitations on parking, problems with finding campsites, and a tablet that just does not work. His relationship with Kathy, the Sat Nav in the Truck, is often tricky. Rather than follow paper maps he asks her to navigate him in and out of places, but he still gets cross if she directs him onto roads that are too big for him. The real Kathy, Kathy Clugston radio presenter and sat nav, commented on the book “A compelling search for the meaning of life...and quite a lot of swearing at me”. There are memorable moments, such as the unexpectedly terrifying boat trip up the Severn, and Tintagel castle, as well as the ongoing difficulty of visiting one county a day and finding a suitable campsite.
Anyone who has lived or travelled in England will find a reference to a place they have visited in this comprehensive book. I enjoyed spotting places that I know such as Durham, Ely and a tiny village called Happisburgh on the Norfolk, which thanks to coastal erosion can be a hazardous place to camp in, especially near the cliff edge. I found this an addictive read, wondering which point Barrow will reach in each county, which campsite he will choose and how he will avoid the biggest road. His observations and ponderings are sometimes a little difficult to follow, but they are fascinating. I really enjoyed this book and can recommend it to anyone who has travelled in Britain even without a tent and a challenging sat nav for guidance, and anyone who wished they could.
The journey begins on 1st May in Oxford, partly to witness the singing on Magdalen College Tower. Interestingly he thinks that arriving in Oxfordshire the night before was sort of “cheating”, and it indicates that although his rules for the journey, though self imposed, are quite strict. That does give a structure to what otherwise could be a list of counties and campsites. The first section does include a reminiscence of a May Ball (usually in June in Cambridge I thought) which had a particular place in Barrow’s memory. Much of this book is a free flow of consciousness based on the journey; observations on the limitations of campsites, small towns with limitations on parking, problems with finding campsites, and a tablet that just does not work. His relationship with Kathy, the Sat Nav in the Truck, is often tricky. Rather than follow paper maps he asks her to navigate him in and out of places, but he still gets cross if she directs him onto roads that are too big for him. The real Kathy, Kathy Clugston radio presenter and sat nav, commented on the book “A compelling search for the meaning of life...and quite a lot of swearing at me”. There are memorable moments, such as the unexpectedly terrifying boat trip up the Severn, and Tintagel castle, as well as the ongoing difficulty of visiting one county a day and finding a suitable campsite.
Anyone who has lived or travelled in England will find a reference to a place they have visited in this comprehensive book. I enjoyed spotting places that I know such as Durham, Ely and a tiny village called Happisburgh on the Norfolk, which thanks to coastal erosion can be a hazardous place to camp in, especially near the cliff edge. I found this an addictive read, wondering which point Barrow will reach in each county, which campsite he will choose and how he will avoid the biggest road. His observations and ponderings are sometimes a little difficult to follow, but they are fascinating. I really enjoyed this book and can recommend it to anyone who has travelled in Britain even without a tent and a challenging sat nav for guidance, and anyone who wished they could.
October 6, 2020
Firstly, what a fabulously witty title. It catches the eye pretty well. It promises a journey through historic counties of England and certainly delivers as it begins in Oxfordshire and goes to Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Suffolk, Cheshire, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and many more.
He tells things how it is when travelling and in each place in his 4x4, and has even included the everyday places and items. He is also very honest in how he feels and how he almost gave up early on in this mammoth trip. Campsites seems to be the order of the day for accomodation. This isn't just about all the tourist things that you can do, it's very different from a travel book like that. It is indeed a full travelogue of the actual journey and what can be seen en-route, that some people may miss when passing through, the roads that are taken and the people who he meets, as well as the accomodation.
There is some humour within the trip that weaves in and out the interesting philosophising of life of the mix of rational and irrational anxieties that occur within people's lives, including his own as he does some reflection. He manages, which seems like no mean feat, to think creatively about how to fit in Maslow's theory of heirarchy, whilst in Rutland with what he is actually doing and expecting, in a way that is far from heavy reading.
The attention to detail in each place is great and it certainly is a fun trip, that becomes something more than just that with the observations of not just the places, but of life. It's how this all binds together that makes the book engaging.
If you've travelled around England before, you're certain, as I was, thinking, "been there, done that" and then finding places that may just have to go on that travel to-do list. If you've not done staycations before, then this book may inspire you to travel around England to visit many of the counties and discover for yourself what they hold.
