Booker Prize 2021 Longlist Holiday Reads!


Wherever you plan to hang your hammock this summer (home or away) here's the 2021 Booker Prize Fiction longlist to make the job of picking a page turner a little easier. The thirteen books all competiting for the prize were announced on the 27th of July. Who will make it to the shortlist on the 14th of September?? It doesn't get more exciting than this. The winner for the well respected award will be announced on the 3rd of November. 

Discover the ETG choice pick for Indie publisher non-fiction book of the year below: 

Hike, Drive, Stayin' Alive!, The Raven Brothers (Samosir Books)


The 2021 Booker Prize longlist is:

A Passage North, Anuk Arudpragasam (Granta Books, Granta Publications)

Second Place, Rachel Cusk, (Faber)

The Promise, Damon Galgut, (Chatto & Windus, Vintage, PRH)

The Sweetness of Water, Nathan Harris (Tinder Press, Headline, Hachette Book Group)

Klara and the Sun, Kazuo Ishiguro (Faber)

An Island, Karen Jennings (Holland House Books)

A Town Called Solace, Mary Lawson (Chatto & Windus, Vintage, PRH)

No One is Talking About This, Patricia Lockwood (Bloomsbury Circus, Bloomsbury Publishing)

The Fortune Men, Nadifa Mohamed (Viking, Penguin General, PRH)

Bewilderment, Richard Powers (Hutchinson Heinemann, PRH)

China Room, Sunjeev Sahota (Harvill Secker, Vintage, PRH)

Great Circle, Maggie Shipstead (Doubleday, Transworld Publishers, PRH)

Light Perpetual, Francis Spufford (Faber)

Order these titles:

The Raven Brothers: Carnival Express: A South America Adventure


The Raven Brothers embark on a comedy adventure that leads them to the wild and colourful continent of South America. From bull's testicles in Buenos Aires to bums and boobs on the beaches of Brazil, the Raven brothers put their dream plans into action and traverse the Trans-oceanic highway from the Pacific to the Atlantic Coast of South America. 


Pioneering a new frontier over the Andes and through the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, the bizarre and the beautiful cross their dusty path as they seek inspiration for a new book and go in search of the ultimate carnival.Not always getting it right, the writing duo tango through the Argentinean vineyards, cycle to the Moon in Chile, lose themselves in the mysterious world of the Inca Empire, swim with caiman in the Madre de Dios, experience panic in the Pantanal, The Rolling Stones in Rio and conclude their journey in Olinda at the carnival of the soul.A career in overland adventure travel was launched when the brothers coaxed a rusty Ford Sierra across Siberia from the UK to Vladivostok. Priding themselves in going it alone, The Raven Brothers have been noted by Lonely Planet for their talent to portray an “accurate view of what to expect”.


Also their new book 


Hike, Drive, Stayin' Alive!

by The Raven Brothers

Out of shape and unprepared, The Raven Brothers return to the road in a collection of ten quests to travel to their dream destinations against all odds! After two decades pioneering new routes across the globe, you would expect the authors of 'Driving the Trans-Siberian' to be hotshot explorers, with a sixth sense and an ability to survive in almost any situation. Think again! With virtually zero knowledge of the workings of the internal combustion engine and very limited skills of wilderness survival, Simon and Chris struggle into their hiking boots and power across three continents by river, tarmac and trail.

Venture to the top of Norway, cruise the road to Damascus, hike the Camino trail into Spain’s Wild West, row the Ganges, explore Frida Kahlo’s world in Mexico City, hangout with the dead in Sicily’s eerie catacombs, crawl deep inside Bolivia’s notorious silver mine, seek lions in Gujarat, wellness in Berlin and journey into the Naga Hills where tribal kings still rule.

Noted by Lonely Planet for their talent to portray an “accurate view of what to expect”, 'Hike, Drive, Stayin’ Alive!' signals a return to the duo writing “buttock clenching” travel comedy with the first in a series of candid stories of adventure by The Raven Brothers.




Scotland travel guide: Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet's Scotland is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. 

Taste local varieties of whisky as you explore the whisky-making regions, marvel at the wild, dramatic scenery as you walk the West Highland Way, and explore the excellent museums of Edinburgh Castle; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Scotland and begin your journey now!

