The Broken Road

The Broken Road by Patrick Leigh Fermor is the third and final volume of his famed trilogy, chronicling an extraordinary journey across Europe. At the tender age of eighteen, Fermor embarked on an epic walk from the Hook of Holland to Constantinople. This final instalment picks up where A Time of Gifts and Between the Woods and the Water left off, taking readers through the remarkable landscapes, cultures, and historical treasures of Eastern Europe.

As Fermor traverses the Danube plains, the soaring Carpathian Mountains, and the coastal reaches of the Black Sea, he encounters a rich tapestry of characters, from farmers to soldiers, and aristocrats to monks. His keen observations and poetic prose bring to life the beauty and complexity of a continent on the brink of transformative change between the World Wars.

What makes The Broken Road particularly unique is that it draws from an early draft Fermor wrote that predated the other two volumes. The manuscript remained unfinished during his lifetime, yet it offers an intimate glimpse into both the end of his journey and the evolution of his thoughts. Colin Thubron and Artemis Cooper have skilfully edited and introduced this work, preserving Fermor’s lyrical style and profound insights while providing context and continuity.

In The Broken Road, readers will find not just an adventure tale, but also a meditation on youth, discovery, and the ever-changing nature of the world. Fermor’s ability to capture the essence of a place and its people is at its finest, making this volume a fitting conclusion to a legendary travelogue that has enthralled readers for decades.

Join Patrick Leigh Fermor on the final leg of his journey and experience the richness of a world that would soon be altered forever. This book is an essential read for lovers of travel literature, history enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the spirit of adventure.