Narrow dogs telling it as it is
Having been treated to both of the narrow dog books I find myself hoping the Darlington's survive yet another adventure so that I can read the third in the Trilogy and perhaps even, in the style of the hitchhikers guide, the fourth!
The book focuses on the story of the adventure and cuts the technical detail so dear to the hearts of all boaters. For me this makes it really enjoyable, as I can picture the dust, wires and pipes strewn across a narrow aisle for 3 weeks as the battle to cool the cabin progresses. What it really does is open your eyes to the possibility of doing something a bit different. For many of us the idea of getting older is almost as daunting as taking our beloved craft out of the marina and into a lock where we could sustain a scratch or God forbid, lose a fender. We wont all cross continents on our boats or other chosen vehicles, but we can all have an adventure.
It's Amusing, interesting and inspirational and well worth reading
Beyond Carcassonne
I loved "Narrow Dog to Carcassonne" - the adventure itself, and particularly the very individual way it was described.
"Indian River" is brilliant, even better, funnier and more poignant than the first book. Its just the best read-with-a-silly-grin adventure ever!
And it really is an adventure. Narrowboats are built for confined, shallow, tideless canals. I shared Jim's fear as the "Phyllis May" pitched and rolled over open water that seemed even scarier than her Channel crossing. Add skin-boring insects and Jim-hungry reptiles to the recipe, and East Coast America sounds wilder than the West.
A fantastic, funny, heartwarming story. May the "Phyllis May" sail on to many more.
funny and fascinating
I absoutely loved this funny and fascinating book about travels on a narrow boat. Having read Terry Darlington's previous book, Narrow Dog to Carcassonne, I couldn't believe that there would be more adventures to come, as their trip across the channel was hair-raising enough! however, it was completely knocked into a cocked hat by this trip down the east coast of the United States, with all their attendant adventures. It made me laugh and cry, and want to be there too! having owned a narrow boat for a time, I can only marvel at their courage and awesome planning abilities! If anyone is wondering whether to buy this book, I urge you to do so, as it's a delightful treat, and a welcome escape from today's woes and worries.
Very Enjoyable
I read Narrow Dog to Carcassone which I found entertaining enough apart from the author's writing style which I found more and more impenetrable the more tired I got. It was fresh and intriguing though, enough to make me want to read the sequel and I'm glad I did.
This, to my mind is a much better book than its predecessor. I think the prose, although still unusual is less dense and full of allusion than previously which makes it much easier to read and follow. I liked the narrative and the stories of the people and wildlife were great.
The blurb makes much of the fact that Terry and Monica are pensioners. This might put some people off, but they do not write, act or think like seventy year olds as traditionally portrayed and this is an energetic, rude, funny book that works very well indeed and does not show its or its author's age.
Follow up from Carcassone
I really enjoyed the previous book, Narrow dog to Carcassone, which I read on holiday last year. I waited with bated breath, and eager anticipation for this follow up journey, which was mentioned on the last few pages. - Have just read the first two chapters, hence only three stars up to now, and so far the American adventure has not yet begun, but Terry has a "turn of phrase" that makes me chuckle out loud. Monica, his long suffering wife, is an excellent "straight woman" for Terry and his "daftness". Monica is the heroine of both tales and Jim the whippet offer the light releif. Must get back to the book now.
