Far Sweeter Than Honey

by William Spencer

You face snarling dogs, a violent coup, ruthless border guards with guns raised and predators who see you as a sexual trophy. Alone in the shadowy, mystical East, borders slam shut around you. You're cycling 8,500 miles from England to India, with no GPS and no cell phone—just the wind in your face and a barren emptiness ahead.

Amazon Number One Bestseller. “A compelling travelogue”, Union Square Review.

This is the riveting true story of a young man’s solo bicycle odyssey: freezing in the Anatolian mountains of Turkey, being amazed by butterflies in the Iranian desert, passing through the rubble of a coup in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and surviving dire illness in Pakistan's Indus valley. His journey ends in the heart of the subcontinent, having glimpsed true freedom. This is an account of humankind’s essential goodness, of trusting unseen hands that can steer us from disaster, and of learning that the way out is through.

Unsolicited reader reviews:
• "Fascinating, harrowing, moving, and inspiring."
• "Paints a beautiful picture of a young man's belief in himself and his journey of discovery."
• "I felt like I was on the journey."
• "The photos and drawings add depth to the dialogue."
• "Lyrical writing, moments of connection and illumination."
• "This was one gutsy journey."
• "Boy, did I enjoy this book; I’m sorry the trip is over."

William Spencer establishes himself as a writer to watch in his debut book, weaving masterful storytelling and cultural insights in a page-turning adventure.

“A delightful adventure memoir.”
Sally Kempton, author of Meditation for the Love of It and Awakening Shakti.

“When a journey transforms, it becomes a pilgrimage. William’s cycling pilgrimage is delightful and engaging.”
Neil Hanson, author of Pilgrim Wheels and other cycling books.

Genres: Nonfiction

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2020

Reviews

[Athena (OneReadingNurse) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Dart Frog Books for the finished copy of Far Sweeter than Honey: searching for meaning on a bicycle by William Spencer.  All opinions are my own!

I was so excited to read about Spencer’s trek from England to India via bicycle.  This is the perfect book for someone itching to travel right now and I thought that it had all the elements of a good travelogue – interesting people to meet, descriptive scenery, food and culture, and of course personal reflection.

Spencer gives detailed and immersive descriptions of the countryside and cities, including weather, wind, and road conditions.  Whether a bucolic French countryside or the middle eastern desert, I thought he took excellent notes.

The journey originally happened in the late 1980s, and I wonder what was changed since then! Even though some elements may now be outdated, it was extremely interesting to read about the culture and culture shock, customs and people that Spencer encountered.

I heavily enjoyed the Turkey through Pakistan chapters the most.  Spencer met, for example, a college student at Damascus university taking an English lit course – and when talking about “popular authors”, none were familiar! The culture shock also came through as Spencer and his friend, Rudy, had to navigate different customs and hospitality norms, from how to act towards women to how much skin to cover.  Another image that stuck with me was the author sitting on the bank of Sea of Galilee, where Jesus walked on water in the bible, and someone was waterskiing on Christmas eve!  I can see where his expectations and reality would have totally clashed in those situations.

Spencer was struggling to reconcile the western ideal with the eastern reality, and it gave me some things to think about too.  I liked that he could say like OK, my impression on these locals is adding to their impression of Westerners, and that’s important.  Especially in those middle eastern chapters, I found the author becoming more likeable in my mind as he started accepting things as they came.

I also really, really liked the longer Pakistan chapter at the end. I had a doctor friend from a northern region (I forgot where) and he showed me tons of videos and told stories from home, and I could definitely feel some of that regard from the expats that Spencer wrote about, even in the 80s or early 90s.

The last thing to mention is that photos and sketches from the journey are included! The photos are mostly of people, while the sketches are of scenery, trees and such, and I think they added a lot to the story.  The only thing that mystified me was how long it took for Spencer to just accept the fact that there is both good and bad in every culture! One cheating merchant or unruly group of kids would sour his mood towards an entire region, even where most experiences were positive, then he would swing back again when the next good thing happened.

That said though, the book was a great mix of hardship, positive and negative, and I think a great portrayal of the journey.  There is absolutely no way in today’s day and age that one is going to visit half of these places and I loved getting a glimpse of the foreign countries.

