by Kutloano Makhuvhela » 27 Aug 2024, 17:56
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of “The elderly Gentleman’s Ulyssee” by Hans Bodmer.]
5 out of 5 stars
The elderly Gentleman’s Ulyssee by Hans Bodmer is a non-fiction travel journal book that details the twelve-day hike journey taken by the author from Zurich to Geneva. The book takes the reader on day-to-day events from start to finish as the hiker encounters strange people, places, and practices along the way. It’s written in a different way to get the message across. It’s short, beautiful, hilarious, and adventurous.
The book opens with a prologue/vision, where we are introduced to an older gentleman by the name of Hans. It is revealed that he has done the Zurich-Geneva trip before, but it was through other modes of transportation like trains and aeroplanes. So, this time he is planning to do it differently, and what is the best way to do that except on foot? That is what he does. There are many things he has to take into consideration first before he can embark on this treacherous journey. His age is the first. He is old. Can he be able to hike all the way? What does he need to sustain himself on the journey? After everything is sorted, the journey begins. The first day is not easy as the weather is not exactly desirable, but he is not planning on postponing or cancelling. He goes right in. He meets people, and they are curious about him. Along the way, he muses about many things, such as life, humanity, the future, and other philosophical and moral questions. The rest of the journey is filled with many adventures.
Read this book to find out if this man will succeed in his journey. I enjoyed reading this book. The first thing that attracted me about it was, of course, its synopsis when I saw it. It talked of a man who is trying something new, who pushes himself out of his comfort zone, and that drew me in. I found it inspirational before I could even read about him. When I did, I was glad I chose it because it was worth it. The author wrote so succinctly that I found myself drawn to the next word, as I did to the one before that. I was flipping the pages, indulging myself.
The author used a technique that I had not seen before using short sentences throughout the book. Before one could assume that would make the book monotonous, I should assure you that was not the case. The author made sure that this technique was balanced by humour in the form of musing. So while the sentences might be short, you will be interested in the story. The author included quotes, sayings, lyrics, and proverbs here and there to best illustrate what he was talking about.
The book did not rely much on descriptions. They were there when he arrived at the new places, so the reader could have an idea of where he was. When people appeared, like waitresses and receptionists, they were described a little but not too much. The dialogue was also in small doses. It was perfect and moved the story forward. This type of writing was new and fantastic. I also noted the style of writing from the third-person point of view, as if the hiker was not the author himself. This brought an unexpected flavour to the book.
The journey was so real, and I found myself inside the story because of how it was portrayed. The challenges that the author had to overcome—some of them scary, others hilarious—were realistic. Encountering the police who searched him and asked him to call them at a certain time of the day to confirm a few things was something I did not see coming. The attitude of some receptionists didn’t sit well with me. The refusal of card payment surprised me, as I thought that is what would be mostly encouraged rather than paying in cash. This and much more added to the sense of mystery and suspense in the book.
I loved how short it was. The author could have gone on and on and tried to talk about everything, even risking straying off the topic, but he did not. Everything fits well in the story, and I read it quickly. Fast readers would be able to finish it in one sitting. There is nothing I disliked about it. The errors I detected were small and didn’t ruin the quality of the book. That’s why I rate the book five out of five stars. I highly recommend it to people who love travelling and love reading about it. It would inspire people to go out there and do what they have always wanted to do. Everyone should read this book, from teenagers to adults and seniors.
Do you want to read another review?
Hans,
Below is your review for The Elderly Gentleman’s Ulyssee. Our reviewer gave your book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Please look over the review and let me know if it is okay to publish it on our site. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I am happy to answer them.
The Elderly Gentleman’s Ulyssee by Hans Bodmer is a unique, reflective journey following an older gentleman as he hikes from Zurich to Geneva. The narrative is a blend of personal musings, social commentary, and surreal adventures experienced during the twelve-day trek. With an emphasis on exploration, both physical and mental, the book delves into the protagonist’s inner thoughts as much as it does his external encounters, ranging from charming to bizarre. The reader is invited to ponder alongside the author on various topics, from the mundane to the profound.
The writing style is distinctively personal and occasionally whimsical, which adds charm to the narrative. The text is punctuated by frequent shifts in tone, sometimes dipping into heavy reflections that can feel a bit jarring. The musings on life’s meaning in the early sections contrast sharply with the light-hearted descriptions of daily encounters, such as the playful interaction with the pastor in Grapingen. This oscillation between deep philosophical reflections and casual, almost trivial observations mirrors the randomness of thoughts during a long walk, though it might challenge readers who prefer a more consistent narrative flow.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is how Bodmer captures the protagonist’s fluctuating emotions and thoughts, making the journey feel genuine and relatable. The decision-making process about what to wear in the rain or whether to delay the hike by an hour showcases the human tendency to second-guess oneself, adding a layer of realism to the character. Yet, these relatable moments are often interspersed with more surreal or exaggerated scenarios, like the contemplation of a “Coke/h index,” which, while imaginative, may seem out of place to some readers looking for a straightforward travel memoir. The book also tackles social and existential questions, often through the lens of the protagonist’s personal experiences and observations. The protagonist’s reflections on religion, particularly during his encounter with the pastor, provide a thought-provoking contrast to his more whimsical considerations, such as the imagined possibilities behind the walls and bushes along his route.
The Elderly Gentleman’s Ulyssee is a book that will appeal to readers who enjoy introspective, meandering narratives with a mix of humor and depth. It’s a reflective journey that invites readers to join the protagonist in pondering life’s big questions while also enjoying the lighter, more surreal moments of the hike. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate a blend of travelogue, personal reflection, and social commentary, all delivered with a unique, sometimes quirky voice.
Thank you,
Karen Almeida
Assistant Editor
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