Full Tilt

Ireland to India with a Bicycle

By: Dervla Murphy

Narrated by: Emma Lowe

Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's Summary

Full Tilt is the inspiring true story of Dervla Murphy's 1963 journey from Ireland to India on an Armstrong Cadet bicycle, and the trials, landscapes, and cultures she encountered along the way. The route takes her through the valleys and snowy mountain passes of Europe and India to the scorching deserts of Afghanistan and Pakistan, where the metal of her bicycle, Rozinante (named after Don Quixote's steed), becomes too hot to touch. She travels alone, without luxuries, sleeping on the floors of teahouses or on blankets outdoors, vulnerable to wild animals, insects, and thieves. However, she is often met with generosity and kindness, and shares many meaningful encounters with the locals. Her portrayal here gives a fascinating insight into the unique communities of the Middle East in the early 1960s.

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©2019 Naxos Audiobooks (P)2019 Naxos Audiobooks

A joyous journey

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It made me so happy to hear that so many people in the world are so kind!

Prejudice personified

This is impossible to listen to and should not even be on Audible. There are so many arrogant , prejudiced comments, as well as outright racism. At one point goats are referred to as "nigger brown.." That was the point at which I stopped listening. I put one star ratings only so that this review could be submitted. It deserves no stars.

Good book overall

An admirable example of adventure, determination, and learning - somewhat tedious story telling, punctuated with interesting and perhaps still current examples on the various countries she visited.

Racist, classist and not well written

I initially started listening to this for a book club. After a few chapters, I can no longer enjoy it due to many problematic comments referring to poor people who are begging as “pathetic“ as well as people of a variety of countries as having inferiority implied and said in a multitude of ways. I realize the book is a journal and it’s somewhat dated but perhaps some thoughtfulness about the author’s perception is still relevant.

Travels, people, locations and experiences very interesting

Murphy’s experiences, fortitude, intelligence, and sensitivity were remarkable. The hardships she endured and overcame were both miraculous and believable. The ending was abrupt I was expecting a continuation or conclusion. Her bicycle journey was a remarkable and inspiring saga.

Amazing story

The description of Afghan culture in the early 1960s is fascinating and I think essential reading.

Grea...until the end

Felt immersed in the whole journey and very much enjoyed it. The last section in India seemed to be a bit of a sanctimonious dig at Britain which spoilt it for me a bit.

Brilliant tale by a wonderful traveler

Recommend listening to this - any age and type of person will get something from Dervla Murphy’s journey, getting on with it through tick and thin.

very disappointed

From the day I first came across Dervlas story I had her in awe at what she had achieved.
however finally listening to her story I feel she was an entitled white privileged narrow minded potato eater.
She had narrow views on other country's ways and foods unlike 99.9% modern day world tourers.
She didn't understand their cultures and was opinionated even though they have since developed post the Raj but she still lives in a hovel in Ireland in 2021.
Her lack of empathy and understanding is apparent especially in Pakistan and India where hob knobbing with the elite seems to bring her happiness but eating their local foods was too spicy should have stuck to boiled potatoes....
Sorry Dervla you are a very flawed person and this shone through leaving me disappointed.

An excellent Adventure

How did we ever manage without instant communication and all the mod cons of cycle touring? This is how. A superb travelogue and lessons in how to br a good traveller. I'll be recommending it to the Bicycle Adventure Club. Really well read too it immerses you in the Adventure.

Amazing story of insane journey

For a woman in her 20's to cycle across the world in 1964 was an incredible idea and at times a very dangerous adventure.
The story itself is almost exclusively taken directly from her journal entries.
This was written in the 1960s. The language and terminology used would no longer be considered appropriate or politically correct. However the author does not intend offence and I do not believe it is legitimate to judge by applying current standards of language usage on a book written almost 60 years ago.
What is clear is that the author had extreme fondness, respect and love for the people and places she visited. In addition she makes many astute observations and concerns on the forced westernisation of countries and the negative impact of same.
Apart from all that the struggles of a run woman dragging a bike alone across the world is in and of itself and very interesting.

What a wonderful thoughtful adventure.

I have had this book on the shelves for many years and had pulled it out to read given the coronavirus lockdown, however, when I saw it could be read to me my wife, and I jumped at the chance. We tend to listen in the car and found ourselves filling these empty days enjoying Dervla Murphys 1960s adventure as she cycled from Ireland to India. There is so much to be gleaned from this true story. Mostly we hear first hand about the people she met. The lives these people lead. The poverty but a harmony of village or mountain life. How protected these people were from western ideals. It is so much more than an amazing journey. Emma Lowe the narrator is the icing on the cake. Highly recommend. Escape to a better time.

Excellent

simply amazing
Dervla is something else, an inspiration and role model.The way we should be.

A Full on Adventure.

Amazing insight into one woman's solo adventures on her gearless bike! Ahead of her time and a great role model for all adventurers at heart. Takes us back to the days of real travel tales. Loved it.