A review by leemac027
Cadence: Travels with music — a memoir by Ed Le Brocq

3.0

I really enjoyed this book but I must say I did not enjoy it as much as Danger Music which was written a few years later when Eddie was teaching music in Afghanistan - an incredible story.

However, I did enjoy reading about Eddie's cycling trip from England to Hong Kong. I found it a very brave thing to do by yourself and there were so many challenges along the way and a few potentially dangerous situations which thankfully worked out.

Being able to experience these countries while cycling would totally flood your senses, and this comes out in the writing. Stories about the people met and adventures experienced were fascinating. Trusting strangers was brave yet provided opportunities to see the real country and not the tourist destinations. Such an incredible achievement that also provided time for reflection about the future.

The only element of the book I found a bit difficult to get through were the regular dives into the technical side of music. Yes, I can see the passion behind this but sometimes it was a little too technical for someone that has not studied music for several decades - but a minor (excuse the pun) issue.

If you have not yet read Danger Music, I would recommend reading Cadence first and then Danger Music - not only for the context, but also I think the narrative in Danger Music is more compelling but just my opinion.