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My Midsummer Morning

By: Alastair Humphreys
Narrated by: Alastair Humphreys
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Summary

A Financial Times Summer Book of 2019

Seasoned adventurer Alastair Humphreys pushes himself to his very limits – busking his way across Spain with a violin he can barely play.

In 1935 a young Englishman named Laurie Lee arrived in Spain. He had never been overseas; had hardly even left the quiet village he grew up in. His idea was to walk through the country, earning money for food by playing his violin in bars and plazas.

Nearly a century later, the book Laurie Lee wrote – As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning – inspired Alastair Humphreys. It made him fall in love with Spain – the landscapes and the spirit – and with Laurie's style of travel. He travelled slow, lived simply, slept on hilltops, relished spontaneity, and loved conversations with the different people he met along the hot and dusty road.

For 15 years, Alastair dreamed of retracing Laurie Lee’s footsteps, but could never get past the hurdle of being distinctly unmusical. This year, he decided to go anyway. The journey was his most terrifying yet, risking failure and humiliation every day, and finding himself truly vulnerable to the rhythms of the road and of his own life. But along the way, he found humility, redemption and triumph. It was a very good adventure.

©2019 Alastair Humphreys (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Limited
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Critic reviews

"Humphreys is clearly slightly bonkers and this is a wonderful thing." (Geographical Magazine)

"Compelling reading...It’s honest and human." (The Great Outdoors)

What listeners say about My Midsummer Morning

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loved it

the was the first book by Alistair Humphies I have read and I really enjoyed it. I great take of adventure and I love his outlook on life. i would recommend this. very easy listening.

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Massively enjoyed this book

I really enjoyed story of his travel through a Spain, his courage to try something new (playing violin for income) even knowing he is far from perfect as well as background story about his family. I think it's perfect book for matured free spirits. If you still have that wanderlust but also agree with LESS IS MORE philosophy this is perfect book for you!

Txs for setting example that family comes first, your wisdom and bold spirit! Narration was really good too!

My next listen is going to be his "Microadventures"

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Great

A lovely pleasurable read. Laurie Lee would be proud. Nice reflections from author on both life and travel.

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excellent story inspiring me to adventure

alistair does inspire you to create your own mini adventure. After reading his round the world epic this is a shorter and more thoughtful book shoeing his internal struggles to achieve his traveling wanderlust withe being a husband and father.

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His best yet

Loved this book. Well written and read and a real tonic for anyone yearning for adventure

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Comfort and understanding

This has been a calming “go to” for me throughout the last few months, an escape to understanding. I’m a mum who loves being a mum but craves adventure and has never really strayed far. But in all the adventures I have had in life itself I realise I’m lucky to realise that ALL of life is adventure. Thanks for your openness and honesty and for writing this book Alastair.

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His best book yet

Love Alastair’s books. This is my 4th and favourite! Particularly love his honesty with mental health!

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Another excellent listen from Alistair Humphreys

Alistair Humphreys has written an honest, lyrical and funny book. He reads well, and you can feel the sun, hear the badly played violin and understand the mixed emotions as he leaves his family for a great adventure. Made me want to have my own adventure.

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A very moving and inspiring book.

Really resonated with the motivation for the journey and the honesty in the words .

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Brilliant

What a wonderful story. The narration is perfect being read by the author. Wholeheartedly recommended.

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