By Laura Pedersen
Planes, Trains and Auto-Rickshaws is a collection of essays written by American journalist and author Laura Pedersen following her visit to India.
Her biography includes, amongst her many accomplishments, a note to the effect that she has also performed stand-up comedy and writes material for several well-known comedians. We believe it -she can be very funny. The book is a serious and perceptive account of her experiences to the subcontinent but it is written in such an engaging and often witty style that even if you are just dipping in and out– you can hardly bear to put it down. Along with her humorous asides is history, information and advice for would-be travellers. She explores topics such as the role of women and children, explains the caste system, advises on train travel, discovers old and new Delhi, and looks into the various religions.
Planes, Trains and Auto-Rickshaws is a must for anybody contemplating a trip to India as well as for anybody who enjoys reading entertaining, informative travel books. Fulcrum Paperback Originals. www.fulcrumbooks.com ISBN 978-1-55591-618-3. $16 US, also available on Amazon £7.58