Definitely check this one out if you like travelogues, memoirs, new ideas and cultural exploration.  It’s a slow ride but totally worth it

[Frank Hoehne · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the 1970’s a young man in England sets out on bike, for an 8000 mile journey of discovery to India. This is a well written story about that adventure, as he covers familiar terrain in Europe, the mysterious Middle East, and his arrival in Mystical India.
The author describes the intimacy he realized, from the seat of a bike, about the physical ordeal, the people who shepherded him to his goal, and his self discovery. Reading this compelling story, I felt I was on that bike, when I took a break, I found myself wanting to get back on the bike, to see what lies ahead. I wanted to get to India, but the “getting there” was a most enjoyable experience. This is not a route one could take today, but from the safety of my armchair or my stationary bike it was a fascinating read. Oh, and much easier on my legs...I highly recommend.

[Roger Greenaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought-provoking roller-coaster of a journey – for the brave cyclist as well as for the reader. William eventually gets to India. This is not a spoiler because his journey is helpfully traced on a map at the start of the book. There is no tidy conclusion to this year of truly extraordinary experiences. Almost every event raises new questions. The curious cyclist does make progress on some of these questions while talking them through with the more friendly people he meets on his journey.

It is no coincidence that this book reminds me of Robert Pirsig’s ‘Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance’: it was part of William’s ‘holiday reading’ and was the topic of conversations with fellow cyclist Rudy on their way to Israel (from which point William was on his own). Both books are a multi-tiered sandwich of journey and philosophy. The main difference in structure is that in Far Sweeter than Honey the more reflective parts are shorter and are a more integral part of the journey itself – like the twisted braid of road and railway that William remarks on in Afghanistan.

For most of the book the main question on this reader’s mind was how on earth is William going to get through this current problem – whether biting cold, extreme (record-breaking) heat, wrecked bicycle, wrecked rider, no food, no water, no money, fever, stone-throwing youths, knife-wielding goatherd, wild dogs, or wolf packs. At one point William must decide which side of the Indus to follow – bandit country with quiet roads or the highway with aggressively driven lorries. As a reader I feel equally torn, especially as the intrepid rider has already encountered both dangers.

Writer and reader are continually surprised by all the kindnesses that help William continue with his journey. I still find the mixture of cruelty and kindness puzzling. I wonder if William still does? As a reader I was delighted that there are no simple or glib answers and the intriguing contradictions remain.

An incident near the end of William’s journey helps to highlight why I enjoyed this book so much. A cyclist on much the same route catches up with William and they enjoy a good chat before the rider completes his overtaking manoeuvre and disappears into the distance – on what became a record-breaking journey and an entry in the Guinness Book of Records. ‘Far Sweeter than Honey’ is not the blur of a race against the clock. There were times when William was cycling fast (to reach the border before his visa expired, to escape from chasing dogs, or enjoying the thrill of a 9,000ft plus descent) but he was rarely in a hurry. This book stands out because William took the time to meet the people, to notice the surroundings, to keep a journal, to draw pictures, to write letters. And by taking time, this account of William’s travels is as vivid and vibrant as if he had only just stepped off his bike.

And I’ve just stepped off an engrossing reading adventure which I fully recommend to cyclists, travellers, and to anyone who prefers their encounters with danger from the comfort of an armchair (where cups of chai come without flies).

[mowgliwithabook]

Inspiration & the urge to seek out new experiences can strike us from several sources. A movie, a conversation with a friend, an article, a YouTube vlog or …….. a book. I draw a lot of inspiration from reading about unique experiences of Authors who have sought out to do the seemingly un-achievable. Books like Wild & The Year of less fall under this category.
•
Far Sweeter Than Honey follows these ranks. The Author @england_to_india_by_bicycle cycled from England to India over a period of 11 months,1 week & 4 days! The sheer courage and confidence required to embark on such a risky & adventurous trip is nothing short of laudable. This book left me braver and comforted. Braver because William instills the belief that as long as you’re willing to be an adventurer, you will find a way to push through. Comforted because throughout his bicycle trip, he found several moments of humbling humanity in the people willing to house, feed and also offer him work.
•
The chapters are divided for each of the 13 countries he visited & go into great detail about the different cultures he experiences, the people he meets and food he tastes. I appreciate the Author’s honesty for not just writing about the good parts, but also displaying his lowest and most vulnerable moments in the book. He summarizes the route he biked through at the end of every chapter & his descriptions of the different terrains hold the power to transport the reader to the location also.
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William’s experience of living in the moment, dealing with unexpected hurdles & kindness and pushing through an emotional roller coaster on his quest to reach India on a bicycle will leave you inspired one way or another!
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Thank you @dartfrogbooks & @england_to_india_by_bicycle for gifting me a copy of the book.

[Ken Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! I've done some cycle touring but not anything remotely as adventurous as the author's trip. Nor would I want to, but I admire him for doing it.

The book was well written and is easy to read.

