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'A classic adventure narrative in the vein of Patrick Leigh Fermor and Robert Louis Stevenson... life-changing' CAL FLYN, author of Islands of Abandonment
In his mid-twenties, city-bound and restless, Louis D. Hall found himself uncertain. How to create a life he wanted to lead? Inspired by Don Quixote, he decided to fulfil a childhood dream – to make an uncharted journey on horseback.
After finding his horse, Sasha, in Italy’s Apennine Mountains, Louis set off and headed west. His destination: Cape Finisterre, ‘the end of the land’. For three weeks Louis and Sasha survived storms, snow, wolves and the untrodden partisan paths of the Ligurian Alps. But then a young woman arrived with her horse, Istia, and their solitary world was broken. Kiki, adrift with the death of her sibling, joined the journey, and the duo continued together.
With every step and every fall, the pair are forced to unfold and trust in their horses and, eventually, each other. Using old and forgotten routes, guided by strangers and nature’s clues, the travellers unravel into a wilder way of life; united by the mysteries of the horse, enticed by the illusions of adventure.
'An utterly enchanting debut – a new favourite book. I was riding side by side with the author, every step of the way' Antonia Fraser
'An awe-inspiring tale of adventure, grit, and the deep bond between man, horse and nature – a story that will stir the soul of every reader who dreams of pushing beyond the horizon' Alastair Humphreys, author of Microadventures
'A young man with an old soul takes on an ancient journey by horseback across Europe. This is a striking debut that will transcend its time: an emotionally taut, beautifully written book for eternally restless romantics' Sophy Roberts, author of Lost Pianos of Siberia
'Surprising, gripping and unforgettable. What a fabulous debut!' Mel Giedroyc
'An incredible journey, complete with all of the elements of real adventure; joy, despair, challenge and surprise. And a deep sense of meaning – this is an exploration of the interior every bit as much as it is one of the exterior. A book that will inspire many an odyssey!' Leon McCarron, author of Wounded Tigris
'Vivid imagery... A terrific adventure story well told by an articulate, enterprising writer' Country Life
'From the future to the past and the real-life equestrian tale of actor-adventurer Louis D Hall... His first foray in the world of travel writing is impressive... a compelling, uplifting and astonishing read' Sunday Post
'Remarkable... this curiously timeless adventure, with its soaring highs and crushing lows, is never less than compelling' Roger Cox, Scotsman
After growing up in Scotland, Louis D. Hall went on a trip to northern Mongolia, aged 18, in search of the Tsaatan tribe. It was on this trek that he first encountered the connecting powers of the horse. He then embarked upon a 1147-mile ride down the length of the UK, which raised money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and laid the foundation for The Big Hoof, a Scottish a mental health charity that creates long distance rides. Since his 110-day journey across Europe with Sasha, Louis has been working for NGO Insulate Ukraine. He lives between Kyiv, Oxford and Amsterdam.