Nice easy read about places most of which I've not been to. It makes me want to hop on a bike and go.... ( )

The book is comprised of alternating short sections of text from Ewan and Charley describing their journey from the north of Scotland to the south of Africa on motorcycles. I had seen Long Way Round on TV, but not read the book and I had seen perhaps one episode of Long Way Down on TV. I have to say it makes better TV than books. In part this is because of the visual aspect of travel in such interesting places, and I fear in part because the writing does not really draw you in in its short diary style structure. The story though is engaging and there are descriptions, albeit to me rather superficial descriptions, of many interesting places. The book too focuses a lot on the arguments and disunity between the team and even between the main protagonists. I would have much preferred it if this had been omitted for more details of the places, the bikes and the riding. It felt like they were trying to draw me in to some petty argument and make me take sides. When I envied what they were doing, I really did not want to know about their quarrels. ( )

Inferior sequel lacking the warmth of the original. ( )

Really good read of a boy's own adventure of two bikers travelling from John O'Groats to Cape Town. As they travel you really sense how much they are affected by what they experience. ( )

I loved it, I didn't see all the episodes on TV, but the book has easily compensated. Charles & Ewan may or may not have written the book, but either way they don't try to hide that there was a team supporting them. It's a great insight into the African way of life and a great travel story. ( )