[Chris Newing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptional read which captured my interest from start to finish. It felt like I was on the journey with William such was the excellent way this book has been written. It is very descriptive and concise expressing the trials and tribulations throughout his travels and also the very different cultures throughout Europe and Asia. Being a similar age to William I can only admire his courage and sense of adventure to undertake such a challenge as a young man in his twenties. Without giving too much away there must have been many times on the bicycle where he must have wondered if he would see thirty!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this epic bike ride from England to India. The author beautifully described his experiences with the people and places along the way. I was especially interested in the hospitality and kindness he was shown - often staying with complete strangers for several nights - as well as his ability to adapt to any situation and survive some bizarre and frightening experiences. This is definitely going in my "read again" pile.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

[Jack Curley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Thrilling and Enlightening Read of a Damn Good Adventure!

Speeding downhill at 40 mph on the island of Samos - on a bicycle!, sleeping under the stars in orange groves in Syria, climbing hills with one-pedal-at-a-time focus, watching shooting stars under skies that seem timeless, I was happily surprised to find myself actually feeling the thrills and chills of this wonderfully engaging memoir of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. As William moves from the familiar western European world view into Asia and its unfamiliar customs but oh so familiar human kindness, memories were resurrected as I recalled my own transformative adventures. In addition to the wonderfully described landscapes of Europe, the Middle East and India, peppered now and again with his succinct and spot-on British wit, we get to ride along as William's inner landscape broadens and builds into a completely rejuvenated and life-affirming view of the world in which we humans are fundamentally kind and respectful of each other. I can't say enough about this book. It moves along at a good clip and doesn't waylay us with lengthy philosophical diatribes. It simply paints a beautiful and enjoyable picture of one young man's belief in himself, his curiosity, and his journey of inner and outer discovery. Well done old boy.

[Peter Meadow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent insightful share of his journey

I felt I was traveling alongside him as I read each page. William beautifully captures the mindset of his 22 year old self. It was poignant his deep reflections on his life from the perspective of both his younger self and his identity today. Highly recommend.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm still trying to understand why William Spencer used a pretentious reference from the poem that starts the book as the main title. Even more pretentious is the second title. This journey did not start off as a search for meaning. I guess it is only when he reached his destination in India that he conjured up a more psychological reason for what he achieved. It was only because this was a book club choice that I persevered, given that I did give up on the last chosen read.

It was only at the very end in the Acknowledgements did I realise that the diaries he kept in the late 1970's were only turned into this book in the last couple of years. with "some insight from my older self". I would say he meant embellished! No wonder we did not get to see a single photo of his diary, although there is one on his Facebook page. I would have been far happier to read his actual diary, that would have been something.

We could also have done with an introduction, how he started long distance cycling, why he didn't want to start a career. He is joined on his journey by Brian, a friend, and later Rudy who he meets on route. Their interactions are more interesting than interminable descriptions of what he sees and how he feels. I would have thought that the biggest challenge was finding a place to sleep. However, it is the unbounded hospitality of the inhabitants of the countries he crosses that make a lasting impression.

This is not just one long bike ride. There are many stops along the way, especially staying with some of the people he meets. There are also times he finds a ride on a lorry, train or a bus, including one five day rail journey of 600 miles that takes him through Turkey and into Iran. He has problems with his bike, the occasional illness bordering on exhaustion, trouble at customs posts and danger from aggressive trucks on some main roads. But I found only occasional interest in a poorly written memoir, did this done that. No wonder the diary was left under wraps for forty odd years.

[Arnie Herz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Far Sweeter Than Honey chronicles an extraordinary and unimaginable year-long journey. Thanks to listening to his inner longing to travel and his total lack of common sense, William pedals forth. He creates his own “Survivor” episode that reveals his inner resourcefulness and sheer grit, the blessings of his life, and gave him (and us readers) a profound perspective on life – both external and internal. Externally, about the fascinating diversity of cultures, peoples, and our environment. Internally, about oneself, one’s mental habits, patterns, belief systems and prejudices. William vividly, with humor and poignancy, brings us along with every turn of the wheel. It is thrilling and fascinating (when not outright terrifying and life threatening). Unimaginable. This is the stuff of greatness and movies.

[REED · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Far Sweeter than Honey took me on a journey that I dreamed of taking myself, but never got around to. I couldn't put the book down, reading late into the night about Williams epic and brave bicycle journey across countries that are for the most part quite inaccessible due to international and internal conflicts. The author's journey is filled with adventure, kindness of strangers, overcoming adversity and fear, internal learning, strength building, universal human nature and cultural differnces. The gives is vivid descriptions of the countries he wheeled through and the people he meets along the way - if you have an adventurous nature, or even if you don't, this is a book well worth reading!

