Title: Around the World in 12 Years and 12 Square Meters: Memories and Insights
Author: Steffen P. Russak
Publisher: Authors Press
ISBN: 1643146785
Pages: 160
Genre: Biography
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel
Hollywood Book Reviews
Ever dreamed of traveling around the world in a motorhome? Embark on that adventure in this delightful memoir that takes you along for the ride. Steffen and Marianne always wanted to see the world, and upon retirement, they finally got to live their dream. In this tale of adventure, the Russak’s share their journey, detailing the world through their eyes and showcasing the wonder, adventure, and friendship they discovered among the various people and cultures they met. A sense of hopefulness encompasses this memoir from the beginning – where two children dreamed of travel – to the couple that found purpose as they traveled from place to place.
Steffen P. Russak strikes a nice balance in the story with their travels, stunning photographs, fond memories, and the feeling of wanderlust. The memoir begins by introducing Steffen and Marianne where their dreams first started – as a little girl in a corner of East Germany watching planes and a little boy in Brazil dreaming of the fascinating adventures he’d take all over the world. Introducing them in these moments, Russak allows you to meet them through their shared dream and sets the basis for this memoir which focuses on the joy they found in their travels. The memoir also serves as a sweet way to honor the memory of Marianne with lovely details that show you her heart and personality. The first part of the book explores how their motorhome became a reality and becomes more than just a dream.
Moments between them as a couple is subtly woven into the story such as how they balanced each other’s strengths with Marianne’s flair for interior architecture and his experience as the mechanical engineer. The technical process to get started such as visiting motorhome manufacturers and building what they dubbed Fuchur is seen in details that make Fuchur feel like a character. You get to know the motorhome as thoroughly as you get to see these places. Broken down into the stages taken to create it, the beginning section makes good use of the construction details which provide useful insight for those interested in the mechanics and logistics. Photographs depict these different stages of construction by giving a look directly into the process. By sharing the specifics, this memoir also serves as a nice starting point for those curious about how to create their own motorhome.
This memoir allows you to step inside their life and take part in their day-to-day routine from the mundane daily tasks, to the people they met, to the amazing landscapes. At the core of the memoir is a poignant lesson in maintaining respect and honoring the places they visit and the local people. The attitude Marianne and Steffen took throughout their travels is noted for the research and respect they took as they explored new places. This attitude makes the memoir stand out among other travel stories as it has a realness to it that doesn’t shy from logistics but keeps the excitement and wonder about these explorations in the tone.
The memoir holds a nostalgia to it as Russak looks back at this time of his life with fondness. The photos capture the beauty of various places and the connection formed with people around the world, taking you to locations such as Deception Island, the Ksar Ouled Soltane, Malawi Lake, and Kruger National Park. A fable found at the end is paired with unique artwork and contains a message that fits the tone of the memoir. “Around the World” is a memoir that honors memory, wanderlust, adventure, and respect for all cultures through a real travel journey that seeks to inspire hope for the future.