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The Valley of Heaven and Hell: Cycling in the Shadow of Marie Antoinette Susie Kelly

The Valley of Heaven and Hell: Cycling in the Shadow of Marie Antoinette By Susie Kelly

The Valley of Heaven and Hell: Cycling in the Shadow of Marie Antoinette by Susie Kelly


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Summary

A quirky, hilarious and endearing mix of personal travel and a cycling adventure through the most turbulent and dramatic period of French history following Marie Antoinette's failed escape from the guillotine. Travel with Susie as she wobbles on her bike through Paris and Versailles, the battlefields of World War 1, the Champagne region and more.

The Valley of Heaven and Hell: Cycling in the Shadow of Marie Antoinette Summary

The Valley of Heaven and Hell: Cycling in the Shadow of Marie Antoinette: 2015 by Susie Kelly

Susie has already walked across France 900km solo from La Rochelle to Geneva (Best Foot Forward) and driven the entire circumference of France (Travels With Tinkerbelle), but cyclist she is not. By suggesting an electric bicycle to get her through the worst of the uphill slogs, her husband persuades her that a cycling holiday travelling on 2 wheels is by far the best way to see the virtually undocumented part of France they plan to explore. And so their cycling holiday begins, and, with not a few mishaps and misgivings, it turns out. In 3 weeks Susie and Terry cycle 500 miles in the little-explored Champagne region of northern France, dining sometimes in luxury and often on weird makeshift meals in their tent. After a hair-raising journey through Paris that nearly ends in her own execution by traffic, Susie finds an area of calm waterways and tranquil countryside bursting with history. Idyllic territory for cyclists. Her route takes her from Versailles to the vineyards and champagne cellars of Epernay and Reims then through the Marne valley, the scene of unimaginable horror and devastation during World War 1. Along the way there are traumas, epiphanies, occasional matrimonial disagreements and the odd glass of champagne. Keeping up appearances amongst the petite, chic French at some of Susie's more luxurious stops creates some serious fashion moments, tempered, as always, by Susie's good humor and resilience.

The Valley of Heaven and Hell: Cycling in the Shadow of Marie Antoinette Reviews

There are a handful of authors who achieve that elusive trick of making you laugh out loud. For me it's James Herriot, Bill Bryson and Susie Kelly. French Entree Magazine; This book manages to combine history, humor and the best of travel writing all in one. US reader; This was a trip I enjoyed taking through Susie Kelly's eyes, both for what I learned about the area of France she traveled, and the history involved. My backside and the muscles in my legs were much happier doing it this way, too. Big Al's Books & Pals; A wonderful combination of travel memoir, funny anecdotes with the added bonus of weaving throughout an easily digestible history lesson. UK reader; This is a book I could read again and again. US reader; As someone who enjoys reading about travel on foot or bicycle I can say its as good as any I've read and is a massively entertaining and satisfying read. US reader; When it's funny it's laugh-out-loud funny, and when it's sad it is heart-breaking. UK reader; This book manages to combine history, humor & the best of travel writing all in one. US reader; Travel humor that makes you cry as well. Quite something! US reader; Susie rides again! Susie has done it again. This is a thoroughly entertaining read combining self deprecating honest comments with lesser known historical tales and anecdotes. UK reader; Just loved it! In the first chapter I thought the pace was so entertaining and interesting that it would not be possible for the book to keep it up...but it does. Fun and full of detail. US reader

About Susie Kelly

Born a Londoner, Susie spent most of the first 25 years of her life in Kenya. In 2014, her memoir I Wish I Could Say I Was Sorry about an abusive childhood growing up in post-war London and Kenya, was a US digital bestseller. She now lives in south-west France with her husband and assorted animals.She believes that her explosive temper is a legacy from her Irish-American grandfather, but has no idea who to blame for her incompetence as a housewife. Susie Kelly is the Patron of the 2015 Charroux International Literary Festival.

Table of Contents

Introduction Chapter 1 - Paris Chapter 2 - Versailles Chapter 3 - Small is Beautiful, Less is More Chapter 4 - The City of Blood Chapter 5 - Cheese and Millstones Chapter 6 - An Abundance of Railway Stations Chapter 7 - The City of Effervescence Chapter 8 - A Small Epiphany in the Catalaunian Fields Chapter 9 - Tunnel Trauma, Nocturnal Noise Chapter 10 - A Lame Duck and a Second Epiphany Chapter 11 - No More Champagne Chapter 12 - The Threshold of Hell Chapter 13 - Being Difficult Chapter 14 - A Tall Dark Stranger Chapter 15 - With Their Heads Held High Chapter 16 - Tourists Chapter 17 - Having A Good Time - Don't Stop Me Now! Chapter 18 - The Longest Mile Chapter 19 - The Lottery of Life Bibliography

Additional information

NLS9780993092299
9780993092299
0993092292
The Valley of Heaven and Hell: Cycling in the Shadow of Marie Antoinette: 2015 by Susie Kelly
New
Paperback
Blackbird Digital Books
2015-03-16
214
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a new book - be the first to read this copy. With untouched pages and a perfect binding, your brand new copy is ready to be opened for the first time

Customer Reviews - The Valley of Heaven and Hell: Cycling in the Shadow of Marie Antoinette