It was a shorter novel than what I typically read, but it made for a good afternoon of reading. I read Birth Road in one day, and I’m glad I got the chance to read it. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a series of stories that will take you across the globe and make you laugh and think and look at the nuances of how the spaces around you mood who you are and how you experience life. Though, one of my favourite essays was “The Crooked Grocer” which had the most of Jarman’s voice and life. The intense patriotism in China and the god-like taxi driver, Professor Longhair, are only two examples of quirky and vivid glimpses into these spaces and people. But like any poet I appreciate the texture of the creative spins he added into his essays.Įach story had such unique details and interesting twists while also feeling very real and grounded.

Sometimes this worked well, other times, for example his overuse of the word ‘meat’ in one of his essays was a little hard to read. At times it read like any other travel non-fiction and at others he took it to such a new levels. I was most surprised about how poetic / experimental a lot of his writing was.

I found he blended well the landscape of each place along with whatever vibe or message he aimed to get across. Reading his essays during my vacation was particularly enlightening, and really hits home the difference between vacation and travel.Įach one of Jarman’s stories were unique and slightly off kilter in the best way. No more appropriate time to write this review of Jarman’s collection of travel essays than while cramped on my third flight of the day.

The town that drowned by riel nason