[Rifka Kreiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

How marvelous that William Spencer kept a real-time diary—with sketches!—to record his remarkable odyssey. I was right there with him cycling over all those 9,000 miles, though often grateful my journey was vicarious. So many highs, so many lows. Adventures of every stripe.
Talk about your intrepid Englishman, albeit such a young one. How many times did the protective mom in me call out “William, please: Take more rest! Give up your commitment to fast this Sunday and find some medical help?” As many times as help appeared, often at the last minute.
The story is told with simple elegance. There are no heavy-handed interpretations of events that seem inexplicable except as gifts of grace.
"Far Sweeter than Honey" is a thrilling read, highly recommended.

[Michael Frankland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sceptical at first

Intrigued by a you tube video I bought the book. Expected the usual of daily routine, routine without care of purpose, how wrong was I.
Inspiration for resilience for me was the mainstay, coupled with a hard to put travelogue.
The actions and reactions of completely unknown people giving help was truly amazing, and in these current days of mindless terror and conflict gives me breathing space to see through these highly reported minorities and prove there is goodness in this world.

[Tony Gilerovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening story

This book is a very enlightening account of a young and naive youth who discovers wisdom through harsh reality of other cultures. Miraculously, in spite all odds, he doesn't just survive, he finds the inner peace that he searched for. My hat is off to you; William Spencer.

[TCampbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely Journey

The author cycled from England to India in the 1970s. He takes the reader along on the journey, immersing us in the various cultures as we pass through.

[Dale Huntington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Insightful, funny, descriptive page turner

[Doctor Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a diary-like account of William Spencer’s bike journey in the 1970s from his home in England to India, traveling notably through the Middle East and East European countries of Yugoslavia, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Israel, Iran, and Afghanistan. His journey ends with a long, difficult passage through Pakistan and on into India.

Spencer wrote the diary back in the 70s, during the journey, but he only revisited and published it in 2020 , adding (he says) “some insight from my older self.

It’s not really about riding a bike. It’s about Spencer’s encounters, as a 22 year old with an open spirit and open mind, with cultures so different from his own, and in the very vulnerable situation of a cyclist with little support or money. This was no luxury ride on a carbon racing bike with overnight hotel stops and massages — it’s about as basic as it gets. A 1970s vintage steel bike, loaded down with make-do panniers, a minimum of clothes, a few spare parts, and some simple tools.

In fact, the nostalgic, simple steel British bike is a kind of unsung hero of the story, surviving all sorts of injuries and insults that could have been fatal to a more advanced modern bike. It’s a kind of silent, indomitable character throughout the story.

What really struck me, though, was the 1970s vibe, and Spencer’s youthful immersion in it. These were the post-Vietnam years, the later period of the counter-culture and youth culture. Curiosity and openness to differences and alternatives were so strong.

Spencer was especially curious about Islam, such a touchy subject now. He remarks on the hospitality of people in Islamic countries. It gives him confidence that he can actually make his journey without a net — people will always be there to catch him, and they do.

Along the way, new friends offer places to stay, food to eat, help with bicycle repairs, almost magically exactly what he needs when he needs it.

When he discovers that Islamic faith actually requires that the faithful give to the poor and help those in need, he understands better why sometimes those who help him don’t do it with enthusiasm — some do and some don’t, those who don’t nevertheless going well out of their way and accepting no thanks.

Regardless, time and again, he is saved by the kindness of strangers.

There are other sides as well — grifters, sexual predators, . . . it’s no magic carpet ride.

Nevertheless, there’s an optimism and an invigorating lack of world-weary cynicism and prejudice. I was going to say that the book is also a kind of coming-of-age story for Spencer, but then I don’t want to really think that curiosity, openness, and optimism are things we outgrow.

I wish the vibe weren’t nostalgic.

[Brian's Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Journey

Far Sweeter Than Honey: Searching for Meaning on a Bicycle takes readers on an adventurous journey, recounting a solo bicycle odyssey from England to India—an 8,500-mile trek in a time before the convenience of GPS or cell phones. William Spencer’s tale is one of resilience, cultural exploration, and the discovery of essential human goodness.

The narrative unfolds in a captivating manner, offering readers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of a young man navigating the mystical East. From the freezing Anatolian mountains of Turkey to the empty Iranian desert and the aftermath of a coup in Kandahar, Afghanistan, Spencer shares the vivid and sometimes perilous experiences encountered during his expedition.

