Outstanding

Outstanding. Utterly outstanding. Joly shows an extraordinary ability to seamlessly blend a writing style that is touching, warm and laugh out loud funny, whilst simultaneously being able to combine it with fascinating insights about Lebanon as a country and a sprinkling of revealing (though never self-indulgent) moments of introspection.

For my money a masterclass in travel writing that anybody with an interest in reaching middle age, treasuring friendships or hiking downhill could do worse than buy. Highly recommended and a great listen.

3 people found this helpful

Wonderfully entertaining!

Loved it, a very entertaining, informative and in some ways educational account of Don and his dear friends undertaking more than they can chew!! I had always dismissed the Middle East as a travel destination, particularly this part of the world. I now want to go to Lebanon and walk on the LMT! Another cracker by Dom, keep them coming!

3 people found this helpful

Better than I could do but not Dark Tourist or Scary Monsters.

Not a bad listen but maybe Dom should avoid writing about Lebanon or himself, Not sure why these subjects don’t bring out his best work maybe he struggles to find comedy in subjects so close to heart. Dark Tourist and Scary Monsters and Supercreaps are IMHO incredibly humorous writing but Look at me and this book just seem to lack real substance. I truly wanted to love this book given how many times I have listened to Scary Monsters and Dark Tourist (probably 20 each) I was hopeful, while this is nowhere near as bad as Look at me or the American one with the weird female voiceover it left me feeling like I probably wouldn’t listen again. A little like the chapter of Dark Tourist set in Lebanon, I usually skip.

3 people found this helpful

A great listen

interesting, informative and very funny to listen to. More adventures with Harry and Chris please!

Changed name...

Book was originally called The Hezbollah hiking blub, Absolutely wonderful, I now have a hankering to visit Lebanon. Dom Jolys sincere and emotional return to his home country was a delight to listen to, his humour, his appreciation of the beauty of Lebanon, I pretty much listened in one sitting. THOROUGHLY IMPRESSED AND RECOMMEND. Dom Joly, you're a joy.

Not as enjoyable as his other books

I bought this as really enjoyed Dom’s other books esp here comes the clown. This however was a struggle to get through, it’s really a montage of Dom reliving his youth trying to convince readers that Labanon would make a good holiday destination. Love Dom’s other work but sadly I found it rather tedious.

A good listen

This is a very interesting and enjoyable listen & was, as much as anything, a very instructive book on all the problems Lebanon has experienced in recent years. An element of me occasionally got annoyed at Dom & his two mates (the others doing the walk with him) for their attitudes but it’s still well worth your time. I can’t say it left me itching to walk the Lebanon Mountain Trail but at least I know it exists now.

Who’s Bill Bryson ? ;)

The Hezbollah Hiking Club, what a funny and fantastic name for a travel book about the LMT.

Both funny and informative, A gemstone of a travel book, that has made me want to visit the Lebanon and walk the LMT.

great humourous travel book

really really enjoyed this. fun story and 3 mates going for a walk in the middle east. I've never given the place much thought (other than war torn hell hole) but this made me view the place in a whole new light. the book was funny, light hearted, yet informative. up there with bill bryson (all praise him) in my opinion.

highly recommended!

A revelation!

First of all I have to admit to never having seen anything Dom has done in his other life as an alternative comedian. I came across him by way of a Radio 4 walking program. It was soon very clear there was a lot more to this man than I could ever have imagined. It was mentioned he was also a travel writer so I explored Audible. So very pleased I listened to this book. A fascinating account of the country where Dom’s early days were spent, his family’s home.

Really interesting to hear about places I have only ever associated with sadness and violent kidnapping. So many names I have heard on news reports it was really enlightening.

The trek across his home country was well vividly described combined with happy and sad memories of childhood. Dom was accompanied by two close friends, the type you fight with like family, that was very funny. I have to say there were a lot of laugh out loud moments which is always odd when you’re alone in the car! Thoroughly recommend.