A 1962 hitchhiking trip to India becomes a profound exploration of history, conflict, and human resilience.

In 1962, two Cambridge students, Andrew and John, embarked on a journey from Europe to India, predating the hippie trail. While Andrew documented their experiences in a diary, focusing on the comedic aspects, John, the map-reader and night-time thumb-wielder, delved into the historical and political undercurrents of the regions they traversed. Their route took them through Yugoslavia, Greece, and Turkey, countries marked by significant historical violence and population exchanges. In Iran, John encountered a dangerous mob following a CIA coup, and upon reaching India, they confronted the lingering tensions from the 1947 partition. Despite the heavy historical context, the narrative highlights the exceptional hospitality they received, underscoring the enduring strength of human connection.

This work is recognized as a compelling blend of personal adventure and historical inquiry, as noted by Vince Cable, who highlights its ability to juxtapose the 'terrible history' of tourist destinations with the 'kindness of the people' and the 'strength of the friendship' between the travelers. The book is praised for reminding readers of the deep historical conflicts underlying seemingly ordinary places. It effectively contrasts the youthful optimism of the hitchhikers with the weighty historical narratives of the regions they pass through. The comparison of the past with the present adds a layer of contemporary relevance to the historical accounts.