Inside Lonely Planet's Scotland Travel Guide:

NEW pull-out, passport-size 'Just Landed' card with wi-fi, ATM and transport info - all you need for a smooth journey from airport to hotel

Improved planning tools for family travellers - where to go, how to save money, plus fun stuff just for kids

What's New feature taps into cultural trends and helps you find fresh ideas and cool new areas our writers have uncovered

NEW Accommodation feature gathers all the information you need to plan your accommodation

Colour maps and images throughout

Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests

Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots 

Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices 

Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss

Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politics

Over 50 maps

Covers Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Northern & Southern Highlands & Islands, Inverness & the Central Highlands, Orkney & Shetland and more

Sponsored link
 

Driving the Trans Siberian 

by The Raven Brothers

Ever had the desire to jump in your car and keep driving. To wave goodbye to routine and commitment, and drive into the unknown hungry for adventure? Well, that is precisely what The Raven Brothers decided to do whilst stacking boxes of frozen oven chips in a -30 degrees freezer. Not being petrol heads and having zero knowledge of the internal combustion engine, the travel writers fired up their rusty Ford Sierra Sapphire and headed east. 

After clocking up over 11,000 miles, quite literally living in the car, the pioneering duo miraculously arrived in the Far Eastern city of Vladivostok in Siberia on the Sea of Japan. What they had in fact done was to drive the entire length of the new Amur Highway before it was finished, which crosses Russia and the notorious Zilov Gap in a 6,200 mile swath of cracked tarmac and potholes. Along the way our trusty heroes drink vodka with Chechen criminals, escape highway robbery, trade banana flavoured condoms with Russian cops, meet the eccentric and plain weird at truck stops in darkest Siberia, endure torturous road conditions and have a race to the finish with the Germans. Surviving this insane journey by the skin of their teeth the brothers are forced to confront their worst fears in this toe-curling comedy of extreme road trip adventure.                                                                       

More books by The Raven Brothers


Hike, Drive, Stayin' Alive!

by The Raven Brothers

On Amazon >

Out of shape and unprepared, The Raven Brothers return to the road in a collection of ten quests to travel to their dream destinations against all odds! After two decades pioneering new routes across the globe, you would expect the authors of 'Driving the Trans-Siberian' to be hotshot explorers, with a sixth sense and an ability to survive in almost any situation. Think again! With virtually zero knowledge of the workings of the internal combustion engine and very limited skills of wilderness survival, Simon and Chris struggle into their hiking boots and power across three continents by river, tarmac and trail.

Venture to the top of Norway, cruise the road to Damascus, hike the Camino trail into Spain’s Wild West, row the Ganges, explore Frida Kahlo’s world in Mexico City, hangout with the dead in Sicily’s eerie catacombs, crawl deep inside Bolivia’s notorious silver mine, seek lions in Gujarat, wellness in Berlin and journey into the Naga Hills where tribal kings still rule.

Noted by Lonely Planet for their talent to portray an “accurate view of what to expect”, 'Hike, Drive, Stayin’ Alive!' signals a return to the duo writing “buttock clenching” travel comedy with the first in a series of candid stories of adventure by The Raven Brothers.

Driving the Trans-Siberian by The Raven Brothers. The Ultimate Road Trip Across Russia

Driving the Trans Siberian 

by The Raven Brothers

Ever had the desire to jump in your car and keep driving. To wave goodbye to routine and commitment, and drive into the unknown hungry for adventure? Well, that is precisely what The Raven Brothers decided to do whilst stacking boxes of frozen oven chips in a -30 degrees freezer. Not being petrol heads and having zero knowledge of the internal combustion engine, the travel writers fired up their rusty Ford Sierra Sapphire and headed east. 

After clocking up over 11,000 miles, quite literally living in the car, the pioneering duo miraculously arrived in the Far Eastern city of Vladivostok in Siberia on the Sea of Japan. What they had in fact done was to drive the entire length of the new Amur Highway before it was finished, which crosses Russia and the notorious Zilov Gap in a 6,200 mile swath of cracked tarmac and potholes. Along the way our trusty heroes drink vodka with Chechen criminals, escape highway robbery, trade banana flavoured condoms with Russian cops, meet the eccentric and plain weird at truck stops in darkest Siberia, endure torturous road conditions and have a race to the finish with the Germans. Surviving this insane journey by the skin of their teeth the brothers are forced to confront their worst fears in this toe-curling comedy of extreme road trip adventure.
 
                                                                            Mission

Drive the Trans-Siberian railway by road and cross the notorious Zilov Gap, a 400 mile (640km) frontier with Asia that has long been considered impassable.

Route

UK - Germany - Poland - Baltic countries to St Petersburg - Perm - Chita. Final destination: Vladivostok. Eight time zones.

Vehicle

1989 Ford Sierra Sapphire. Miles on clock: 120.000. Previous owner: A businessman from Wolverhampton. Cost of vehicle: $500 cash from a secondhand car dealer. Condition: Awful. Rust bucket. Engine refuses to turn off and the tracking pulls to the left. Positives: Sunroof.

