Dervla Murphy RIP

[HobbesOnTour]

Some sad news from the world of bike touring but I've just discovered that Dervla Murphy passed away at the good old age of 90.
A contrariarn as well as a remarkable bike tourist and traveller of all sorts now would be a good time to recommend (again) her book "Full Tilt" about her remarkable journey to India. For me, the most notable place was Afghanistan, a place where few fear to tread these days.

Some more info here (may be behind a paywall)
https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/...urous-life-at-the-edge-dies-aged-90-1.4885949

 

[wiggydiggy]

RIP

I've literally just finished reading her first book "Full Tilt" and am planning on reading more of her books, the way she describes things is quite unique and not like other travel writers I've tried. It took me a while to realize whenever she said 'we' when she was on her own, she was actually referring to herself and Roz her bicycle.

Theres a nice interview with her here: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2018/jan/24/dervla-murphy-travel-writer-interview-full-tilt

 

[HelenD123]

For me, the most notable place was Afghanistan, a place where few fear to tread these days.

It's over 10 years since I read Full Tilt and I agree that the Afghanistan section made me sad that it had changed so much since her visit.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Haven’t read her books but sounds like something to add.

 

[Rusty Nails]

Sounds like a sensible woman.....

"What do I think of politicians? A pile of f**king s**ts is what I think of them. All parties"

 

[tothehills]

can anyone tell me if she's a good writer.
Despite some folks' admirable adventures, some of them aren't.
Read one or two Josie Drew's (is that her name? - mindfog) and found her style very clunky.

 

[Gillstay]

can anyone tell me if she's a good writer.
Despite some folks' admirable adventures, some of them aren't.
Read one or two Josie Drew's (is that her name? - mindfog) and found her style very clunky.

I have read a wide range of travel books and rate her highly.

 

[HobbesOnTour]

From 1956 I believe (shamelessly ripped from the Web)

 

[KnittyNorah]

can anyone tell me if she's a good writer.
Despite some folks' admirable adventures, some of them aren't.
Read one or two Josie Drew's (is that her name? - mindfog) and found her style very clunky.

Her books are wonderful - well-written and warm. I started reading her when I was 16, with Full Tilt, and still enjoy her books enormously. I think my favourites are the ones where she travels with a mule - Peru and Ethiopia.

 

[HelenD123]

can anyone tell me if she's a good writer.
Despite some folks' admirable adventures, some of them aren't.
Read one or two Josie Drew's (is that her name? - mindfog) and found her style very clunky.

I found the second half of Full Tilt much better written than the first half. It felt like she'd kept more comprehensive notes as she went along.

 

[HobbesOnTour]

From the Guardian

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/...reat-irish-travel-writer-who-has-died-aged-90

 

[wiggydiggy]

I found the second half of Full Tilt much better written than the first half. It felt like she'd kept more comprehensive notes as she went along.

I'm sure she mentions at some point she only started the letters some time after she set out, she wasn't keeping a journal at first it's all from letters she wrote to people back home.

I found out yesterday Full Tilt (which ends rather abruptly!) is considered the first of a trilogy and is followed by Tibetan Foothold and then with The Waiting Land: A Spell in Nepal.

 

[iluvmybike]

Dervla's books were an inspiration for me as a young lass (alas no more). At that time few women would even dream of undertaking such adventures

 

[Petrichorwheels]

At that time few women would even dream of undertaking such adventures

she carried a gun I seem to recall?

 

[Rusty Nails]

she carried a gun I seem to recall?

And it came in useful at least once I believe.