Description
‘A classic adventure narrative in the vein of Patrick Leigh Fermor and Robert Louis Stevenson… life-changing’ CAL FLYN, author of Islands of Abandonment
‘I need to ride now, to explore, to uncover more life; to reach strangers, to feel danger and to learn; to share this old, slow way, with man’s patient, most forgiving and most loyal friend – the horse.’
In his mid-twenties, restless in the routine of a city, Louis D. Hall found himself wondering how to create the life he wanted to lead. Inspired by Don Quixote, he decided to fulfil a childhood dream – to make an uncharted journey on horseback.
After finding his horse Sasha in Italy’s Apennine Mountains, the pair set off and headed west for Cape Finisterre, ‘the end of the land’, unprepared for most of the dangers – snow, storms, wolves – that faced them. He was even less prepared for the lessons that both Sasha and the young woman who joins them part way taught him about life’s potential and its complexities.
A glorious piece of rich, romantic travel writing that takes the reader along old paths, into ancient villages, sharing rural homes and stables of farmers and shepherds in the Ligurian Alps, Pyrenees, Basque country and Galician coast, from a brilliant new talent.
Charitable contribution – The Big Hoof
We’re proud to announce that 10% of the proceeds from every sale of In Green will be donated to our charity partner, The Big Hoof.
The Big Hoof is a Scottish charity that promotes wellbeing and adventure through horseback riding, walking, and long-distance running.
Founded by the author, Louis D. Hall, it organises horse-led journeys across Europe and the UK to raise funds for charities that focus on mental health, wellbeing, and child welfare. They also promote the natural world and educate people who follow their trails.
The Big Hoof has raised over £90,000 for charities, traveled over 5,000 km in five countries, and pioneered the first recorded horse trail across the Ligurian Alps (which you’ll read all about in In Green!)
By purchasing In Green from Duckworth, you’re not just getting a thought-provoking read, you’re also making a tangible difference. Your purchase will directly contribute to The Big Hoof’s vital work.
Thank you for your support.
To learn more about The Big Hoof and their initiatives, please visit their website at thebighoof.com
Reviews
‘A classic adventure narrative in the vein of Patrick Leigh Fermor and Robert Louis Stevenson: this is a life-changing, continental trek on foot and on horseback that captures the clarity, freedom and desperate joys of long distance travel and the closeness and intimacy of the herd. Romantic in so many senses of the word – a love story, a wilderness quest, a kaleidoscope of European culture and language’
Cal Flyn, author of Islands of Abandonment
‘An utterly enchanting debut – a new favourite book. I was riding side by side with the author, every step of the way’
Antonia Fraser
‘An awe-inspiring tale of adventure, grit, and the deep bond between man, horse and nature – a story that will stir the soul of every reader who dreams of pushing beyond the horizon’
Alastair Humphreys, author of Microadventures
‘A young man with an old soul takes on an ancient journey by horseback across Europe. This is a striking debut that will transcend its time: an emotionally taut, beautifully written book for eternally restless romantics’
Sophy Roberts, author of Lost Pianos of Siberia
‘An incredible journey, complete with all of the elements of real adventure; joy, despair, challenge and surprise. And a deep sense of meaning – this is an exploration of the interior every bit as much as it is one of the exterior. A book that will inspire many an odyssey!’
Leon McCarron, author of Wounded Tigris
‘In Green is a love letter to serendipity, to leaning into uncertainty, to being ok with not knowing what the destination looks like, and to trusting in the kindness of strangers, animals and yourself. For all the wanderers and soul-searchers, this will be both balm and permission – no, it’s not easy and yes, you can go too… A vital book’
Mary-Ann Ochota, author of Secret Britain and Hidden Histories
‘Surprising, gripping and unforgettable. What a fabulous debut!’
Mel Giedroyc
‘A lyrical account of slow travel through the old routes of Europe, and a paean to the even older relationship between humans and horses’
James Roberts, author of Two Lights
‘In Green is a deeply engaging tale of adventure and determination. This is a quest for what lies eternally beyond the horizon – risk, love, luck, the goodness of others and those inner resources we don’t know we have. A compelling account of a man and a horse in naked nature, and the joys and perils of setting off on your own.’
Dr Clare Morgan, Kellogg College, Oxford University
‘This coming of age adventure exploring grief, wild landscapes and the healing power of the horse heralds the arrival of a passionate and distinctive new voice in travel writing’
Lucy Atkins, author of Windmill Hill
‘In Green takes us on the oldest of journeys. Our guides are Louis and his horse, Sasha, and their destination is Cape Finisterre, the land’s end. What we travel through as they go are landscapes of loss and love, commitment and dependency, companionship and hope. This is powerful, honest, affecting writing, a story of trust and human change’
David Herd, author of Walk Song
