"The story revealed itself with humour, current affair observations, impacts of an aging body being pushed beyond its limits and left me really enjoying myself along the walking journey."
I was a little unsure when I chose to read The Elderly Gentleman's Ulyssee, as non-fiction books describing someone undertaking a walking challenge have not always kept my attention, largely because I have found all too often they become tedious. So it was much to my surprise and delight that having exited my reading comfort zone, I was fully entertained by this one. The story revealed itself with humour, current affair observations, impacts of an aging body being pushed beyond its limits and left me really enjoying myself along the walking journey. The author would also, very subtly, insert phrases ranging from Mark Twain and Victor Hugo to religious references. These were perfect to enhance the walker's mood or thinking. At the end of the day, I engaged with my friend, the aging walker, and that has often been my problem with other such tales of people testing themselves.
SYNOPSIS. A smarter, older Gentleman hikes from Zurich to Geneva. On hiking trails, whenever they exist. But the declared goal is to reach the destination, the Café de la Place in Meyrin, as soon as possible. The adventures and encounters are more unforeseen than expected. The experience brings smiles, laughter, and a sense of achievement. But also unpleasant, tooth grinding, and suffering. He has much time to explore his thoughts and follow the thought processes caused by the events. He inevitably ends up in complex, exuberant pipe dreams and bizarre, surreal spheres. Very often, he is sent into the virtual desert for his thoughts. Which he isn't concerned about. He wanders, ponders, and continues to provoke, undeterred. He meets different types of men, friendly and also disgusting ones. Not only that, but he encounters many charming ladies and often risks falling in love. «When someone goes on a trip, then he can tell something.» (Matthias Clausius)
