Book Review: Overland

Every person usually has one journey in his life-One journey he/she embarked upon, only to change life like never before. Overland by Mark Stephen Levy is a book, that runs along the above mentioned lines. Neither a travelogue, nor a love story. Neither a chronicle of history, nor a emotional drama-But a tale which beautifully blends these four. 

Danny Benson is a medical student in USA. Life is pretty difficult for him, due to his ever-straining relationship with his girlfriend Heather Matheson. Soon, he receives a letter from Heather, who has decided to call off their relationship. Her letter tells him that she will take the Magic Bus (That's just the name, no Harry Potter stuff here, people) and travel from London to Kathmandu, Nepal via Afghanistan.

Just as all protagonists do, Danny too takes the Magic Bus and embarks on a roller coaster ride that would alter not just his life, but also that of the others. Befriending people in Afghanistan, miraculously escaping bomb blasts with a scar (Which would go on to become a souvenir of the past), meeting his childhood sweetheart Emily, running into Soviet invaders-The book never ceases to surprise the reader! The initial chapters may not be very clear, but after a few chapters, the story becomes gripping. Twists and turns are aplenty, along with a climax which neatly ties up the loose ends. 

The contrasting relationships between Danny-Heather and Danny-Emily are depicted quite well. This book is definitely a huge welcome change from the chick lits that I've been reading for the past few months. However, I wish Mark would have included a few chapters to explore the story of Jason Benson (An Afghan soldier and Danny's son). Also, I was disappointed by the minimal description of Kathmandu. However, the poignant climax makes up for it. Mark has definitely made a "mark" in the American literature scene as a successful writer with his debut book. I hope there is a sequel in the pipeline for Overland.

Bottom line: Fasten your seat belts and get ready to experience a spiritual, romantic and thrilling journey with the Overland! 

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Name: Overland-A novel

Author: Mark Stephen Levy

Genre: Adventure/Travel/Romance

Publishers: Zorba Publishers Private Limited (First published in India in 2011)

ISBN: 978-81-920669-3-6

Price: Rs.166