Full Tilt is a thrilling account of Dervla Murphy's solo bicycle journey from Ireland to India, filled with adventure and a unique perspective on the world. The book captures her insouciant attitude towards danger and her keen observations of the cultures she encounters.
Dervla Murphy's Full Tilt is a classic travelogue that chronicles her daring journey from Ireland to India on a bicycle. Her insouciant approach to adventure and her ability to navigate through treacherous terrains and political landscapes make the book a compelling read. Murphy's observations about the people and cultures she encounters are both insightful and sometimes controversial, reflecting the attitudes of her time. The book is not just an adventure story but also a testament to her courage and resilience. Her experiences in Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, and India are vividly described, making the reader feel as if they are part of the journey. The book also highlights her growing political awareness and activism, which continued throughout her life.
Quick quotes
Insouciance is a word not often used nowadays. But to discover its meaning, just read Dervla Murphy
To cross Afghanistan, alone, on a bicycle, in the 1960s — this does take a special sort of woman.
The big advantage of a bike is the variety of different disasters that can be fitted in.