Capital of Europe

In the mid-1980s two Australians leave their country for a trip around the world. As their funds run out, their survival depends on imagination, ruthlessness, high adventure and living on the edge. This novel is a marvellous tale filled with raw sex, humour and action. Reviews: “The Capital of Europe” by Shane Wallace gave me a front row seat inside the escapades of Steve and Brian, two friends who leave their families and girlfriends in Australia to embark upon a cross-continental, open-ended tour across Europe. Along the way, Steve and Brian have their ups and downs and their friendship is tested. Wallace quietly reminds the reader that traveling can bring out the worst in people and especially how shared small spaces and a lack of any real privacy over an extended period of time can wear on anyones nerves. From the start, I noticed two things. First, that these guys were rough-and-tumble, but with heart... Manly men... Made of steel... But, kind of semi-introspective too. A soft shell underneath a hard exterior. Second, I could tell that these two were in for a wild ride as exemplified by their love for the unpredictable and the unique characters theyd meet who would salt and pepper their journey... Little by little the characters began to reveal their personalities to me and before long I started to feel as if I could understand a little of what it was that made Steve and Brian tick. Wallace does an especially great job of showing the different personalities of the two men and how they were both motivated by adventure, uncertainty and connection. As the duo move around from city to city, Wallace paints a detailed picture of their landscape and the characters they meet as they go. From the white sand, palm lined beaches of Phuket to window shopping along the Champs Elysees, I was transported to each particular part of the globe via Mr Wallaces yummy literary descriptions. Wallaces style is part history lesson, part travel log, and never short on adventure. He depicts his scenes vividly and playfully, yet realistically and concisely. This reader was left wondering if parts of the story werent somewhat autobiographical. (And if so, which ones?) I thoroughly enjoyed reading this as it was such a great escape. Turning the pages of this book was as easy as flipping through my own passport and I now have a few locales to add to my own bucket list. Looking forward to any future instalments from Shane Wallace! Michelle Scarafile, Charleston, South Carolina. What a great read. Exactly set at the time of my own global wanderings. Shuffling across borders from country to country your senses buzzing with anticipation of the adventures awaiting. Totally carefree, living and loving all. A Galapagos Tortoise with your lifes needs bulging on your back. The days before PCs (Personal Computers/Political Correctness) pre mobile phone Satnav, Kindle, Sim cards etc.Communication was by postcard, Post Restante & wired money exchanges where possible. A dog eared travel Guide generally out of date and stories of advice from fellow Gullivers generally delivered over too many drinks in Hostels and cheap hotels. Information exchanged to warn, welcome and enlighten you of the road ahead and in paths traversed. A cliché must read to anyone who is fool hardy enough to leave the routine and comfort traded for Visa stamps in passports and discovering the real you.Modern day adventurers may enjoy and compare life on the road in this book. These fun loving characters are out of control. Buster Brixton, Coolangatta, Australia. About the Author: Shane Wallace was born and grew up in Melbourne Australia. His passion for writing developed from a young age while still at school. This he attributes originated from writing essays combined with his love of the English language. Shane has spent eleven years of his adult life living, working and travelling abroad. In his own words he has met, mixed and associated with some very colourful characters and identities. People as he describes from various countries, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Several of his travelling articles have been published in different magazines. “Travelling” he defines as connecting people and exposing them to different cultures along with broadening their minds. After visiting so many wonderful cities and countries he quotes the great William Shakespeare who said “What is a city but for the people.” Besides extensive travelling throughout Australia he has visited more than seventy countries. Shane likes to refer to himself as a Global Citizen and he continues to travel when he can. He is the father of a young boy and currently resides in Melbourne, Australia.