The Accidental Tour Guide is a wonderful memoir of marriage, relationships, family and adventure in far flung places. Mary Moody’s forthright recollections of her marriage to film producer, David Hannay reflects her love of family and place. Her courage shines through after the love of her life receives a devastating diagnoses of cancer and even though she and David know that the future looks bleak both set out to get as much pleasure as they can in the time given to them, despite David not wanting to think too deeply about the future.
Never one to dodge tricky issues Mary recounts every step of the journey, the good the bad and the dalliances with honesty and love. Although a book like this could get bogged down with mushy sentimentality, this book does not fall into that trap. I felt I took the journey walking alongside of the author, even when the book opens with the death of her husband and her decision to sleep beside him one last time. Not something that most people would do, but then we should all expect something like that from this author who has always done things her way.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has ever loved someone wholeheartedly. A wonderful love story and I gave the book 4 Stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (Australia) for a digital uncorrected proof to read in exchange for an honest review.

Having read Mary Moody’s books Last Tango I Toulouse, Au Renoir: running Away from Home at Fifty, and The Long Hot Summer: A French Heat Wave and a Marriage Meltdown I was eager to read her newest book. I was not disappointed! This however is probably more emotional and intense as it about dealing with loved ones, her husband and newly found half-sister, who are ill before dying. How Mary copes with this is amazing and her writing reflects her strength and the emotions she feels during this period and afterwards. Loved her self-reflection and perseverance in moving forward in her life.
What an amazing family she has and with them as well as friends she turns her life around to face new horizons including being a touring guide in out of the way places in Morocco.
At times I had to stop reading as it was becoming a little overwhelming - so emotional and also sorrowful. However I would highly recommend this as a wonderful story to read.


Thank you to Netgalley and publisher Simon & Schuster (Australia) for an ebook copy to read and review.