He tells things how it is when travelling and in each place in his 4x4, and has even included the everyday places and items. He is also very honest in how he feels and how he almost gave up early on in this mammoth trip. Campsites seems to be the order of the day for accomodation. This isn't just about all the tourist things that you can do, it's very different from a travel book like that. It is indeed a full travelogue of the actual journey and what can be seen en-route, that some people may miss when passing through, the roads that are taken and the people who he meets, as well as the accomodation.
There is some humour within the trip that weaves in and out the interesting philosophising of life of the mix of rational and irrational anxieties that occur within people's lives, including his own as he does some reflection. He manages, which seems like no mean feat, to think creatively about how to fit in Maslow's theory of heirarchy, whilst in Rutland with what he is actually doing and expecting, in a way that is far from heavy reading.
The attention to detail in each place is great and it certainly is a fun trip, that becomes something more than just that with the observations of not just the places, but of life. It's how this all binds together that makes the book engaging.
If you've travelled around England before, you're certain, as I was, thinking, "been there, done that" and then finding places that may just have to go on that travel to-do list. If you've not done staycations before, then this book may inspire you to travel around England to visit many of the counties and discover for yourself what they hold.
September 20, 2020
A literal, as well as philosophical journey, Jack Barrow's book tracks the author’s travels across England, one historic county a day, in The Truck, a fifteen-year-old 4×4, accompanied by Kathy, the satnav, and a Khyam Igloo.
Full of anecdotes, chance meetings, eccentric characters, whimsical musings and philosophical ideas, along with the occasional rant, the book is very detailed, following Barrow as he speeds across the country – as one day per county is no time at all, especially when you have all manner of encounters. His route is somewhat haphazard as it’s not planned and he largely relies on Kathy to guide him on his way. Their love–hate relationship – if one can have a relationship with a satnav – adds to the entertainment value.
In SatNav We Trust is especially appealing if you know England at all, as there’ll be places that Barrow visits and comments on that you’ll most probably know and love – for us his musing on Dungeness, a place that’s dear to us, were great. But, it’s mostly the locations that Barrow talks about that were new to us that were the most interesting, such as the Tees Trainsporter Bridge.
Essentially this book is a somewhat eccentric travelogue, done in the way that only the English – or perhaps Bill Bryson, who kind of is English in all the ways that matter – do well. And it is done well. Recommended.
See: https://www.theliteraryshed.co.uk/rea...
Thanks to the author for supplying a review copy. A version of this piece was originally published as part of the virtual book tour. All opinions are our own. All rights reserved.
Full of anecdotes, chance meetings, eccentric characters, whimsical musings and philosophical ideas, along with the occasional rant, the book is very detailed, following Barrow as he speeds across the country – as one day per county is no time at all, especially when you have all manner of encounters. His route is somewhat haphazard as it’s not planned and he largely relies on Kathy to guide him on his way. Their love–hate relationship – if one can have a relationship with a satnav – adds to the entertainment value.
In SatNav We Trust is especially appealing if you know England at all, as there’ll be places that Barrow visits and comments on that you’ll most probably know and love – for us his musing on Dungeness, a place that’s dear to us, were great. But, it’s mostly the locations that Barrow talks about that were new to us that were the most interesting, such as the Tees Trainsporter Bridge.
Essentially this book is a somewhat eccentric travelogue, done in the way that only the English – or perhaps Bill Bryson, who kind of is English in all the ways that matter – do well. And it is done well. Recommended.
See: https://www.theliteraryshed.co.uk/rea...
Thanks to the author for supplying a review copy. A version of this piece was originally published as part of the virtual book tour. All opinions are our own. All rights reserved.
September 20, 2020
This is a road trip with a difference. The only plan was to visit a different county in England every day for six weeks. With Kathy his SatNav as a companion, Jack experiences what it’s like to camp and tour in England.
Plenty of humour as Jack experiences the challenges of camping, including;
- the lovely english weather
- strange and wonderful people
- a relentless quest to find the next charging point for all the tech gadgets!
I read this book whilst on holiday in our motorhome. I was soon being reminded why we chose van life over tent life. Kathy the trusted SatNav certainly took Jack on a mystery tour. I chuckled each time Kathy and Jack disagreed on the route to take. Jack wanting to avoid big roads and explore the countryside with its pretty lanes and villages. Whilst Kathy demanded he take the straightest/quickest route.