Equipment and Supplies

Spare tyre, jack, oil, a box of string, fuses, rope, an old bicycle inner tube, a squeaky foot pump, tin foil, exhaust paste, compass, sellotape, a GB sticker, a torn road map, torch, petrol can, screwdriver, phrasebook and the SAS Survival Guide by the brilliant John “Lofty” Wiseman.

Risk factor

Pretty high: 7 possible dangerous situations. 1. Breakdown somewhere in the middle of nowhere and get eaten by a pack of wolves or a bear. 2. Hunted by a band of angry Siberian forest men. 3. Accidentally skinned alive by nomadic reindeer-herders. 4. Robbed by bandits. 5. Cooked in a forest fire. 6. Drive into a deep pothole. 7. Get lost in the wilderness forever!

More books by The Raven Brothers


Hike, Drive, Stayin' Alive!

by The Raven Brothers

On Amazon >

Out of shape and unprepared, The Raven Brothers return to the road in a collection of ten quests to travel to their dream destinations against all odds! After two decades pioneering new routes across the globe, you would expect the authors of 'Driving the Trans-Siberian' to be hotshot explorers, with a sixth sense and an ability to survive in almost any situation. Think again! With virtually zero knowledge of the workings of the internal combustion engine and very limited skills of wilderness survival, Simon and Chris struggle into their hiking boots and power across three continents by river, tarmac and trail.

Venture to the top of Norway, cruise the road to Damascus, hike the Camino trail into Spain’s Wild West, row the Ganges, explore Frida Kahlo’s world in Mexico City, hangout with the dead in Sicily’s eerie catacombs, crawl deep inside Bolivia’s notorious silver mine, seek lions in Gujarat, wellness in Berlin and journey into the Naga Hills where tribal kings still rule.

Noted by Lonely Planet for their talent to portray an “accurate view of what to expect”, 'Hike, Drive, Stayin’ Alive!' signals a return to the duo writing “buttock clenching” travel comedy with the first in a series of candid stories of adventure by The Raven Brothers.

Caribbean Islands travel guide by Lonely Planet


Lonely Planet’s Caribbean Islands is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you.

Set sail from Tortola, snorkel in Aruba’s clear waters, and feel the music in Cuba; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of the Caribbean Islands and begin your journey now!

Inside Lonely Planet’s Caribbean Islands Travel Guide

Improved planning tools for family travelers - where to go, how to save money, plus fun stuff just for kids

What's New feature taps into cultural trends and helps you find fresh ideas and cool new areas our writers have uncovered

Accommodations feature gathers all the information you need to plan your accommodations

Color maps and images throughout

Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests

Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots 

Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices 

Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss

Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politics

Over 115 maps

Covers Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, Puerto Rico, Saba, Sint Eustatius, St-Barthelemy, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St-Martin & Sint Maarten, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos, US Virgin Islands

Writers: Paul Clammer, Marc Di Duca, Alex Egerton, Sarah Gilbert, Michael Grosberg, Paul Harding, Ashley Harrell, Mark Johanson, Anna Kaminski, Tom Masters, Brendan Sainsbury, Andrea Schulte-Peevers, Polly Thomas, Wendy Yanagihara, Stephanie d'Arc Taylor
Read more >>

3 Incredible Adventure Hikes

Via de la Plata. Extremadura, Spain. Photo © The Raven Brothers


Enjoy a hike on the wild side? Get travel inspiration for 2021 with three incredible journeys by foot courtesy of The Raven Brothers. The authors of ‘Driving the Trans-Siberian’ became known for overland travel following an 11,000 mile journey across Siberia from the UK to Vladivostok in a rusty Ford Sierra. Exchanging four wheels for foot power, Simon and Chris hit the trail in Norway, Spain and Gujarat in their book 'Hike, Drive, Stayin' Alive!, 10 stories of adventure from across the globe.

1.    Into Spain’s Wild West

Testing The Raven Brothers to their limits, a 75km hike in two days along the Silver Way “Via de la Plata”, transports us to a less visited stretch of Spain’s Camino trail. This ancient Roman trade route between the historic cities of Cáceres and Mérida, winds between deserted villages and through the heart of the Extremadura, a region of southern Spain that is home to the fighting bull.

Simon: The Extremadura is a land of giant skies and spectacular birdlife. Eccentric hoopoes, bee-eaters, golden eagles and even species of vulture occupy the magnificent open spaces. The history of the region is equally mind blowing. We crossed a two-thousand year old Roman segmental arch bridge in the middle of nowhere. I recommend taking a little more than two days to make the hike. We were so broken when we reached Mérida that we agreed never to walk anywhere ever again.

