Memoirs Read in 2020

[Diane in Australia]

Long Way Round: Chasing Shadows Across the World
Authors: Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman

3 Stars = I liked the book.

Two actors travel around the world on BMW motorcyles. The book reads like a diary, with each actor writing alternating chapters. They get homesick. There are personality conflicts with their support crew, David, and Russ. They traverse some horrid off-road areas. They meet some locals. They are sometimes beset by paparazzi. They stay in hotels/motels, private homes/gers/shacks/etc., and when the need arises, they camp in the tents they have with them.

It's not stellar travel writing, it's more of a bit of fluff, but not a totally unappealing bit of fluff. If you're a fan of the actors, you might enjoy this more than the average reader. I had no idea who they were, or what movies/TV they had done, so, that wasn't a factor for me.

Sufficeth to say, Paul Theroux has nothing to fear from these two writers. ;)

[Diane in Australia]

The Old Patagonian Express: By Train Through the Americas
Author: Paul Theroux

3 Stars = It was just 'okay', but not sorry I read it.

I am a fan of Paul Theroux ... just so you know. ;)

Having said that, unfortunately, I'm not a big fan of this particular book. It was just 'okay', in my humble opinion. Usually, when reading Theroux, I am drawn into the journey, and find myself truly caring about the people, the places, and, of course, Paul's thoughts and feelings. Not this time. Maybe it is just me. Your mileage may vary.

I did enjoy reading the conversations he had with the folks he met ... well, most of them, anyway. But, somehow, the rest of the book just felt 'flat' to me.

[Diane in Australia]

A Field Full of Butterflies: Memories of a Romany Childhood
Author: Rosemary Penfold

4 Stars = Outstanding. It definitely held my interest.

What a sweet book! Rosemary was born in a Gypsy wagon in 1938, and experienced a wondrous childhood ... the kind that is so very rare these days. She takes you through her childhood ... the close-knit loving family, the fun times, the tragic events, the discrimination leveled at them, her childish games and pranks (she could be a handful! ... lol), and so much more.

In the preface she says, "These are my memories and mine alone." So, if it seems she makes less of the rough times, and emphasises the good times, then that is probably how it felt to her growing up. I, for one, appreciate how deeply she enjoyed her childhood, and I'm glad she shared it with me.