With six weeks on the road, Jack had plenty of time to explore his thoughts on a wide range of topics and beliefs. I wasn’t expecting the book to take me on such a thought provoking journey. Exploring subjects using historical stories, english heritage, science, religion, architecture and engineering.
Plenty of humour as Jack experiences the challenges of camping, including;
- the lovely english weather
- strange and wonderful people
- a relentless quest to find the next charging point for all the tech gadgets!
I read this book whilst on holiday in our motorhome. I was soon being reminded why we chose van life over tent life. Kathy the trusted SatNav certainly took Jack on a mystery tour. I chuckled each time Kathy and Jack disagreed on the route to take. Jack wanting to avoid big roads and explore the countryside with its pretty lanes and villages. Whilst Kathy demanded he take the straightest/quickest route.
With six weeks on the road, Jack had plenty of time to explore his thoughts on a wide range of topics and beliefs. I wasn’t expecting the book to take me on such a thought provoking journey. Exploring subjects using historical stories, english heritage, science, religion, architecture and engineering.
September 16, 2020
I was really interested in the concept of In Satnav We Trust, as I wanted to find out more about some of the country’s hidden treasures and the history behind them. It definitely succeeds in this and I finish the travelogue feeling somewhat more educated about the country in which I live.
Jack Barrow is a talented writer. He is very aware throughout the book that his trip may not make sense to everyone, but his writing is very engaging and I often felt as though I had been travelling with him. His descriptions of the countryside highlight how beautiful some of it is and the humour in the book, and the stories of the people he meets, add to the entertainment value and gives the reader a sense of Barrow’s personality. (For what it’s worth, he sounds like the kind of guy I’d like to have a pint with)
As well as the historical and geographical elements of In Satnav We Trust, Barrow uses his experience to think about his beliefs and the way in which people find meaning in their lives. This certainly gave me a lot to think about and gave the book something a little different.
Jack Barrow is a talented writer. He is very aware throughout the book that his trip may not make sense to everyone, but his writing is very engaging and I often felt as though I had been travelling with him. His descriptions of the countryside highlight how beautiful some of it is and the humour in the book, and the stories of the people he meets, add to the entertainment value and gives the reader a sense of Barrow’s personality. (For what it’s worth, he sounds like the kind of guy I’d like to have a pint with)
As well as the historical and geographical elements of In Satnav We Trust, Barrow uses his experience to think about his beliefs and the way in which people find meaning in their lives. This certainly gave me a lot to think about and gave the book something a little different.
May 20, 2021
An enjoyable romp through the historic counties of England, with mad speedboat drivers, curmudgeonly campsite owners, wibbly wifi connections, a serendipitous Satnav with a mind of its own, and ruminations upon rationalism as a possible enemy of the search for meaning.
Having followed the saga of this journey via Facebook updates at the time, it was fun to read the whole thing. If it were my journey, I think I’d have done a bit more research into places of interest before I started, but there’s something to be said for serendipity. And stopping off to see friends along the way.
Open-minded rationalists, skeptical mystics, and ramblers on a shoestring budget will enjoy this book. And doubtless many others too.
Having followed the saga of this journey via Facebook updates at the time, it was fun to read the whole thing. If it were my journey, I think I’d have done a bit more research into places of interest before I started, but there’s something to be said for serendipity. And stopping off to see friends along the way.
Open-minded rationalists, skeptical mystics, and ramblers on a shoestring budget will enjoy this book. And doubtless many others too.
September 16, 2020
In Sat Nat We Trust Is the story of one man's journey around the historic counties of the UK. He has the truck, his tent and his thoughts.
On the Journey there are many stories, anecdotes and random facts, with a few rants too. This is a little philosophical, about the differences in need and want, the rational and irrational, but really is just shows there are adventures to be had right on your doorstep,
A fun, interesting and thought provoking read.
Thank you to Random Things Tours for the opportunity to be part of this blog tour, for the promotional material and an eARC of In Sat Nav We Trust. This is my honest and unbiased review.
On the Journey there are many stories, anecdotes and random facts, with a few rants too. This is a little philosophical, about the differences in need and want, the rational and irrational, but really is just shows there are adventures to be had right on your doorstep,
A fun, interesting and thought provoking read.
Thank you to Random Things Tours for the opportunity to be part of this blog tour, for the promotional material and an eARC of In Sat Nav We Trust. This is my honest and unbiased review.
September 20, 2020
Interesting, quite entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews