Strangers Like Angels

Reading their experiences through the lens of modern overlanding, it’s striking how much has changed in the world of travel—yet how much remains the same. Equipped with little more than a Land Rover, a sense of wonder, and an openness to the cultures they encountered, the Formans embodied the true essence of expedition travel. Their route, now riddled with political complexities and restrictions, was once a raw and open highway to discovery. What resonates most is their attitude. Overland travel isn't just about the miles covered—it's about the encounters, the problem-solving, the unexpected moments of hospitality, and the deep connection with the landscapes. The logistical challenges of an overland trek in an era before GPS and social media, their story is a testament to the timeless call of adventure. For those of us who live and breathe the overland lifestyle, Strangers Like Angels is more than just a nostalgic travelogue—it’s a reminder of why we do this. It’s about the thrill of waking up in a rooftop tent to an unknown horizon, the camaraderie of a roadside repair, and the satisfaction of forging a path beyond the ordinary. If you’re an overlander, an adventurer, or simply someone who dreams of escaping the beaten path, this book is a must-read. It’s proof that while technology and vehicles may have evolved, the heart of overlanding remains the same: the road, the people, and the stories we collect along the way.

I think what I enjoyed most about this book was the fact that unlike other books, it doesn't only speak about the exciting adventures of such a journey, but also about the long queues to get visas and insurances and the repairs that were necessary on the landrover. While reading it, I learnt about the whole travel, and not just the fun, envious parts of it. It has inspired me and made me dream of travelling myself.

"After meeting Alec and Jan Forman, and reading Strangers like Angels, you are immediately disarmed by their matter-of-fact manner and quiet modesty. Their affability belies their unflappable nature, steely determination and stoicism as they faced mechanical breakdowns, lack of roads, navigation problems, and ill-timed illness making their way through some of the most dangerous places on Earth. It is inconceivable to me to set out anywhere without knowing when I am going to arrive and what's for dinner? At the same time Alec and Jan were setting out for places that were just co-ordinates on a map, if I had to travel 20 miles to visit my brother on the other side of Manchester, I would check my tyres, oil and water! They write as if they were travelling the length of the A1, and all they had to worry about coffee breaks, loo visits and petrol stations? Never-the less you get a sense of the heat, dirt and desolation and sheer vulnerability to the elements, optimism overcoming fear (my least favourite emotion) and the possibility you could die in a place without a post code? It is a triumph of trust in God and the kindness of strangers".

I really enjoyed this tale of travels to parts of the world that are still remote and unknown to us even today. What a journey! Jan and Alec Forman tell the story of their year driving a Land Rover through some of the roughest terrain on the planet. Their interactions with local people in North and West Africa as well as the drive through the Arab world to India and Nepal is full of stories. They encountered people and cultures that have largely disappeared in our modern age of mobile phones and 24 hour new channels. This was a journey that changed their own lives as well and we get to peek in on that transformation as well. Every chapter leaves you wondering what happens next. Well done.