I was very lucky to get an advance copy of the English language manuscript for this book, first published in 2017 in Greek only. That means it’s not possible to discuss the physical book: imagery, page count etc as it’s due for release later this summer. However, I can attest to the fact that the content, is superb.
Everything we dream about is here: adventure, excitement, struggle, happiness, mechanical trauma, human kindness and there’s even a love story at the end. Nobody should care for a minute that this pan-African journey happened aboard a Vespa scooter with ten-inch wheels. If anything, readers will find themselves doffing their cap to the abilities of the brave little bike and the gloriously bonkers antics of its crew.
The journey starts in Greece with a couple of Vespa fans (on two machines) turning their backs on their national economic malaise and riding to Italy before catching a boat to Morocco and aiming their little automatic commuters on a zig-zag course to Cape Town.
The two become one in West Africa and the main protagonist, Stergios, carries on boldly, alone. Although he meets and travels with others off and on, he gets plenty of time to really consider his surroundings, especially the social and economic factors that have, and continue to, shape Africa. Opening himself completely to serendipity and letting chance steer him, he discovered a not insignificant Greek ex-pat community in Lubumbashi, after three months struggling to cross the DRC on what must be the world’s worst intercity highway. He was immediately given coffee and lodgings and briefly met Alexandra, who was just leaving for Athens.
Months later in Jo’burg they met again at a BBQ and thought ‘just maybe’… so Alexandra hopped on the back of the Vespa for a one-month trip around Lesotho. The rest, as they say, is history.
The translation of the text is excellent, losing none of the wit and attitude that Stergios has. It’s beautifully written, refreshing to read and one of those books that really, really should be on your shelf. This is a story that spells out the importance of packing a smile. As for the bike, take whatever you’ve got! A highly recommended read.
ISBN: TBC
Paperback pp TBC
UK publisher TBC (2018)
Sept 2018 Update: Now available to order online here at £9.99