Chasing Shadows Across the World

Few TV documentaries have fascinated me as much as BBC’s Long Way Round, starring actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman. In fact, I’ve watched the series through a full seven times and still plan on watching it again, someday. Like most men my age who have also watched the series, ever since I first laid eyes on this epic adventure, I have fantasized about taking a similar ride myself. My own particular path differs from theirs, and I can’t imagine that I’d ever acquire sponsorship on as massive a scale as they did, but a guy can dream.

As much as I loved the show, however, the sad fact is that this book didn’t feel like an extended, more intimate adventure compared to the video series. It felt more like a fluff piece, as if ghost writers maximized their conversations with these guys after the fact and tried to capitalize on their success.

Having become so familiar with the storyline of their motorcycle ride from east from London to New York, I simply don’t feel like I need any further back story. The editing work on the show was so spectacular, that I honestly couldn’t care less about why they fought and how horrible they felt afterwards. I have recommended this TV series (and its follow-up, Long Way Down) that I have no qualms in saying: “The show is ten times better than the book. Forget the book.”

©2016 E.T.