Chris: The Silver Way crosses directly through cattle country. Black Iberian pigs feast in orchards of acorns in the production off Spain’s delicious jamón ibérico de bellota. It was lambing and calving season so new life was appearing everywhere. We hiked the trail in June, as the temperature soars to dangerous levels in the peak summer months. There are very few places to buy supplies so we were forced to carry plentiful reserves of boxed wine. We slept under a tree, lambs screaming in the fields all around us. It’s an experience we are unlikely to ever forget.

2.    A Little Hike to the Top of the World

Slightly further north than the supposed Nordkapp latitude, The Raven Brothers hike the Knivskjellodden trail to the true extreme northerly point of Europe. On the final stage of their quest to travel the Arctic coast from the famous Lofoten archipelago, the trusty wanderers cross paths with reindeer, traditional Sami people and learn a few survival skills during an Arctic road trip in the midsummer to the top of the world.

Simon: We hiked the Knivskjellodden trail across the Arctic tundra with herds of reindeer cascading down the hillsides, a white tailed eagle with a wingspan of two metres swooped low overhead. We stood looking out across the Barents Sea. It’s amazing to imagine that you are one of only a handful of people stood at that latitude at that hour.

Chris: In northern Norway in the midsummer it fails to get dark. You can hike the coast and forests at two o'clock in the morning. We had very limited supplies with us on our road trip in a small one-letre hatchback. A broken golf umbrella kept us dry and Si wore socks on his hands during the hike, he forgot to bring gloves...

3.    Africa in Gujarat

In search of the rare Asiatic lion, The Raven Brothers travel to the heart of Gujarat in India and discover a world where the people live side by side with the wildlife.

Chris: Stumbling across a ploughed field in search of lion kill has to be one of the most terrifying nights of our lives so far. The villages around the Gir National Park are teaming with wildlife, hyena, jackal, crocodile and python. But it’s the leopard (not the lion) the people fear the most.

Simon: Hiking through the brittle Gir Forest in the midday heat we were greeted by gray langur monkeys close to a swamp that is home to a mugger crocodile. The experience of staring into the eyes of a wild Asiatic lion will be impossible to forget.

If trekking isn’t your idea of a good time, fear not, the fifth book by the travel writing duo covers ten inspiring stories of adventure from across the globe, and signals the brothers return to writing “buttock clenching” comedy.

'Hike, Drive, Stayin’ Alive!' by The Raven Brothers is out now! Order your copy from Amazon or your favourite book retailer worldwide.

Read more >>

Great Britain

Lonely Planet's Great Britain is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. 


Puzzle the mysteries of Stonehenge, sip whisky in Scotland, and hike the mountains of Wales; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Great Britain and begin your journey now! 

Inside Lonely Planet's Great Britain Travel Guide: 

Planning tools for family travellers - where to go, how to save money, plus fun stuff just for kids

What's New feature taps into cultural trends and helps you find fresh ideas and cool new areas our writers have uncovered 

NEW Accommodation feature gathers all the information you need to plan your accommodation

NEW Where to Stay in London map is your at-a-glance guide to accommodation options in each neighbourhood Colour maps and images throughout

Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests 

Writers: Isabel Albiston, Oliver Berry, Joe Bindloss, Fionn Davenport, Belinda Dixon, Peter Dragicevich, Anthony Ham, Damian Harper, Anna Kaminski, Catherine Le Nevez, Andy Symington, Tasmin Waby, Kerry Walker, Luke Waterson, Neil Wilson, Barbara Woolsey 

Sponsored link



Hike, Drive, Stayin' Alive!

by The Raven Brothers

Out of shape and unprepared, The Raven Brothers return to the road in a collection of ten quests to travel to their dream destinations against all odds! After two decades pioneering new routes across the globe, you would expect the authors of 'Driving the Trans-Siberian' to be hotshot explorers, with a sixth sense and an ability to survive in almost any situation. Think again! With virtually zero knowledge of the workings of the internal combustion engine and very limited skills of wilderness survival, Simon and Chris struggle into their hiking boots and power across three continents by river, tarmac and trail.

Venture to the top of Norway, cruise the road to Damascus, hike the Camino trail into Spain’s Wild West, row the Ganges, explore Frida Kahlo’s world in Mexico City, hangout with the dead in Sicily’s eerie catacombs, crawl deep inside Bolivia’s notorious silver mine, seek lions in Gujarat, wellness in Berlin and journey into the Naga Hills where tribal kings still rule.

