THE BACKPACKER TRUE OR FALSE? - Rated 
I bought this book thinking it was factual, after about page three, it became clear it was made up, (sorry, did I say three, I meant one!). Real travel writers keep daily notes, how are we supposed to believe the author remembered all this with such clarity when half the time he's stoned! Not surprisingly, the authors name has little trace when you try and find the real person on the world wide web. If you like fiction, then you might like this story, if you seek the truth, look elsewhere.
Its not The Beach - Rated 
I was so disappointed by this book. I read The Beach in 1999 and loved it and haven't found much else in that genre and so hoped this might somehow give me the same taste of adventure.
Maybe I was holding it too close to the Beach but the writing was bland and although I suppose you can't criticise the plot of a true story the way the tale goes from one adventure to another made it seem disjointed and a bit 'and this is what I did next'.
I was unable to empathise with the characters and they neither seemed real nor extraordinary to me and so left me disinterested in their adventure and it's outcome.
pack up yer troubles... - Rated 
got this second hand on a book stall in thailand and it was baht well spent. the cover was ripped off but thats what this book is about, honesty. very good. would give it 5 stars but hey, nothings perfect.
Don't let the truth get in the way of a good yarn !!! - Rated
Having lived in Asia during roughly the same period of time as the story was set,I was gripped by this book. Read it in a day and a half. Whilst I feel that there may be a certain amount of 'embellishment' within the book. I don't think that it actually detracts fom the entertainment it provides. The author has the ability to take you to the scene of the action and actually experience the miasma of emotions that Asia subjects you to. However, It did leave me hankering for an epilogue though. John if you're out there, give us an update !!!
A true page-turner! - Rated 
From the moment I opened 'The Backpacker' I was hooked. It is so rare to read a book that is truly gripping from start to finish. Whilst lying on a sun kissed beach in Malaysia, in the safety of my tropical surroundings, John Harris whisked me away on the adventure of a lifetime, on the holiday I dreamed of having. As our heroes flee thailand and go on the run through South East Asia, it is impossible not to imagine you are there, running with them, as your heart beats harder with every turn of the page. I thoroughly recommend 'The Backpacker' to anybody who loves a good old fashioned adventure or indeed to anybody with a soul!!!! Can't wait for your next book John.
|
