I admit it was the gorgeous cover-art that first drew me to Suzanne Joinson’s debut novel A Lady Cyclist’s Guide to Kashgar. I am now pleased to report that the novel contained within this facade is equally beautiful. This endorsement from Helen Simonson, the author of another novel I gushed over, Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, did not hurt either: ‘An astonishing epic – I could not put it down’

I am a reader that likes some complexity in plot and so I really enjoyed Joinson’s use of an alternating chapter narrative. The first, Evangeline’s reflective first person narrative of her travels and the writing of her book A Lady’s Cyclist Guide to Kashgar was captivating from the outset.

Evangeline is an endearing character – a strong and independent woman who knew and spoke her own mind in a time when society did not necessarily encourage women to do so. There is a wonderful conspiratorial feel evoked by Evangeline’s narrative – an appealing sense of intimacy with the reader.

The second modern storyline, Frieda’s search for meaning in her life, is distinctly different from Evangeline’s in form but her journey no less engaging for me. This is told in third person and hence has a greater feeling of detachment from the reader but this device conveys well Frieda’s feeling of isolation within the modern world – her loneliness within a crowd. Joinson uses symbolism in her prose to great effect also.

A Lady Cyclist’s Guide to Kashgar by Suzanne Joinson is a grand story filled with glorious detail and powerful introspection.
The mystery of the connection between the alternating storylines is gradually revealed, with not all twists as unexpected as perhaps intended. There were also a couple of occasions where I would have liked story threads to be explored a little further, but this is one of those novels whose mystique comes from what is left unsaid.

The real power of this work however is as a meditation on life. Joinson’s prose has a real sense of artistry and wisdom.

A Lady Cyclist’s Guide to Kashgar reminds us that things are rarely what they first appear to be and of the peace one can achieve by approaching life and the people in it with a curious and open mind and adventurous spirit. The world is a grand stage and we all have a part to play. Our actions, or in many cases, inaction will influence the lives of others now and in the future.

I highly recommend A Lady Cyclist’s Guide to Kashgar and eagerly await the release of Suzanne Joinson’s next title, The Photographer’s Wife. She is an author with an interesting perspective and undoubtedly more compelling tales to tell. 4.75 Stars.

My apologies; if I requested this book, it appears that due to family commitments I was not able to read it before the book was archived. I'm sorry it has lingered this long.