Noted by Lonely Planet for their talent to portray an “accurate view of what to expect”, 'Hike, Drive, Stayin’ Alive!' signals a return to the duo writing “buttock clenching” travel comedy with the first in a series of candid stories of adventure by The Raven Brothers.

England travel guide: Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet's England is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you.


Experience the singular charm of the Lake District, gaze up at the dreamy spires of Oxford, or kick back in a cozy pub; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of England and begin your journey now!

Inside Lonely Planet's England Travel Guide:

NEW pull-out, passport-size 'Just Landed' card with wi-fi, ATM and transport info - all you need for a smooth journey from airport to hotel

Improved planning tools for family travellers - where to go, how to save money, plus fun stuff just for kids

What's New feature taps into cultural trends and helps you find fresh ideas and cool new areas our writers have uncovered

NEW Accommodation feature gathers all the information you need to plan your accommodation

NEW Where to Stay in London map is your at-a-glance guide to accommodation options in each neighbourhood Colour maps and images throughout

Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests

Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots

Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices 

Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politics Over 85 maps

Covers London, Canterbury, Southeast England, Oxford, the Cotswolds, Bath, Bristol, Southwest England, Cambridge, Birmingham, Yorkshire, Manchester, Liverpool, Peak District, The Lake District, Newcastle, Northeast England and more

Writers: Tasmin Waby, Oliver Berry, Joe Bindloss, Fionn Davenport, Belinda Dixon, Anthony Ham, Damian Harper, Catherine Le Nevez, Lorna Parkes

Sponsored link



Hike, Drive, Stayin' Alive!

by The Raven Brothers

Out of shape and unprepared, The Raven Brothers return to the road in a collection of ten quests to travel to their dream destinations against all odds! After two decades pioneering new routes across the globe, you would expect the authors of 'Driving the Trans-Siberian' to be hotshot explorers, with a sixth sense and an ability to survive in almost any situation. Think again! With virtually zero knowledge of the workings of the internal combustion engine and very limited skills of wilderness survival, Simon and Chris struggle into their hiking boots and power across three continents by river, tarmac and trail.

Venture to the top of Norway, cruise the road to Damascus, hike the Camino trail into Spain’s Wild West, row the Ganges, explore Frida Kahlo’s world in Mexico City, hangout with the dead in Sicily’s eerie catacombs, crawl deep inside Bolivia’s notorious silver mine, seek lions in Gujarat, wellness in Berlin and journey into the Naga Hills where tribal kings still rule.

Noted by Lonely Planet for their talent to portray an “accurate view of what to expect”, 'Hike, Drive, Stayin’ Alive!' signals a return to the duo writing “buttock clenching” travel comedy with the first in a series of candid stories of adventure by The Raven Brothers.

Laze on the white sand beaches of Little Corn Island with Lonely Planet's new Nicaragua travel guide


An affable all-rounder, Nicaragua embraces travelers with diverse offerings of volcanic landscapes, colonial architecture, sensational beaches, remote, idyllic islands, wave-battered Pacific beaches and pristine forests.

Click HERE to buy the Lonely Planet's Lonely Planet's new Nicaragua travel guide

Wander the cobblestone streets of Granada, laze on the white sand beaches of Little Corn Island, or hike around the paradise of Isla de Ometepe.

Lonely Planet writer Anna Kaminski describes why she loves Nicaragua. "I first got to know Nicaragua many years ago, when backpacking across Central America. I learned of the proxy war played out on Nicaraguan soil, courtesy of the USSR and the USA, and witnessed the still-healing scars from the conflict. Even then, Nicaragua struck me as an incredibly resilient country and Central America's ultimate all-rounder. It has a rich and fascinating history, and beautiful and varied landscapes - from barely explored jungle to arid volcanoes and windswept pacific beaches. But what draws me back, above all, is the warmth and tenacity of its people."

Nicaragua Top 10

1. Granada

2. Little Corn Island

3. Isla de Ometepe

4. León

5. Pearl Keys

6. Rio San Juan

7. Coffee Country

8. Surfing near San Juan del Sur

9. Volcan Masaya & Laguna de Apoyo

10. Turtles at La Flor
Read more >>

Armchair Explorer: Lonely Planet


Calling culture lovers: sample music, films and books from 120 countries without leaving your armchair.


Perfect preparation for travellers or simply a satisfying journey into the unknown, this book lists the five most interesting books and movies from each country, plus its top ten tunes. Be introduced to Ethiopian jazz, French new wave cinema, Irish poetry and more. Discover a little of each countries’ life and soul through each recommendation by Lonely Planet’s experts as well as dedicated sections that dive deep into special topics that range from South Korean K-Pop to Belgian graphic novels.
Read more >>
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