Scan barcode
samstillreading's review against another edition
4.0
Yes, another Michael Palin book review (you may be happy to know that I have only two more of his books in my possession)! This is another one of his travel odysseys, this time completing a circle around the countries bordering the Pacific Ocean. From Alaska to Russia, China, Vietnam, Australia, Chile, Mexico and the USA (to name a few), Michael and his team become involved in daily life. This is different to the Around the World in Eighty Days concept, as aeroplanes may be used in transport, but there are still exotic boat and train journeys to impress us.
This is an accompaniment to the BBC TV series (which I haven’t finished watching)- but you can still read the book if you haven’t watched the TV series. Michael Palin describes views and events with clarity that will transport you to far reaches of the world.
In this book, he visits Australia (namely the Top End- ie. the Northern Territory is described) and it’s interesting to see an Englishman’s take on the remoteness. I find that area of Australia less remote (it’s only a couple of hundred kilometres between towns, not roadhouses/service stations- excellent) but I suppose it’s a lot different from England!
I found reading about Japan and Chile particularly interesting as I love Japan (and interesting to compare notes) and Chile because I’ve never even thought about visiting there!
Once again, this is a well written travelogue by Palin that invites wanderlust!
This is an accompaniment to the BBC TV series (which I haven’t finished watching)- but you can still read the book if you haven’t watched the TV series. Michael Palin describes views and events with clarity that will transport you to far reaches of the world.
In this book, he visits Australia (namely the Top End- ie. the Northern Territory is described) and it’s interesting to see an Englishman’s take on the remoteness. I find that area of Australia less remote (it’s only a couple of hundred kilometres between towns, not roadhouses/service stations- excellent) but I suppose it’s a lot different from England!
I found reading about Japan and Chile particularly interesting as I love Japan (and interesting to compare notes) and Chile because I’ve never even thought about visiting there!
Once again, this is a well written travelogue by Palin that invites wanderlust!
tonimcl's review against another edition
4.0
I'm predisposed to like Michael Palin, so it's not surprising that I enjoyed this book, which traces Palin and his film crew as they traveled around the Pacific Rim in over 200 days in 1996. Palin is a descriptive writer, and his wit shines through often, making the journey in photographs and words an enjoyable one. This is no cutting edge, off-the-grid gonzo journey, so if you're looking for that, look elsewhere. If you're a sucker for travelogues, especially ones covering great distances, then this is worth a read. I was sad to finally come to the end.
magicalrocketships's review against another edition
4.0
Michael Palin reading anything is always a joy, and particularly his travel diaries. Interesting even in the time since it's been published how normalised the conversation around Empire as a good thing was. Glad that that conversation is changing.
nathanjhunt's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.25
My 34th book finished in 2023.
I bought this book in a second-hand bookstore in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I read it in Da Nang, Vietnam and left it in a book cafe in Hoi An.
Entertaining to read, especially after visiting the same places Michael did and comparing it to my own experiences, nearly 30 years later.
It definitely adds to the show. A little slow in places, and some of the language is a bit dated in the 2020s, ie use of "Indians" to refer to the native Andean people etc.
I bought this book in a second-hand bookstore in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I read it in Da Nang, Vietnam and left it in a book cafe in Hoi An.
Entertaining to read, especially after visiting the same places Michael did and comparing it to my own experiences, nearly 30 years later.
It definitely adds to the show. A little slow in places, and some of the language is a bit dated in the 2020s, ie use of "Indians" to refer to the native Andean people etc.
Content Warnings
Minor: Xenophobia, Colonisation, and Racial slurs
thunguyen's review against another edition
4.0
It's exactly like 80 days around the world and Pole to Pole, just other parts of the world. The travel was for the most part harsh and very harsh, which is perfectly fine for armchair travellers to read/listen to. Our world is so freaking vast I'm still not bored yet.
earendil1992's review against another edition
4.0
Can't help but enjoy a bit of Micheal Palin. Wonderful audio book!