The Amazing Story of the Man Who Cycled from India to Europe for Love

By: Per J Andersson

Narrated by: Maanuv Thiara

Winner of the Marco Polo Outstanding General Travel Themed Book of the Year at the 2018 Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards.

The story begins in a public square in New Delhi. On a cold December evening a young European woman of noble descent appears before an Indian street artist known locally as PK and asks him to paint her portrait - it is an encounter that will change their lives irrevocably.

PK was not born in the city. He grew up in a small remote village on the edge of the jungle in East India, and his childhood as an untouchable was one of crushing hardship. He was forced to sit outside the classroom during school, would watch classmates wash themselves if they came into contact with him, and had stones thrown at him when he approached the village temple. According to the priests, PK dirtied everything that was pure and holy. But had PK not been an untouchable, his life would have turned out very differently.

This is the remarkable true story of how love and courage led PK to overcome extreme poverty, caste prejudice and adversity - as well as a 7,000-mile adventure-filled journey across continents and cultures - to be with the woman he loved.

©2013 Per J Andersson (P)2018 W. F. Howes Ltd

Amazing Love Story

I heard about this story on the radio and I couldn’t wait to listen to it. It is beautiful and captivating.

Interesting

Enjoyable listen. Lacks somewhat in character development and comes across as a collection of activities and events more than the inner life of the author. Transitions between sections can be a bit abrupt without a smooth logical flow. Having said that, it reads well, and has a great, lighthearted feel, and is a fascinating windows into the cast system from an insider’s perspective. I’m glad I listened to it.

Different look

I thought PK to be intelligent but parts of the story I thought somewhat phoney. I was frustrated to hear an intelligent person resisting change and know that he was resisting. After all, he was the one wanting change.

Exceeded expectations

An interesting story with a good bit of history and culture of India. I don't give any credence to the 'prophecy' stuff, but still an interesting tale.

Thoughtful and sweet travel story

The journey is as much philosophical as travelogue, sweetly told. It was not so much a page turner, as a joyful listen, and escape from other heavier reads, while not being lightweight, but very gently and thoughtfully discussed observations, discoveries and sometimes funny recollections!