Solo to England

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Solo to England

Category:	Travel
Author:	Barry Markham
Publisher:	Melrose Books
Price:	£12.99
ISBN:	9781906050542
Pages:
Reviewed in issue:	11

Solo to England documents the historic first flight from Australia to England in a Tiger Moth by the author Barry Markham. The journey takes 60 days, taking the Second World War biplane through 16 different countries, landing at 35 airfields and covering a staggering 10,000+ nautical miles.

The book begins with the tale of why Markham felt the need to take such a dangerous trip as, by his own admission, he was no spring chicken (his wife describes it as a Walter Mitty fantasy) and it provides an inspirational backdrop to the story which should provide impetuous and encouragement to anyone who has a dream they wish to pursue.

The book is well made with a number of colourful photo sections to support the narrative. The text is accurately written in a readable style and includes a great deal of technical detail. Given the nature of the journey and the trials and tribulations encountered, including regular life threatening events, the prose never really manages to convey the danger or courageousness of the author.

At times the story tells of difficulties and frustrations encountered in foreign countries, but again the story telling is a little weak.

In all, a pleasant book that I was excited to read, even though it never quite developed into the emotional page turner that the epic journey deserves.

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