- Paperback: 256 pages
- Publisher: lulu.com (12 Aug 2011)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1447815955
- ISBN-13: 978-1447815952
- Product Dimensions: 22.6 x 15.4 x 2.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 302,749 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
The Valley of Heaven and Hell - Cycling in the Shadow of...
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
When the author and her husband set off on a bike ride from Versailles to the vineyards and champagne cellars of Epernay and Reims, they knew nothing of the Marne valley through which they would ride, except that it had been the scene of unimaginable horror and devastation during WWI. Their route followed the coach tracks and footsteps of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette in their abortive attempt to escape the French revolution, leading finally to the square in central Paris where they died on the scaffold. In three weeks the couple cycle 500 miles, dining sometimes in luxury and often on weird makeshift meals in their tent. Along the way there are traumas, epiphanies, occasional matrimonial disagreements and the odd glass of champagne. "It is unlikely that any other cyclist could be less competent than the author, nor be so unsuited to wearing skin-tight Lycra." Susie Kelly
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition
This book manages to combine history, humor and the best of travel writing all in one. The way the personal anecdotes of a bicycle trip are weaved with historical facts and trivia about France is so clever! Just loved it! In the first chapter I thought the pace was so entertaining and interesting that it would not be possible for the book to keep it up...but it does. Fun and full of detail.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition
Acquired on an impulse (at less than £3, it wasn't much of a wrench) this book proved a terrific find! A seamless blend of information, entertainment, out loud guffaw inducement, and thought-provokation, Ms Kelly has the joyous knack of entwining story telling with enlightening education.
I found myself enjoying the historical detail equally as much as the domestic frissons, and the fact that you really care about the writer (and her long suffering husband...) only serves to enhance both the tale and the historical context.
If you seek a well-written insight through a small window of history from a seductively normal perspective, with the added bonus of a beautifully observed real-life domestic backdrop, take a punt with this; a charming diversion.
I loved it!
I found myself enjoying the historical detail equally as much as the domestic frissons, and the fact that you really care about the writer (and her long suffering husband...) only serves to enhance both the tale and the historical context.
If you seek a well-written insight through a small window of history from a seductively normal perspective, with the added bonus of a beautifully observed real-life domestic backdrop, take a punt with this; a charming diversion.
I loved it!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition
I loved this book for so many reasons. Apart from being a fun read and a wonderful insight into an interesting era of French History and culture, hearing all Susie's tales and anecdotes about the cycling, her husband Terry, her hair styles and horrific clothing had me chortling every time. Her personality shone through and I rather wished I could sit round a table with her as she drank her champagne to have a good chat. Well worth the buy!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Susie and Marie Antoinette Saved My Life
I have never been to Paris but my wife and I will be spending a week there with some New Zealand friends in July. Read more
Published 14 days ago by Vic Heaney
Educational and Entertaining
Being a Francophile who has been going to France for years, I really enjoyed this book. What really impressed me was Susie's research into the history of the places she and Terry... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Janie
The Valley
I couldn't put this book down, having been interested in this period of history for a long time.
Susie and her husband's adventures on this epic cycle ride had me captivated,... Read more
Susie and her husband's adventures on this epic cycle ride had me captivated,... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Susan Keefe
Great entertainment for the vicarious traveler
During one alternately rainy and scorching summer vacation, author Susie Kelly and her husband, Terry, set off on bicycle to follow the journey of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Alice Y. Yeh
Delightful
What a delightful book this is. Fun to read and beautifully written. Perfect bed-time reading at a bargain price. It deserves to be in paperback.
Published 1 month ago by richard moore
The Valley of Heaven and Hell
One of my favorite non-fiction genres is the travel narrative. They aren't an efficient way for planning a trip. Guidebooks are much better for that kind of detail. Read more
Published 2 months ago by BigAl
Brilliant, as we've come to expect!
Well, it's already been said that this book combines history, humour and the best of travel writing. Read more
Published 2 months ago by James Penhaligon
A fun but educational mix!
Really enjoyed this book - bought on impulse and initially was worried it would be dull and dry but it wasnt at all! Read more
Published 3 months ago by Natasha W
Yet another excellent book by Susie Kelly
If you enjoy reading about history, France or uncomfortable travel then you will, I am sure, enjoy this book. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Sue and Paul
The Valley of Heaven and Hell - Cycling in the Shadow of...
This is a book I could read again and again. Having read other books by Susie Kelly I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Janet
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