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DISTANT SUNS - SAM MANICOM
After the success of Into Africa and Under Asian Skies, Sam Manicom is back with his third novel and the continuing saga of his journey.
 Distant Suns
Sam, still riding Libby, and Birgit on Henry an old BMW R60/5 journey through Southern Africa and South America and not just exclusively on their bikes, but using busses, ferries and planes when needed. Somehow, though it wasn’t part of the plan, they even manage to stumble onto a cruise ship and even if it was a struggle to scrub up enough to fit in, Brigit’s hilarious attempt at walking in heels on a swaying ship was almost as impressive as her riding.
Unfortunately not all the aeroplane rides were out of choice as, at one point, Sam had to be accompanied by medical staff. But he isn’t a man to be kept down by insufferable agony and so after months of recovery he got back on his bike to continue the road trip where the couple left off.
Whilst Sam may not win any comedy awards, there are plenty of hilarious moments provided by odd situations and even stranger locals. But he has now firmly established himself as a writer and has enjoyed critical acclaim for the kind of artistic prose which literally paints you a vivid scene you can almost smell let alone see. One particular memorable picture is his description of a humble pavement with its spilled paint and goat shit. Those humble, well worn slabs were so vividly brought to life the whole scene is still firmly planted in my mind.
But for those who still need a little help with their imaginations (and most wont reading Sam’s descriptive words) there are plenty of pictures, my favourite being Birgit covered head to toe in mud and it wasn’t even bike related. In addition Sam has included his wonderful little hand drawn sketches of everything from scenes to people, objects to animals. It appears there is nothing Sam can’t draw.
This time around the couple seem to have less boarder problems than most. This is just as well considering Birgits no nonsense and hilariously described attitude towards one dodgy official. I believe he will remember her still to this day, though not fondly.
If I have to complain it would be due to the age old difficulty of any extensively travelled writer, too many places were skipped over. But at 358 pages it’s hardly a short read and Id rather be left wanting more anyway which I certainly have, mainly due to the fact that, as far as the literary world is concerned at least, this road trip aint over. We leave them heading off towards the Mexican sunset with the promise of adventures still to be had.
For Sam Manicom fans this will be a welcome addition to their reading list. His questioning philosophy about the different forms of life he encounters, and that’s just the varied humanity they meet along the way, is as strong as ever and there are plenty of historical and interesting facts on many places visited. But you don’t have to have read the first two books to enjoy Distant Suns as Sam pens enough brief explanations where needed for those playing catch up without becoming repetitive to the rest of us.
But if you’re thinking of taking that first road trip yourself then you would be a fool not to read this book. Firstly because Sam dedicates his last chapter to the technicalities of the road trip and its chock full of good advice where he has obviously attempted to answer all the questions put to him by those hoping to follow in his tire treads. But you also need to read the whole book if your questioning your suitability as an independent traveller. It might even put you off.
Imagine you have been travelling for hours on dirt and ruts in freezing rain, you ache in places you didn’t know existed and the only thing between you and starvation is the dried food you have been carrying now made damp by the rain. The hotel shower has live wires under the dribbling flow, not actually uncommon, and your bed looks like something even a homeless man would turn down. But you’re so exhausted it doesn’t matter and anyway you have sleeping bags to hopefully keep the bugs out. But how would you react when, 5 minutes after falling asleep, the whole town goes into party mode and the loud, thumping party is right outside your window? I'm not sure how much comedy value Id gain out of the situation, but Sam and Birgit found it hilarious. Their finely balanced ability to shrug off what they can’t control whilst never giving up even under dire circumstances isn’t just admirable, it’s essential.
We first met Sam a novice rider wobbling off into the unknown and questioning if he even had any right to pen his adventures in Into Africa. Now he's an expert biker and firmly establishing himself in the world of travel writers with book number three under his belt. I have thoroughly enjoyed travelling along with him and more recently Birgit and already have my virtual saddle bags packed in the hope this adventure continues in the form of a fourth book.
Distant Suns will be launched on Saturday 1st November and you’re all invited to the party! Meet Sam at the Ace Café between 2-7 where rock singer Steve McGill will entertain while you’re getting your book signed.
For more info check out Sam’s website www.sam-manicom.com
See you at the Ace!
Ez.
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