Book Review: Beyond Belfast by Will Ferguson

August 17, 2010 Alouise Dittrick

Will Ferguson is a Canadian author, and one of my favourites. His books are funny, entertaining and interesting to read. Many of his books are about Canada, but he’s written a couple of travel narratives including Beyond Belfast: A 560-Mile Journey Across Northern Ireland on Sore Feet which is about his attempt to walk The Ulster Way in Northern Ireland. I don’t know much about Northern Ireland, and the political/religious/historical situation there. I’m not one for huge history lessons, but there was enough historical information in this book to add to the narrative, without making it overwhelming.

Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.

This book (like most travel narratives) is about the people the author meets and the journey he takes. The author has a humorous and interesting outsider perspective. He doesn’t paint the country into a corner, but shows the diversity and quirks of Northern Ireland. As I’m very suggestible this book has now made me want to visit Northern Ireland, but perhaps not walking the whole way. One of the reasons why the author went to Northern Ireland was to find where his grandfather came from. Reading the parts about his family history was just as interesting as the travel portions of the story.

Like the other books I’ve read by Will Ferguson I highly recommend picking up a copy of Beyond Belfast from your local bookstore or online.

Please note that this was not a sponsored post, but the link for the book will take you to Amazon.com. If you choose to purchase “Beyond Belfast” through this Amazon link I will get a small commission with no extra charge to you.