The book’s strength lies in its ability to blend profound observations with moments of introspective rambling. Spencer’s narrative style reflects the authentic nature of human thought, making the journey feel relatable and genuine. The unpredictability of the narrative keeps readers engaged, as the author skillfully oscillates between moments of deep reflection and the sheer unpredictability of life on the road. I think this “unpredictability” made for such an interesting read. I honestly never knew if it was a lesson, a story, or a “woah what just happened” moment.

As a reader, I appreciated the author’s openness and honesty. The book goes beyond the typical travelogue, offering unexpected lessons and insights into the human condition. Spencer’s encounters with diverse cultures and the challenges he faces create a compelling narrative that transcends the physical journey, delving into the realms of personal growth and self-discovery. It reminded me that we are all human, but we are vastly different at the same time.

The fact that the author narrates his own story adds an extra layer of authenticity to the audiobook. While there are moments when the self-narration is evident, Spencer’s performance effectively conveys the personal tone and understanding necessary for recounting such a profound and individualistic adventure. Seriously, who else could have narrated with the same feeling that Spencer did?

Far Sweeter Than Honey is a thought-provoking and engaging memoir that transcends the traditional travel narrative. William Spencer’s journey becomes a metaphor for life’s uncertainties, emphasizing the importance of trusting unseen hands and finding the way out through resilience and self-discovery. Even for readers outside the typical genres of travel or memoir, this book offers a refreshing and insightful experience.

[Joanna Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

William seriously must have super powers. He biked from England all the way to India and Far Sweeter Than Honey is a journal of his experiences, hardships, perseverance and trust through this journey. The storytelling aspect of the book is remarkable as well. This is more than just a diary of his trip. William tells a story of his transformation throughout the 8000 miles he traveled. I can imagine what a culture shock it was to go from England to Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, Jordan, and eventually all the way to India. He had to deal with finding food, water, a place to sleep at night, visa issues, stolen belongings and other woes, but he was also blessed beyond measure by the kindness and open arms he encountered on the road. William and Brian trusted the new people they met to make it through their journey. When his companions left and he was by himself, I was worried about William's safety but he had so much belief and trust in his journey. It was truly inspiring. The book is broken into chapters by each country William visited on his trip. I felt like I was going through each country with him and I loved that. The perseverance he showed and the mental and spiritual growth he gained during this trip was inspiring and made me curious about other countries and cultures. Bravo!

[Amy Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a trek!

Spencer pens a grand adventurous title in Far Sweeter Than Honey: Searching for Meaning on a Bicycle. This is the first book of this author's that I've read, and I've discovered, it's the author's debut book. The title gives insight into what is inside this journey on a bicycle from England to India. The miles don't tell the story, what he encounters on these miles is the story. The journey is written as if the reader were right beside him, seeing the world through his eyes. It's not just a learning experience, it's a cultural experience, and one that will stay with him for a lifetime. His words paint a picture of his adventure, and it also gives his perspective, something that makes him never take life for granted. I look forward to reading more by this author. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.

[Mike Nolte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer takes his readers on his journey from England to Israel where he lives on a secular kibbutz (a commune) with the goal of getting to India. Spencer is very limited in finances which adds to his demise. His enlightenment really starts through his trials and tribulations enroute to India. He experiences Islam through interactions. He reaches India and shares his nirvanic experience. He's told about Bombay, cancels his plans for home, and embraces what the Yogis offer -- which affects the rest of his life. Spencer demonstrates grit, determination, and perseverance. He shares his inter thoughts via intrapersonal conversation, so the read knows what he is thinking. The reader may feel the urge to engage the young 22-year-old Spencer in conversation.

[Adriana De · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now we only have the English version of this fabulous book. It's adventurous, but it actually happened. A 22-year-old English boy, so white that he seems transparent, suddenly decides that he must come to India to discover the meaning of life. Cycling. From June 1977 to May 1998, a year during which he passes through countries such as Greece, Syria, Jordan, Israel, Pakistan and several more. It sure is a miracle that such a skinny young man survived so many arduous things that he faced, but he had total determination. He also tells us about the miracles and wonders of a journey in many dimensions. Hopefully we'll have it soon in Spanish and hopefully William Spencer writes more great books.

[Schreiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Äussere Reise und Innere Reise treffen aufeinander, verschmelzen.
Wunderschöne Reise. Es war als wäre ich selbst mitgefahren. Konnte es nicht weglegen bis es vollständig gelesen war.
Mein Englisch reichte um den Inhalt aufzusaugen. Erwarte es noch in Buchform um es noch einmal zu lesen. Sehr empfehlenswert.

[Patti Haney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love cycling, traveling, meeting new people, and learning about different cultures. This book combined all those elements in a well told story.