Stephen Fabes: Signs of Life. To the Ends of the Earth with a Doctor. Serpents Tail / Profile Books, 9781788161213, hardback

 

I have found myself strangely (or perhaps understandably) drawn to travel books during these two lockdowns and this is my second book about long distance cycling. I draw my personal line at 8 days of cycling, biked the Route Napoleon over the  Swiss & French Alps to Nice in younger days but cannot fathom doing an around the world trip on a bike as Stephen Fables, a young British doctor did. 

I needed time settling into Stephen Fabes “Signs of Life” but then I was hooked and had to have my daily dose of his writing, an adventure, often an ordeal but always a stark raving nuts undertaking. His profession as a medical doctor must have given him the tough mental attitude one needs to persevere through all types of weather, loneliness, sleeping mostly in tents, some hair raising events,dangerous countries like Afghanistan and former Soviet states or nearly getting his head blown off in the Americas not to talk about suffering through different illnesses.

But there is also the kindness of strangers he encountered so often that makes you hopeful about the nature of mankind. I felt his writing became more engaging and open during the second half of the book but his critical look at the comforts of the richer states, his curiosity about ordinary people and the political situation of the countries he visited and his medical viewpoints were thoroughly captivating to read.

Very much enjoyed his adventurous spirit, him sharing the lessons he learned, including the difficulties on how to adapt once the trip was finished and his view about the situation of refugees.  It is a great adventure read, particularly for cyclist but also for all who love to travel suffering from being grounded these days.