Speed Bump Himalayas is Mark Giblin’s memoirs of his time in India during the 80’s, with part of that time spent with his old friend, Comedian Sean Lock (8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Live at the Apollo).

I need to start this review with an honest confession. I’m not really a memoir lover nor a fan of Sean Lock. You might now be wondering why on earth I decided to read this book then. The simple truth is, something pulled me towards it. The synopsis sounded interesting, but I think it was the title that finally persuaded me. That and a desire to step out of my comfort zone.

The opening of the book looked really promising as it jumped right into the action with Mark having some ‘issues’ in India. Then the book moved on to his time back in the UK. This section didn’t hold my attention, I didn’t want to read about the UK, I wanted more from India. I began scanning the pages rather than read them. For me, the pace of the book had slowed dramatically and I started thinking that maybe I shouldn’t of gone against my initial reaction, perhaps this wasn’t a book for me after all.

However, when Mark returned to India, this time with Sean, the pace picked up and I became interested in the book once again. I will even go as far to say that I was hooked, staying that way right until the very last page. I’m so glad that I decided to carry on reading, otherwise I would of missed out on discovering some of Mark’s fascinating adventures.

What you will notice upon reading this book is how great a storyteller Mark is. He has the author equivalent of ‘The gift of the gab’. His words just flow. They drag you into the pages, and into his past. The descriptions of the scenery, food, events, etc, are all very vivid. I’ve never been to India, yet I can take a good guess at what 80’s India looked liked, all thanks to Mark.

At times this book will have you laughing out loud, at others, it may make you feel a little bit sick as there are a few gruesome scenes. Reading some of the situations that Mark found himself in I’m surprised he is still here. It is exceptionally readable and I commend Mark for putting his heart and soul into writing this book and allowing us to read about his experiences, including the good, the bad and the ugly!

About the Author

Mark Giblin is an English man living in Sydney, Australia. He writes and animates cartoons, plays guitar and banjo, writes songs and creates motorcycle and car art. This is his first book.