Nick Thorpe was innocently travelling around South America with his wife, Ali, when he came across an American adventurer planning to sail from Chile to Easter Island on a Bolivian boat made of reeds. Inspired by the great Thor Heyerdahl, Phil Buck had recruited seven men to join him on this experiment to discover whether it might have been possible that Polynesia was first settled from South America rather than Asia. But when one of them dropped out a place in the crew became available for Nick.

What followed was a somewhat bizarre expedition undertaken by a rather makeshift vessel, a couple of ducks (one of which could have only guessed at its fate) and a group of men, who, when all was said and done, weren't quite sure how to sail a boat...

Brilliantly told, EIGHT MEN AND A DUCK is a feel-good, hilarious tale of storms, amateur seamen and the occasional shark.

* Consumer competition to win a trip for two to South America (tbc) * All books to be stickered with competition details * Review round-ups in the national press * To be submitted for major trade promotions * Reading copies available * Submitted for trade promotions

About the Author
Nick Thorpe, an experienced British journalist based in Edinburgh, spent 14 months in 1999/2000 travelling through South America He writes for a variety of national newspapers and is a contributor to the BBC World Service 'Outlook' programme. This is his first book.

Reviews
Thorpe's imagery is exquisite (and) the account of Viracocha's voyage is so funny... If you enjoy chuckling during your armchair travels, my advice is: Rush and Reed * Tim Severin *
Thorpe is an accomplished storyteller. He chronicles the voyage of the Viracocha with an easy, unforced humour... Thoroughly entertaining * DAILY TELEGRAPH *
Thorpe may be a poor sailor but he is an accomplished storyteller... he chronicles the voyage of Viracocha with an easy, unforced humour. It's hardly surprising that it's an inspiring story. * TELEGRAPH *
An exciting, involving read. * INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY *



Book Information
ISBN 9780349114545
Author Nick Thorpe
Format Paperback
Page Count 320
Imprint Abacus
Publisher Little, Brown Book Group
Weight(grams) 230g
Dimensions(mm) 201mm * 126mm * 22mm