Crying with Cockroaches

Author: Marianne du Toit

Format: Large Softcover

Condition: Very Good

Launched by the Irish Prime Minister, Bertie Ahern, this is an extraordinary travel/adventure tale. An undertaking against the odds. A journey considered by many as madness. Yet, South African born and ABC Person of the Week Marianne Du Toit was determined to follow her dream - adamant that with only two horses for company, she should explore the Americas, travelling from Argentina to New York City over 21 months. Limited equestrian experience, only one contact and an unknown continent, she persevered.

Despite it being a journey of heartbreak, frustration, bureaucracy, loneliness, danger, and hunger, nothing stopped her from following her heart. Heart-warming encounters with local people combined with many hair-raising and dangerous moments make this book a page-turner. It's a simple tale, which explores the complexities of the human and equine spirit and indeed the marriage of the two. Both are pushed to the limits on this revealing epic journey, with very happy and very sad consequences. Courageous yet fragile, worried yet full of conviction, amongst people yet often lonely, carefree yet feeling unsafe - these are the themes which form part of the writer's physical and psychological journey into the unknown.

Her adventures had a powerful message - you can overcome the impossible if you are determined and positive. Humour and a 'taking everyday as it comes' attitude helped a great deal too. Her story, told with sincerity and warmth, is bound to capture the readers' imagination. It is a story to be enjoyed by the young or old, fellow adventurers or those who simply prefer to explore the world from the comforts of their armchairs. More than 100 coloured pictures complete this unique story.