The story of two seasoned and intrepid Canadian travellers, Lesley and Linda Choyce, who embark on a new adventure with their West Highland terrier, Kelty.
Lesley Choyce is a 70-year-old year-round North Atlantic surfer, the godfather of transcendental wood-splitting, and the award-winning author of over 100 books. His wife, Linda, a former high school principal who has fearlessly commandeered knives from teenage malcontents, usually guides her husband away from quixotic quests, but she is fully on board for this one. As for Kelty, the couple's West Highland terrier, he's always ready to give up on chewing shoes and chasing pheasants for something more exciting.
For years, Lesley has been fascinated and perplexed by the tumultuous history of England, the inexplicable customs of the English, and the many paradoxes of the people, but also their indomitable spirit. If he were to continue to grow intellectually and spiritually, he was certain that the answers to the meaning of life were to be found in England. As their itinerary expands, Lesley and Linda will cross borders into Wales and Scotland as well.
Join the Choyces as they hurtle around the U.K. in search of history (all kinds), good food (mostly Indian), quirky destinations (the smaller and weirder the better), and places for the dog to pee. All while waiting for the imminent arrival of new grandchildren back home in Canada. Ever wondered what a Nova Scotian surfer/wood-splitter/Renaissance man/Westie owner thinks of the U.K.? Now you can find out.
Lesley and Linda Choyce travel through England with their West Highland terrier, Kelty, combining road-trip memoir with curiosity about history, culture and eccentric places.
Around England with a Dog follows two experienced Canadian travellers as they set out to explore a country that has long fascinated Lesley Choyce. Their route expands beyond England into Wales and Scotland, with the journey shaped as much by conversations, meals and odd detours as by famous sites.
Kelty gives the trip an additional complication and comic rhythm. The couple search for historical stories, small destinations, good food and places that feel different from conventional tourism itineraries, all while remaining connected to family events unfolding back in Canada. Choyce approaches the United Kingdom as an interested outsider rather than as a guidebook authority.
The result is informal travel writing with a strong personal voice, suited to readers interested in England and Britain, humorous memoir, road trips, dog lovers and armchair travel. It is a journey through curiosity rather than a checklist of attractions.
