The Twenty: One Womans Trek Across Corsica on the GR20 Trail

(Paperback)

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Great for fans of:Suzanne RobertssAlmost Somewhere, Juliana BuhringsThis Road I Ride.

Marianne Bohr and her husband, about to turn sixty, are restless for adventure. They decide on an extended, desolate trek across the French island of Corsicathe GR20, Europes toughest long-distance footpathto challenge what it means to grow old. Part travelogue, part buddy story, part memoir, The Twenty is a journey across a rugged island of stunning beauty little known outside Europe.

From a chubby, non-athletic child, Bohr grew into a fit, athletic person with an Ill show them attitude. But hiking The Twenty forces her to transform a lifetime of hard-won achievements into acceptance of her body and its limitations. The difficult journey across a remote island provides the crucible for exploring what it means to be an aging woman in a youth-focused culture, a physically fit person whose limitations are getting the best of her, and the partner of a husband who is growing old with her. More than a hiking tale, The Twenty is a moving story infused with humor about hiking, aging, accepting lifes finite journey, and the intimacy of a long-term marriageset against the breathtaking beauty of Corsicas rugged countryside.

Reviews

Bohr shows herself to be a natural storyteller, and her diaristic account is appealingly escapist. Its a poetic reminder of the trails still left to tread, regardless of ones age. Like all great travelogues, it will have readers itching to travel somewhere remote and outside their comfort zones.

Kirkus Reviews

Bohrs willingness to lay bare the couples tender moments and doubt-filled reflections paints an intimate and well-rounded portrait, and the bonds they establish with their fellow hikers and the locals will entertain fans of adventure travel a consummate treat."

PublishersWeekly, BookLife

The Twenty,Bohrs second travel memoir, is as much a page-turner as her first,Gap Year Girl.Her writing is so descriptive that I felt I was hiking the 20 myself (something I would like to attempt even at the age of 66). I shared the authors occasional disappointment and was amazed she didnt give up. A feel-good must-read for all, especially baby boomers who believe that limits exist only in the mind."

Mary Anne Marciante, International Marathoner and Hotel Ambassador, The St. Regis Deer Valley, UT

You need to be strong, fit and agile in order to complete the GR20. It comes as no surprise to discover that most trekkers are young adults in tip-top condition. Marianne reminds us that age is no barrier to trekking the GR20, provided that careful planning is followed by careful foot placement. Her determination along the trail is inspiring."
Paddy Dillon, author of The GR20 Corsica: Complete Guide to the High-Level Route

InThe Twenty,the sixty-year-old author shows thatwith self-kindnessage need not slam the door on adventure. In this engrossing memoir cum travelogue, Bohr leads the reader on a 13-day trek over Europes most rugged trails, crossing Corsicas mountains. As she inches along dizzying ledges, navigates slippery scree, and clings to cliff-side chains in hailstorms and blistering sun, your muscles clench until she reaches camp each night. Its a compelling tale of perseverance, of burdens more easily borne when shared, of wisdom gained from loss. As a bonus, Bohrs charming writing introduces the unique islands history and culture. Highly recommended as an inspiring joyful read for intrepid trekkers and armchair adventurers alike!

Margaret Rodenberg, author ofFinding Napoleon

Marianne Bohr's magnetic narrative draws readers in and invites them to live vicariously through her vividly painted word pictures. And though I didnt strip off my sockspulling white flesh with themat the end of each day, I journeyed alongside her on treacherous terrain, ascending and descending razor-sharp scree, jagged granite, and sheer, slippery rock slabs. It was as if I, too, felt my cautious way along narrow ledges and lived the leg-trembling reality of the 124-mile trek across Corsica. The Twenty is a story of human resilience that swept me away.

Laurie Buchanan, author of the Sean McPherson novels

Marianne Bohr takes readers on a physical trek across Corsica and perhaps an even more arduous psychological one that is every bit as challenging as the rugged trail. At 60, she and her husband of 35 years tackle the GR 20, a 124-mile footpath considered to be Europes toughest hike. Along the way, Bohr challenges preconceived notions about aging, marriage, and how time can reshape self-image.

Davida G. Breier, author ofSinkhole

The Twentyis an exhilarating and brave adventure story about Bohrs trek with her husband on the GR20. The characters danced off the page and into my heart and I cheered them as they hiked across Corsica. Im inspired to take on the twenty after reading this exciting, honest travel memoir.

Kathy Elkind, author ofTo Walk It Is To See It: 1 Couple, 98 Days, 1400 miles on Europes GR5

The Twentyis well-written and interesting at every turn. But what the author captures so well is the inner trek to lifes third chapter. Just as the author finds new strength and courage physically on her Corsican adventure, she simultaneously discovers a deep well of psychological and spiritual strength that promises to keep life vital, growing, and changing. Bohr joins the ranks of aging women who will not go gently into that good night, and instead seizes every day with passion and purpose. An inspiring must-read for those wishing to enter the noble passage of aging with grace and gratitude.

Stephanie Raffelock, author ofA Delightful Little Book On Aging,Creatrix Rising: Unlocking the Power of Midlife Women; and, editor ofLife In The Time of Unbearable Crisis: Women Writers Respond to the Call

Author Bio

Marianne C. Bohr, published author and award-winning essayist, married her high school sweetheart and travel partner. She follows her own advice and hits the road at every opportunity. She wrote her first book, Gap Year Girl: A Baby Boomer Adventure Across 21 Countries, over the course of the yearlong sabbatical she and her husband took to explore Europe. The Twenty: One Womans Trek Across Corsica on the GR20 Trail, is her second book. Marianne lives in Park City, UT, whereafter decades in publishing, and then many years teaching middle school Frenchshe now skis, hikes, and writes. She lives in Park City, Utah.