I am a big fan of Robert Louis Stevenson and in particular 'Travels With a Donkey in the Cevennes' (1878) so I was very excited to discover this memoir by Scottish novelist Christopher Rush (who is new to me). I was expecting an "in the footsteps" re-enactment with literary history and of course 'Hopefully' has these elements, but it turns out to be an original and beautiful work in its own right. The first 100 pages are about the life of Rush and how he suffers a series of terrible losses in his family. Desperate with grief and anger he sets off to re-trace Stevenson's journey in southern France and along the way he re-connects with himself and ultimately finds hope to continue living. Rush writes with honesty and humor, intelligence and learning. Very powerful, uplifting, full of wisdom and truth that is rare and beautiful.

Although a memoir it really has the elements of a novel, specifically a character who encounters diversity, travels and finds answers and changes to become a better person. This is the sort of travel memoir that is the most satisfying. It is also a story of finding hope and anyone facing depression from personal loss, bad health, etc,, would benefit from this powerful tale. ( )