Info
Written By: Mark Eveleigh.
Published By: Summersdale.
Thanks to the publisher for sending me a physical copy of the book, also thanks to Random Things Blog Tour for adding me to the tour.
Overview
This incredible true story of one man's 1,225-km hike across the Iberian Peninsula is a celebration of rural Spain along the road less travelled
Inspired by a nomadic "vagabundo" he met decades ago, travel writer Mark Eveleigh eschews the fast pace of modern life and sets off on a solo hike 1,225 km across the Iberian Peninsula - from Gibraltar in the far south to Estaca de Bares, Spain's most northerly tip - carrying just a backpack and a hammock.
Hiking through sleepy siesta-hour plazas, shady cork forests and heat-shimmering plains, the hours would be long, dusty and hot. But, as Mark passes through the many small villages and communities en route, his trek comes to be characterized most of all by the sharing of stories, the true kindness of strangers, and the unbridled freedom of the open road.
Recounting Mark's fascinating nomadic journey through Spain's least-visited region, Extremadura, Vagabond is a homage to the disappearing lifestyle of the vagabundo, as well as a celebration of rural Spain and its forgotten communities. It reminds us of the value of slowing down and finding connection with others, and the beauty that can be found in taking life one step at a time.
Overview taken from the official book press release.
Review
I'm what I call a keen armchair traveller, love watching documentaries about traveling and walking but rarely get to do much of it apart from walking my dog that is. Stories of exploring distant lands really interest me and if I get to learn the culture and history in the mix also then that is definitely a bonus. Vagabond is riveting account of one man's determination to walk the path of the ancient "vagabundo" a proper walk on the wild side leaving home comforts behind and truly getting in touch with nature without the trappings of modern life.
As I previously have said I do enjoy watching travel documentaries as well as reading about them but learning more about the history part of the journey is what I found more interesting about this book, Mark isn't just talking about his walk he goes into detail about the different areas he comes across and what significance each area has. When you think of Spain you immediately have thoughts of the beaches and bars that you see on the Tele but Mark takes you away from that and takes you deep into the heart of a beautiful country away from the beaches and onto the dirt tracks telling an awe inspiring tale that will inspire from every page.
You can tell from reading the book that Mark is passionate about what he does as the enthusiasm flows through the book and it is infectious you can't help but feel invigorated just by reading his words, probably one of the best travel / adventure books I have read.
Summary
Time now then to put my thoughts into a summary, overall I really enjoyed this book I felt like it gave me everything with its inspirational story and its educational content but at the same time in Mark's own unique way kept the reader engaged throughout. If you enjoy travel or even exploration then you will definitely be at home with this book.
Verdict-Out of 5 ⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
EXCELLENT
I give Vagabond an excellent full marks score of 5 ⭐, an awe inspiring story of one man's determination to succeed and push himself. A unique look at a beautiful part of a beautiful country.
Note on The Author
British writer Mark Eveleigh bases himself between Bali and South Africa when he's not chasing travel stories for the likes of the BBC, CNN, National Geographic Traveller and The Telegraph.
He spent 16 years living in Spain and returned recently to fulfil his ambition to hike coast-to-coast - the long way - across the country with a backpack and his trusty hammock.
This review was part of the Random Things Blog Tour please check out the other bloggers on the tour
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