Daren

The first of two volumes explaining the 1905-08 trans-Himalaya expedition, carried out against the wish of the British (and the Tibetans). At the start of the book Hedin explains that he must restrict the writing and therefore details his journey only from India onwards (omitting a seven month journey on the way from Britian), and also omits various side journeys and Monastery descriptions which he 'postpones until a future publication'.

Largely influenced by luck, circumstance, bluff and confusion Hedin bypasses all restrictions and while politically unwelcome, he enjoys the company and protection of a number of well placed Tibetans, allowing him more success in his travels than was perhaps expected or warranted. And while the British government would not provide permission, many individuals in the British administration certainly assisted him with all means.

A warm relationship with the Tashi Lama (the 9th Panchen Lama) assisted him, as did a passport to Eastern Turkestan issued by China - which was surprising as it was for a different country! The end goal of this expedition is Shigatze, where the Tashi Lama resides, but Hedin's mapping and breaking of new routes is probably more important to him, including locating the sources of the great rivers (although this will occur in the second volume). As a trained geologist, his sample collecting and mapping southern Tibet's rivers, mountains and sacred lakes was his main passion on this expedition.

Hedin's writing maintains the interest fairly well, but there is no doubt he fixates on some detail, such as keeping a log of his horses and mules as they perish, and his altitudes and place names. It seems obvious, given he drew a prodigious number of maps on this expedition, but the lack of a map is incredibly frustrating, and makes it very hard to keep a track of his route, which seemed quite a zigzag from the way he wrote. In general however, he shares his thoughts honestly, he does a good job of explaining how he wrangles his expedition, and he also gives credit to those expedition members who manage aspects for his, and carry out his commands.

The few photographs in the book are great, but as with the maps, we writes about taking many photographs, explaining the portrait or view, and yet we don't get to see many (in this publication anyway - it seems like later editions, or the three volume edition may have included more).

Nevertheless, if you enjoy a historic expedition, this will be compelling reading, and after a short spell, I will tackle the second volume.

4.5 stars.

Not your usual travel-love-in. As his journey goes on Theroux becomes more cynical and prepared to mock his fellow travellers. Contains stereotypes, racial profiling, hippie mocking etc, making it all the more readable. No discussion on visas, border crossings or what to pack!

In 1894 Sandamara, an Aboriginal tracker working for the police was incredibly skilled as well as being a well liked man, and was considered loyal and trustworthy. He was known to the police as Pigeon.

Having assisted Constable Richardson to arrest a group of fifteen Aboriginals - most for cattle spearing, although three had speared white men, Pigeon and another tracker Captain were setting up camp; the prisoner chained to a tree and all handcuffed. Word came that Ellemara, a cunning murderer, was only 20 miles away, camping alone, having tailed the policemen. And so despite Richardson being unwell with fever and recovering from flu, Pigeon and Captain were sent to apprehend Ellemara. Richardson fought the overwhelming need to sleep to guard the prisoners.

And apprehend him they did, taking him by surprise, but Ellemara was a convincing man. In the time it took to travel the 20 miles back to Richardson he had managed to turn Pigeon and Captain from tame police trackers, and convince them to murder Richardson and to lead an uprising against the white men taking their hunting ground and forcing them from their customary lands. The men they set free would follow the three leaders.

Ellemara was greatly admired, but even more dreaded by the local Aborigines. He was not a local, but from far away, which would normally reduce his influence. Likewise, Captain was not local to the tribes either, as the police usually had a strict policy of their trackers being from far away so as not to have local tribal bonds to influence their actions. Pigeon, however, was a local boy, born in Lillamaloora country, and this police patrol was in the Kimberley in northern Western Australia. Such were the three men's influence that not just those men they set free followed them, but a great many more joined up to support the cause.

Pigeon went on to lead the outlaw uprising against the white stations, and more importantly the police, who he had a close understanding of - the men and their tactics. Captain was always subservient, and Ellemara had to learn to become so, and for three years these leaders escaped capture despite a highly orchestrated pursuit by the police.

And so, Idriess tells the story of Pigeon in a blow by blow account which takes in the stories of many aboriginals who joined this band of freedom fighters who aimed to rid the Leopold's of all white men.

The above it really just the introduction, so no spoilers here.

As is always the case with Ion Idriess books, the writing is very straightforward, but gripping. He explains much of the Aboriginal lore and goes some way to explaining how this all came to be. As always Idriess has made use of official documents as well as letters and interviews with those who have second hand knowledge - white and aboriginal.

4.5 stars

I went into this book with no preconceived idea of what is was about, only that it was recommended by a few readers, and that, of course, it is science fiction from John Wyndham. Published in 1957, it is set in the 1950's and feels like an authentic small rural village setting in Britain.

Often the mark of a good novel for me is being able to surprise me. This is surely rare in a classic sci-fi novel like this, but I genuinely have no recollection of anything about this book - albeit I have read a review or two from friends...

I was pleasantly entertained by this novel, and I don't want to throw out spoilers either, but there were some clever twists in the reading of this - perhaps I should have seen more of them coming - they were not completely left field, but nevertheless they caught me with surprise. It is not a fast paced novel - quite the opposite, but the threat builds steadily throughout the novel. Other than some slightly over-long philosophising dropped into conversation, it was quite readable. Perhaps the only weakness is how readily the village people accept the situation as it unfolds - maybe this was the post-war society stoicism well captured? The form is narration, from a partly involved person, so slightly unusual, but it works well here.

It isn't a long read, although I had it in the car so was only reading a chapter or two at a time, and it took me about 8 (working) days to finish.

Recommended, 4.5 stars, rounded down.

I note that nosing around a few other reviews uncovers the story line rather easily, so perhaps I have been overprotective when not discussing, but I really did benefit from knowing nothing about it in advance. I understand the blub on some editions spoils much of the story too... with my edition this was not the case.