You will have noticed that the image is far from a pristine copy of this book. That’s because I borrowed this well-thumbed copy from my mum. It’s one of the few books I’ve wanted to read from her extensive collection, as our tastes are very different. However, this title has kept nudging me for nearly forty years, and I’ve finally read it.
Jupiter’s Travels is a fascinating and inspirational account of Ted Simon’s four-year motorcycle journey around the world, which he undertook in the 1970s. The author takes readers on a remarkable journey across continents and through diverse cultures, sharing his experiences, observations, and reflections on life, love, and the human condition.
The book is beautifully written, and Simon’s storytelling abilities are impressive. He has a way of bringing the people he meets and the places he visits to life, painting vivid pictures of his adventures and encounters. From the deserts of North Africa to the jungles of South America, Simon’s journey is full of unexpected twists and turns, and readers are swept along with him on his epic journey.
This is a story about the human spirit and the quest for adventure and self-discovery. Ted Simon’s insights into the world and himself are insightful and profound, and readers will find themselves inspired by his courage, resilience, and sense of wonder.
While the book is epic and deeply personal, and Ted Simon’s writing is a joy to read, I have a gripe. After being taken on this beautiful journey, the last stint is covered in such brevity that I was left a little disappointed—this is no reason not to read the book, though.