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The Last Overland

Singapore to London: The Return Journey of an Iconic Land Rover Expedition

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The Last Overland

By: Alex Bescoby
Narrated by: Alex Bescoby
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About this listen

THE STORY BEHIND ALL 4'S POWERFUL DOCUMENTARY SERIES

In 1955, a young TV producer named David Attenborough was approached by six graduates determined to drive the entire length of Eurasia from London to Singapore. It was the "unclimbed Everest of motoring"—many had tried, none had succeeded. Sensing this time might be different, Attenborough gave them enough film reel to cover their attempt. The 19,000-mile journey, captured in the BBC's series Travellers' Tales and in Tim Slessor's book The First Overland, captivated a nation. But fifty years later, Attenborough said he didn't think the journey could be made again today.

Inspired and desperate to prove Attenborough wrong, Alex Bescoby contacted Tim Slessor and together they planned to recreate the trip, this time from Singapore to London. In awe of the unstoppable Tim, and haunted by his own grandfather's deterioration due to tragedy and dementia, Alex soon finds himself on the defining trip of his lifetime and discovers how the world has changed for better—and for worse—since the First Overland.

©2022 Alex Bescoby (P)2022 W. F. Howes Ltd
Biographies & Memoirs Expeditions & Discoveries Travel Writing & Commentary Singapore England
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Critic reviews

“This is a fabulous adventure–reckless, insanely ambitious and filled with sweat, tears and laughter...irresistible reading.” JOANNA LUMLEY

What listeners say about The Last Overland

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Brilliant and emotional modern day adventure

This was an absolutely fantastic story of the modern day recreation of an overland journey that took place in the 50’s. Alex the author self-narrates his story and as such does an excellent job of conveying emotion and humour to the listener. I really do hope there is more to come from Mr Bescoby because this was such an inspirational cross-generational story.

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Superb first novel

Hard to believe it’s Bescoby’s first foray into writing.
Ties one hell of an adventure with the human side of what it means to travel.
And all the time having fun with it on the way. Well done!

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Thank you

Thanks Alex, and thanks Tim for sharing your stories of travel and adventure - inspiration for others who dare to explore and overland, a little late to the party, but me included in my LR Defender 110 - thank you!

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Amazing

I'd picked up this book without knowing about it, what a welcome surprise. It is a sign of a great book when you can watch the TV series and still enjoy the book despite knowing the general premise of the story.
Such a deeper insite into the author and the experience of the journey.
Loved it!!

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Beautiful adventure

I loved this book. Not only is it a great story of travel and adventure, but one of friendship and family. I cried a few times listening to it and I sobbed at the end.

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Superbly narrated

a fantastic story linking the journey with links to the multi generations of the cast involved and how the world has changed in the last 64 years, should be an inspiration to go exploring

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An Adventurous, Moving and Inspiring Story

Alex has done a brilliant job bringing their tale to life. The story is a perfect balance skiping rapidly between the highlights and lowlights of their trip. I spent the book wishing I could be there enjoying it all with the team. A fantastic writing style which brings all of the members into vivid relief.

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The last overland

All of it was Amazing and has now sparked my need for a Land Rover adventure

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The Honesty shines through.

So much is included in this book. The highs and lows of the overland journey. The frustrating boarder crossings and the difficulty of nursing a 65 year old vehicle so far over some really challenging tracks. However what stands out for me was Alex’s documenting his feelings about his 87 year old hero from the First Overland expedition. Then getting to know the last minute addition to the team. One who hadn’t planned on going, an unknown, untried individual. This is all wrapped up with feeling linked to Alex’s grandfather who was suffering the distressing disease of dementia. The the emotion of it all is so well conveyed. Beautifully read by the author. A really interesting book. 👏👏

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Epic adventure

Great inspiring story, well written and read.
Just I don’t need to know the imperial and metric measurement of everything…

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1 person found this helpful